Provided by Prince William Fire & Rescue
Source: Richmond.com
Today marks the start of the 2017 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 through November 30 every year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an above-average hurricane season this year, but “It only takes one storm for our area to experience a significant impact,” states Prince William County Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee. “Personal preparedness is important year-round; however there are some additional steps that you can take to protect your family and property before a storm threatens our region.”
The Department offers the following safety tips in preparation for hurricane season:
Prepare your home
- Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
- Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
- Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
- Create an updated household inventory; use a smartphone or digital camera to take photos or video of valuable items and your home’s condition inside and out.
- Consider purchasing homeowner’s insurance for wind damage and flood insurance if you live in a floodplain.
Prepare your family
- Get an emergency kit, make an emergency plan, and stay informed.
- For more information on how to make a kit and a family or business plan, visit ReadyNOVA.org.
Stay Informed
- Bookmark the County’s Emergency Information page for quick access: pwcgov.org/emergency
- Sign up for Emergency Alerts via the Prince William Community Alert Network at pwcgov.org/PWCAN.
- Ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your compatible cell phone: fema.gov/frequently-asked-questions-wireless-emergency-alerts
Starting this season, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) will issue new watch and warning graphics to communicate the danger of storm surge, separate from other watches and warnings that indicate the forecasted arrival of tropical storm or hurricaneforce winds. Storm Surge is life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline. Storm Surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical cyclone, and it does not always occur at the same times or locations as a storm’s hazardous winds.
To learn more about the hazards associated with a Hurricane, visit the NHC website at nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/hazards.php. For more hurricane preparedness safety tips and resources, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready campaign at ready.gov/hurricane.
