By Tyler Waldman
Federal officials predict an active 2013 hurricane season, and a recent survey finds many residents in hurricane-prone areas are not prepared.
The survey by The Weather Channel and the American Red Cross found that only 63 percent of residents in the southern Atlantic coast—including Virginia—were very concerned about tropical weather, but only 22 percent had taken steps to prepare.
A third of those surveyed in coastal states did not have an emergency kit and three of 10 didn't have an evacuation plan.
The American Red Cross advises residents in hurricane-prone areas to check disaster supplies, have a weather radio handy and evacuate if ordered. When a storm is approaching, the Red Cross advises residents to turn refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings and to fill gas tanks in case of an evacuation.
Unsecured objects like bicycles and lawn furniture should be moved where they won't be blown away by high winds.
The Red Cross suggests having supplies on hand including a three-day supply of food and water, a seven-day supply of medications, a flashlight, money and a camera.
FEMA provides 'to-do' lists for before, during and after a hurricane.
Fredericksburg Patch contributors have also provided helpful information for hurricanes:
Federal officials project climate patterns, warm water temperatures in the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, and the lack of El Niño and its hurricane-suppressing effects will lead to the stronger hurricane season this year.
» Remember Agnes? 14 Maryland Hurricane Names You May Want To Forget
Hurricane season began June 1. The third named storm of 2013, Tropical Storm Chantal, dissipated in the Caribbean on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Federal officials predict an active 2013 hurricane season, and a recent survey finds many residents in hurricane-prone areas are not prepared.
The survey by The Weather Channel and the American Red Cross found that only 63 percent of residents in the southern Atlantic coast—including Virginia—were very concerned about tropical weather, but only 22 percent had taken steps to prepare.
A third of those surveyed in coastal states did not have an emergency kit and three of 10 didn't have an evacuation plan.
The American Red Cross advises residents in hurricane-prone areas to check disaster supplies, have a weather radio handy and evacuate if ordered. When a storm is approaching, the Red Cross advises residents to turn refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings and to fill gas tanks in case of an evacuation.
Unsecured objects like bicycles and lawn furniture should be moved where they won't be blown away by high winds.
The Red Cross suggests having supplies on hand including a three-day supply of food and water, a seven-day supply of medications, a flashlight, money and a camera.
FEMA provides 'to-do' lists for before, during and after a hurricane.
Fredericksburg Patch contributors have also provided helpful information for hurricanes:
Federal officials project climate patterns, warm water temperatures in the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, and the lack of El Niño and its hurricane-suppressing effects will lead to the stronger hurricane season this year.
» Remember Agnes? 14 Maryland Hurricane Names You May Want To Forget
Hurricane season began June 1. The third named storm of 2013, Tropical Storm Chantal, dissipated in the Caribbean on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Find Fredericksburg Patch via:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
