Harford County Recognizes National Hurricane Preparedness Week

From Harford County government:

If the past has shown us anything it’s that being unprepared has had its price. Harford County is gearing up for Hurricane Preparedness Week, which is May 23 to May 29, 2010. Understanding what could happen during a storm and implementing a few simple preparedness measures, can reduce or even prevent the effects a hurricane can have on you, your loved ones and neighbors.

What is a Hurricane? A tropical cyclone, which is generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics and usually, is accompanied by thunderstorms and wind up to 74 miles per hour or higher. Warning signs for Hurricanes come in many forms; high winds, tornados, and storm surges.

What is a tropical storm? A well organized system of strong thunderstorms with maximum winds of 39-73 miles per hour. Knowing the differences between these two very similar storms can make all the difference in the preparation for such forces of nature.

Taking action is easy and can save lives. The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations has put together three important steps to follow when preparing for a Hurricane:

1) Before- Put together a Disaster Supply Kit which you and family member can access easily. Write out a Family Disaster Plan that consists of duties that each member is responsible for during a Hurricane to avoid confusion, a predetermined meeting place and an out of town family member to contact.

2) During a Watch- When a watch is declared check your Disaster Supply kit, stock up on water and non perishable foods. Take this time to activate Family Disaster Plan and begin preparations for those tasks that take longer, for example securing vehicles, storing any items that may be thrown about or that may cause injury to others and their property.

3) During a Warning- When the Warning is declared, ready your Disaster Supply Kit and fully activate Family Disaster Plan. A predetermined destination should be reiterated as to the safest location for you and your family once more information is given out by local authorities and/or media outlets.

The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations has prepared a publication titled, “Surviving the Storm” which is available to the public. “Surviving the Storm, It’s Everyone’s Responsibility” offers plenty of tips on what to do before, during and after a storm. The publication will be included in the Aegis, the Record and APG News during the week of May 23, and is also available on the Harford County Emergency Operations website.

For a complete list of items for the Disaster Supply kit or for more information about Hurricanes and what you can do to prepare for them visit,http://www.harfordpublicsafety.org or http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ (National Hurricane Center) for details. Don’t forget, make your plan today!