Atlantic Hurricane Season 2019: What You Need to Know

June is here, which means that Atlantic Hurricane Season 2019 is officially underway – just nine months after Florence tore through North Carolina and left a path of destruction in in her wake.

As with any severe weather, the key to making it through a hurricane as safely as possible is to educate yourself and prepare for as many potential outcomes as you can anticipate. Below are recommendations for preparing for, surviving, and recovering from a hurricane as prepared by the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready program; additional suggestions are provide at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website.

Cherry Energy is here for you this hurricane season

In addition to the general guidelines below, please remember that in the event of severe weather, including hurricanes, Cherry Energy is here to help: whether you need a propane delivery for your home or backup generator in advance of a storm or propane equipment inspections after, we’ve got you covered.

Ready.gov Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Guidelines

Pre-hurricane warning

• Sign up for your community warning system. FEMA’s Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Map out a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter in the event of high winds. If you can’t make it safely, find a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
• Learn your evacuation zone, your evacuation route, and shelter locations; based on your research, make a plans for either evacuation or sheltering in place.
• Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person and pet’s specific needs, including medication.
• Keep important documents in a safe place.
• Protect your property by de-cluttering drains and gutters, installing check valves in plumbing to prevent backups, installing hurricane shutters, and reviewing insurance policies.

If a hurricane warning is issued

• Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
  • Evacuate if told to do so.
  • Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or in a windowless interior room.
• Listen for emergency information and alerts.
• Only use portable generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.

36 hours before a hurricane

• Get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
• Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include at least three days of food and water plus medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
• Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls.
• Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations.
• Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.
• If you have NFIP flood insurance, your policy may cover up to $1000 in loss avoidance measures, like sandbags and water pumps, to protect your insured property. You should keep copies of all receipts and a record of the time spent performing the work. Submit paperwork to your insurance adjuster when you file a claim to be reimbursed. Visit www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/137860 to learn more.

18-36 hours before a hurricane

• Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates.
• Bring patio furniture, garbage cans, and other lightweight objects indoors; anchor hard to move objects outside.
• Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
• Cover all of your home’s windows; permanent storm shutters offer the best protection. Exterior grade or marine plywood (5/8”) is a possible alternative.

6-18 hours before a hurricane

• Check your local radio station or website every 30 minutes for updates.
• Charge your cell phone now in case you lose power as the storm approaches.

6 hours or less before a hurricane

• If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, stay home or someplace where family and friends can find you.
• Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows.
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary; if you lose power, food will last longer.
• Check your local radio station or website every 30 minutes for updates.

During a hurricane

• If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater.
• Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.
• Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

After a hurricane

• Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
• Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
• Never touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Save phone calls for emergencies; use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Document any property damage with photographs; contact your insurance company for assistance.