WASHINGTON – As National Hurricane Preparedness Week kicks off on Sunday, May 24, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, reminds Americans to be prepared for the upcoming 2015 Atlantic hurricane season.
“Many of us on the East Coast know that when a hurricane hits, it can deliver a devastating blow. When Superstorm Sandy slammed into our coast, we witnessed the destruction that powerful tropical storms can cause. These weather events can have devastating impacts on our shorelines, property, economy, and lives,” Sen. Carper said. “With the Atlantic hurricane season on the horizon, it’s critical that Americans – especially those living in coastal communities – understand the risks associated with tropical storms and take action to prepare. I often say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preparing for tropical storms can help prevent damage to homes, businesses, and property, and even save lives. I urge all Delawareans and Americans living in or near coastal communities to take steps now to help keep themselves and their families safe all hurricane season long.”
During hurricanes, even communities far inland from the coast can experience the threat of powerful winds, rainfall and flooding. Even if hurricanes do not make landfall, rip currents from the storm can threaten those at the beach many miles away.
Prepare. Contact your local law enforcement or emergency management agency to learn the hazards in your area. Assess potential flooding risks nearby and learn accessible evacuation routes for your family and community.
Plan. Talk to your family and strategize methods of communication, transportation, and shelter for potential disasters. Maintain a supply kit that includes water, food, flashlights, batteries, and other materials that can support your family during an emergency.
Stay Informed. Familiarize yourself with the risks that coincide with tropical storm systems and learn terms to help identify hazardous situations; like storm surge, wind-scale or short term watches and warnings. Stay current on weather reports and sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile device.
For more information on how to prepare for hurricanes, severe weather or other natural disasters, explore the resources available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at www.ready.gov. For Delaware residents, please visit www.dema.delaware.gov. Learn more about National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 24-30, 2015, from NOAA Weather-Read Nation.
Earlier this week, Sen. Carper underscored the ongoing need to help communities across the country prepare for extreme weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms.