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Red Cross Helps New Yorkers Prepare For Hurricane Season
June 1 is the official start of hurricane season. With forecasters predicting that more intense storms could develop this year and that one or more could veer toward New York, the American Red Cross in Greater New York reminds residents and businesses that preparation is the best defense against injury and damage to property. May 22-26 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
The Red Cross is offering some preparedness and safety information, as follows:
Listen to local radio and television broadcasts or track National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports on the Internet for the latest storm conditions. Follow official recommendations provided by local governments and emergency personnel.
Learn if your community is susceptible to flooding. If so, check your homeowner or renter's insurance policy and speak with your agent in advance to determine if your policy covers flood damage. If not, ask about the National Flood Insurance Program.
Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several options - the home of a relative or friend in a community far from the storm, a motel, or a designated shelter.
Have an updated map of your community and become familiar with local evacuation routes.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Make advance preparations for your pets. Not all shelters can accept pets. Fill your automobile's gas tank.
Assemble emergency supplies for the home and to take with you.
If there are trees outside your home, either you or your landlord should make them more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs. This will allow wind to blow through the trees and possibly minimize falling branches.
Install permanent shutters on your windows and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors. Strengthen garage doors and un-reinforced masonry.
For more preparedness and safety information including a full list of emergency supplies to prepare visit nyredcross.org.
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