Five Ways You Can Prepare for a Hurricane

Welcome to natural disaster central...er, we mean Jefferson Patch. But with an earthquake on Tuesday and Hurricane Irene possibly paying our area a visit this weekend, it feels like we should be natural disaster central these days. Since it looks like we're in for some nasty weather this weekend, here are five things you should know in the event of a hurricane:

1. Be prepared. Have a disaster supply kit ready with a gallon of drinking water a day for each person in the household and a batter-powered radio, which could become the sole source of information in an emergency.
2. Be alert to updates. Keep up with news outlets as they bring the latest information. Stay with Jefferson Patch. We'll have the latest news for you.
3. Have an evacuation plan. Have prescription drugs and any special dietary foods ready to go. If transportation is a problem, plan with neighbors or the local municipal Office of Emergency Management beforehand. Officials will not order an evacuation unless it is absolutely necessary. Local emergency management offices can provide information such as which evacuation route to take, where public shelters are located, which ones accept animals.
4. Know the current advisory. A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within the next thirty-six hours. A hurricane warning is then announced when conditions are expected within the warning area, usually within the next twenty-four hours.
5. Stay safe if you stay home. Emergency management officials caution visitors and residents from venturing outside during a hurricane. Blowing debris can cause serious injury and traveling is highly discouraged. Stay safe until an announcement has been made that it’s safe to leave. Don’t call 911 unless there’s a true emergency.