Community Corner

Start Prepping: What's in Your Home Emergency Kit?

As we start what could be another busy hurricane season, Patch offers an intermittent Storm Prep series to keep you informed and up-to-date.

The first named storm of the 2013 season, Andrea dumped record levels of rainfall in our region.

The 4.16 inches that fell on New York City's Central Park was more than double the previous record for the date, set in 1918, according to ABC Channel 7. 

The American Red Cross says that Andrea is a great reminder of the need to prepare now for what is predicted to be an active hurricane season.
 
“Hurricane Sandy should erase any doubt that our region is not vulnerable to coastal storms, and it’s time for people here to get ready now for the 2013 hurricane season,” said Mary Young , CEO, American Red Cross New York North. “ People need to create a family evacuation plan, get needed supplies and medications, and download the free Red Cross hurricane app.”
 
While Superstorm Sandy seems to have raised awareness of the need to prepare, a new survey reveals little evidence that people in any coastal areas have actually taken the necessary steps.
 
The survey by the American Red Cross and The Weather Channelwas taken earlier this month and polled 1,412 residents of coastal counties from Texas to Maine. The survey found that 56 percent of New York and New Jersey coastal respondents were very or somewhat concerned they could be in harm’s way of a hurricane in 2013.
 
However, the poll revealed that only 49 percent of New York and New Jersey coastal residents said their Sandy experience has caused them to take more steps to prepare this year.
 
In its 2013 hurricane season outlook, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting an active or extremely active season this year. For the six-month hurricane season, June 1 to Nov. 30, NOAA says there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
 
Among those in New York and New Jersey coastal counties, 62 percent had emergency supplies of water, food and medicine, 58 percent had a small disaster kit, 45 percent had a family plan on how to communicate in an emergency, 36 percent had an established meeting place if family members were separated, 29 percent had practiced their emergency plan, 30 percent had taken First Aid or CPR training in the past five years and 33 percent had volunteered to help prepare for or respond to a disaster. About 12 percent had taken none of the preparedness steps.

The Red Cross urges everyone to get better prepared for this hurricane season:

Create an emergency preparedness kit with food and water and other basic supplies for each family member to last at least three days. Remember to include essential medications, copies of important documents and special items for children and pets.

  • Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  • Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit – Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Map(s) of the area


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