Hurricane Sandy is being called the worst hurricane to date. Last year Hurricane Irene came through and caused massive damage, but it will not compare to what Hurricane Sandy will do as some have reported. If you are in the path of this storm, you can Get Hurricane Sandy updates at the National Hurricane Center.
While this storm is already upon those in its path it would behoove those who won’t directly be affected by this storm to take notice. This is your opportunity to become better prepared or even to start preparing.
The east coast may be without power for several weeks. Are you prepared for this if a storm happens in your area? In this year alone we have survived a freeze, a drought, earthquakes, tornados, and other disasters. This pretty much covers the whole face of America.
Are you prepared to feed, clothe, and shelter your family for several weeks without any help or being able to go to the store? Are you able to keep them warm/cool, be able to see in the dark, drink enough water, or take care of any medical needs should the need arise? If not, you should.
Since we are in the season, maybe we should learn how to prepare for a hurricane. Power outages mostly accompany hurricanes as well as tornados. Check out ‘How to Prepare for a Tornado’ to learn more about power outages and what to do before, during, and after a tornado strikes.
A Few Tips
Avoid flooded areas.
Do not light candles if your area has been damaged. There could be a gas leak and one spark could set off an explosion. Turn your flash light on outside. Better yet, get you some light sticks. These are safe in all environments, including where gas exist. They are weatherproof, windproof, non-flammable, not-sparking, have a long shelf life, and inexpensive.
If you don’t have one, get a radio like Ambient Weather WR-111 or Etón American Red Cross that features the NOAA weather channels.
If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
Remember, life is precious and it is the most important thing. Whatever happens, make sure you and those you love are safe. Help your neighbors if they need it. And above everything, pray to YHVH Elohim for protection and mercy.
Resources
Hurricanes: http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
Hurricanes – Your Family’s Health and Safety: http://www.scdhec.gov/administration/ophp/hurricane/
Storm Barrels Through Region, Leaving Destructive Path: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/30/us/hurricane-sandy-churns-up-east-coast.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Storm Terminology
The following information is taken directly from Hurricanes: Know the Terms on www.ready.gov site.
Tropical Cyclone: A warm-core non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone, originating over tropical or subtropical waters, with organized deep convection and a closed surface wind circulation about a well-defined center. Once formed, a tropical cyclone is maintained by the extraction of heat energy from the ocean at high temperature and heat export at the low temperatures of the upper troposphere.
Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 38 mph (33 knot) or less.
Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) ranges from 39 mph (34 knots) to 73 mph (63 knots).
Hurricane: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 74 mph (64 knots) or more.
Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, and whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Storm surge is usually estimated by subtracting the normal or astronomic high tide from the observed storm tide. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline.
Storm Tide: The actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the storm surge.
Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
Short Term Watches and Warnings: These watches/warnings provide detailed information about specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.