Disaster Preparedness Guide 2020 – The Coastland Times

Page 1

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

Prepare for an ‘above normal’ hurricane season By Danielle Puleo Natural disasters are inevitable. The Outer Banks has had its fair share of hurricanes in the past. The better prepared residents are for events like these could mean the difference between minimal and catastrophic damages. The 2020 Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1. Although tropical cyclones can form in the Atlantic basin anytime of the year, the hurricane season has been estimated to run from June through November given the average number of hurricanes that occur during that time every year. Hurricanes are large rotating storms that form over warmer waters, usually in tropical areas, and have sustained wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour. As warm, moist air over the ocean rises, it is replaced by cooler air. The cooler air then rises as it warms and the cycle creates large storm clouds to form. These clouds will begin to rotate with the spin of the Earth and eventually, the combination of increased wind speeds and large clouds will create a hurricane. Hurricanes pose a threat to land because they cause flooding and storm surges, which lead to power outages, ocean level rise and sometimes tornadoes. On average, there are roughly 12 named storms during a hurricane season. Half of those are likely to become full blown hurricanes. Hurricanes in the Atlantic are named based on a list created by the World Meteorological Organization. Going in alphabetical

order, the storms are named as they appear, with the first storm of any year beginning with the letter “A,” and so on. The WMO has six different lists of names. Each year, a new list is used. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOA A) has forecasted an “above normal” hurricane season for 2020. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center reported a 60% chance of an above-normal season, with 13 to 19 named storms. NOAA predicts that 6 to 10 of those named storms could become hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes of a Category 3 or higher. There are a combination of factors playing into the predictions, including the likelihood of El Nino Southern Oscillations (ENSO) conditions to remain neutral or even trend toward La Nina. If this is the case, the loss of El Nino will mean no suppression for tropical cyclones. Warmer than average sea surface temperatures are also playing a role in the hurricane season ahead, along with reduced vertical wind shear, weaker Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon season. Researchers at North Carolina State University are also predicting an active hurricane season. Their forecast shows 18 to 22 storms being named in 2020, with eight to 11 sizing up as hurricanes. This prediction is higher than both the long-term and short-term averages, 11 and 14 respectively. This is based on data from 1995 to 2019. This year is much different than prior hurricane

seasons. Not only do residents have to be prepared for storms to hit, but the ongoing pandemic has increased the need to be ready for what is to come. In effort to be prepared for the fast arrival of the hurricane season, Dare County has provided an emergency management plan for residents. In order to be prepared before a hurricane hits, find out if your home is subject to flooding by checking to see if you are located in a flood zone. Contact the Dare County Planning Department to determine your flood zone or visit www.darenc.com/ flood. Also, make sure your home and belongings are properly insured in the event of flooding or wind/ hail damage. It typically takes 30 days for wind and flood damage policies to take effect. It’s important to note that there are no American Red Cross approved shelters available in Dare County. As a storm approaches, inland shelter locations will be announced. Residents are encouraged to take blankets, sleeping bags, flashlights, special dietary food, infant needs and lightweight folding chairs. Pets are not allowed in most shelters. Alcoholic beverages or weapons of any kind are not allowed. All members of a party are required to register upon arrival to a shelter. Don’t forget about your pets. Never leave a pet chained outdoors when there is the treat of a hurricane. Plan options for your pet(s) during a hurricane include: • Create a buddy system in case you’re not home.

Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. • Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. • Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit. • Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date, but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.

See HURRICANE, 2B

The Town of Kill Devil is committed to keeping you safe and informed this hurricane season, and always. Being informed is one of the best ways that you can be prepared during an emergency. The Town offers numerous ways in which you can receive our most recent news, advisories, preparedness tips, and more. ▪︎ www.kdhnc.com ▪︎ facebook.com/townofkdh ▪︎youtube.com/user/townofkdh ▪︎ instagram.com/townofkilldevilhills Visit www.kdhnc.com/62/Emergency-Preparedness for hurricane-specific preparedness information. While visiting our website, don’t forget to sign up to receive regular email updates from the Town. You can also sign up to receive emergency alerts (via text, phone call, or email) from the County and Town. Your safety is our priority.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.