William Penn Life, 2005 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2005-10-01 / 10. szám

_____________________HealthPage

How to survive

hurricane

A little knowledge and a good measure of preparedness can help you weather the storm

AS HURRICANES KATRINA AND Rita so forcefully reminded us recently, we are now in the midst of hurricane season. According to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, the Atlantic hurricane season is officially from June 1 through Nov. 30. In the Pacific Northeast, the season begins and ends slightly earlier. In any region, hurricanes may occur anytime from early spring to late December.

Even if you don't live along the ocean, you can still be victimized by flooding and high winds which accompany a weakening storm as it travels further inland.Those who have survived the devastating effects of a hurricane can attest to the importance of being prepared for those times when nature unleashes its fury.

With that in mind, we present the following information from the American Red Cross.

Know What Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean

— WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

— WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan-- Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places—a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

— Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.

Health Links

To learn more about how to prepare for hurricanes and other weather disasters, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross, or visit the American Red Cross website at:

3 www.redcross.org

For more information about hurricanes and severe storms, log onto the website of the National Hurricane Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at:

3 www.nhc.noaa.gov

TO OUR READERS:

Two years ago, after Hurricane Isabel crashed into North Carolina, the William Penn Life published the stories and information contained on the next two pages. In the wake of the devastation wrought this year by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we believe it is appropriate to reprint this important information now.- The Editors

— Listen to National Oceanic arid Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

— Take these items with you when evacuating:

1. Prescription medications and medical supplies;

2. Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows;

3. Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight;

4. Car keys and maps; and

5. Documents, including driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items:

— First aid kit and essential medications.

— Canned food and can opener.

— At least three gallons of water per person.

— Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

— Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

— Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

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William Penn Life, October 2005