Note: You can always return to this article by entering Hurricane Preparedness in the WIZS.com search box. Information provided by Brian Short, Director – Vance County Emergency Operations.
“The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season is about to begin. Are you prepared?”
The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st of each year and ends on November 30th. The Vance County Office of Emergency Operations wants to make sure that you and your family are prepared for whatever this season brings our way.
May 15th through May 21st has been designated National Hurricane Preparedness Week for 2016. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is once again promoting a “Weather Ready Nation”.
Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by dangerous flooding, destructive winds and tornadoes from these storms. The National Hurricane Center issues watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather.
Each year, Dr. William Gray and his team at Colorado State University produce a report that contains information on the projected outlook for the upcoming season. This year is forecast to be an average year according to Hurricane Experts.
“We anticipate that the 2016 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have approximately average activity. The current weakening El Niño is likely to transition to either neutral or La Niña conditions by the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. While the tropical Atlantic is relatively warm, the far North Atlantic is quite cold, potentially indicative of a negative phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation. We anticipate a near-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean. As is the case with all hurricane seasons, residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted. The tropical and subtropical Atlantic are also quite cool at present. We anticipate a below-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean. They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted,” said Dr. William M. Gray, Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University.
The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2016 is as follows:
| Number of Named Storms: | 13 |
| Number of Hurricanes: | 6 |
| Number of Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): | 4 |
While the prediction for the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season is “Average,” the prediction for this season does show a notable increase over last year.
“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of peak hurricane season,” said Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations for Vance County. Keep in mind that it only takes one storm to cause significant impact. Communities and individuals are expected to be self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) following the impact of a hurricane. “If the impact is severe enough, it may potentially take outside help that long to get here,” Short said. “By taking the time to gather up a few basic necessities now, you will enable your family to weather the storm and the aftermath until help can arrive.”
In the event that a storm should threaten our area, The Vance County Emergency Operations staff will get important information out and will keep the public informed of our preparedness activities. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on severe weather and coordination activities.
Smart phone users can also download a free app from ReadyNC.org. This app provides a great deal of information regarding storm preparedness as well as current road conditions, local weather, power outages and storm shelters that are open just to name a few. Follow the link below to get this free app.
https://www.readync.org/EN/DOWNLOADAPP.html
For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather including hurricanes visit our website at:
https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/emergency-operations/
While you’re there, be sure to visit our community alert and notification section to sign up for CODE RED, our emergency alert and notification system. NOTE: if you have a land line phone you are most likely already in the CODE RED system. Please add your cell phone if you would like to receive real time alerts on your mobile phone or device.
Or visit Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook
You can also call our office at 252-438-8264
Recommended Family Preparedness Items
The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supplies kit is well before you will ever need it. Most people already have these items around the house and it is a matter of assembling them now before an evacuation or State of Emergency order is issued. Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store enough supplies for at least three days, preferably seven days, in one place.
Start with an easy to carry, water tight container – a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next gather up the following items and place them in your kit:
Essentials
- Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)
- Water purification kit or bleach
- First aid kit and first aid book
- Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup & cereals, etc.
- Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices
- Non-electric can opener
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
- Blanket or sleeping bag per person
- Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Essential medications
- Extra pair of eyeglasses
- Extra house and car keys
- Fire extinguisher – ABC-type
- Food, water, leash and carrier for pets
- Cash and change
- Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
Sanitation Supplies
- Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos
- Large trash cans
- Bar soap, shampoo and liquid detergent
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Toilet paper
- Household bleach
- Rubber gloves
Don’t forget your pets when getting prepared!!!