Laura
05-26-2007, 01:02 AM
Red Cross Helps New Yorkers Prepare for Hurricanes (http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=27&id=13099)
by Brooklyn Eagle (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 05-25-2007
June 1 Official Start of Hurricane Season
BROOKLYN — Summer unofficially begins on Memorial Day Weekend. But before the planning begins for summer getaways and barbecues, the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) recommends that each household set aside some time to help family, friends and neighbors prepare for an emergency such as a fire, flood, or even a hurricane.
While June 1 is the official start of hurricane season, these storms have a history of waiting until late August before there is a chance that one will rush up the coast to strike the New York City area. ARC/GNY reminds residents and businesses that preparation now, however, is the best defense against injury and property damage should a hurricane strike the area in August, September or October.
The Red Cross also recommends that every household develop an emergency plan, create an emergency kit of supplies for every person and pet, and stay informed about weather conditions while following the recommendations of local authorities.
Throughout the chapter, the Red Cross offers free emergency preparation programs for residents, organizations and businesses. In New York City, two programs, “Prepare New York” and “Ready New York,” are offered in collaboration with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and other city agencies.
To learn about an upcoming presentation in Brooklyn, or to schedule a presentation for a company or organization, please call ARC/GNY-Brooklyn at (718) 330-9200. The following Emergency Preparation Tips are offered by the American Red Cross in Greater New York:
Develop a Personal
Evacuation Plan
• Listen to local radio and television broadcasts or track National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports on the Internet for the latest storm conditions. Follow official recommendations provided by local government and emergency personnel.
• Learn if your community is susceptible to flooding. If so, check your homeowner or renter’s insurance policy and speak with your agent in advance to determine if your policy covers flood damage. If not, ask about the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several options — the home of a relative or friend in a community far from the storm, a motel, or a designated shelter.
• Have an updated map of your community and become familiar with local evacuation routes.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Make advance preparations for your pets. Not all shelters can accept pets.
• Fill your automobile’s gas tank.
Assemble Emergency
Supplies for The Home
And to Take With You
The following supplies should be set aside for all household members:
• Essential medications
• Non-perishable food, non-electric can opener, bottled water (at least three gallons per day per person)
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both • Pillows and blankets
• Hygiene and comfort supplies
• Extra clothes and footwear
• Copies of important documents
• Cash, credit cards, or traveler's checks
• First aid kit and other special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members and pets.
Prepare for High Winds
• If there are trees outside your home, either you or your landlord should make them more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs. This will allow wind to blow through the trees and possibly minimize falling branches.
• Install permanent shutters on your windows and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors. Strengthen garage doors and un-reinforced masonry.
• Move indoors, or secure, lawn furniture, outdoor decorations/ornaments, trashcans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile. Do not bring propane gas barbecue tanks into the home. Place in an unattached shed or secure the tank away from the home.
• Only if instructed, turn off electricity, gas, or water.
For additional preparedness and safety information, to sign up for first aid, CPR and other safety classes, or and to receive a free 16-page family preparedness guide, please visit www.nyredcross.org .
© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2007
All materials posted on brooklyneagle.com are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast, posted on Gotham Gazette.com or any other blog without written permission, which can be sought by emailing arturc@att.net.
Main Office 718 422 74
by Brooklyn Eagle (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 05-25-2007
June 1 Official Start of Hurricane Season
BROOKLYN — Summer unofficially begins on Memorial Day Weekend. But before the planning begins for summer getaways and barbecues, the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) recommends that each household set aside some time to help family, friends and neighbors prepare for an emergency such as a fire, flood, or even a hurricane.
While June 1 is the official start of hurricane season, these storms have a history of waiting until late August before there is a chance that one will rush up the coast to strike the New York City area. ARC/GNY reminds residents and businesses that preparation now, however, is the best defense against injury and property damage should a hurricane strike the area in August, September or October.
The Red Cross also recommends that every household develop an emergency plan, create an emergency kit of supplies for every person and pet, and stay informed about weather conditions while following the recommendations of local authorities.
Throughout the chapter, the Red Cross offers free emergency preparation programs for residents, organizations and businesses. In New York City, two programs, “Prepare New York” and “Ready New York,” are offered in collaboration with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and other city agencies.
To learn about an upcoming presentation in Brooklyn, or to schedule a presentation for a company or organization, please call ARC/GNY-Brooklyn at (718) 330-9200. The following Emergency Preparation Tips are offered by the American Red Cross in Greater New York:
Develop a Personal
Evacuation Plan
• Listen to local radio and television broadcasts or track National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports on the Internet for the latest storm conditions. Follow official recommendations provided by local government and emergency personnel.
• Learn if your community is susceptible to flooding. If so, check your homeowner or renter’s insurance policy and speak with your agent in advance to determine if your policy covers flood damage. If not, ask about the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several options — the home of a relative or friend in a community far from the storm, a motel, or a designated shelter.
• Have an updated map of your community and become familiar with local evacuation routes.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Make advance preparations for your pets. Not all shelters can accept pets.
• Fill your automobile’s gas tank.
Assemble Emergency
Supplies for The Home
And to Take With You
The following supplies should be set aside for all household members:
• Essential medications
• Non-perishable food, non-electric can opener, bottled water (at least three gallons per day per person)
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both • Pillows and blankets
• Hygiene and comfort supplies
• Extra clothes and footwear
• Copies of important documents
• Cash, credit cards, or traveler's checks
• First aid kit and other special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members and pets.
Prepare for High Winds
• If there are trees outside your home, either you or your landlord should make them more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs. This will allow wind to blow through the trees and possibly minimize falling branches.
• Install permanent shutters on your windows and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors. Strengthen garage doors and un-reinforced masonry.
• Move indoors, or secure, lawn furniture, outdoor decorations/ornaments, trashcans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile. Do not bring propane gas barbecue tanks into the home. Place in an unattached shed or secure the tank away from the home.
• Only if instructed, turn off electricity, gas, or water.
For additional preparedness and safety information, to sign up for first aid, CPR and other safety classes, or and to receive a free 16-page family preparedness guide, please visit www.nyredcross.org .
© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2007
All materials posted on brooklyneagle.com are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast, posted on Gotham Gazette.com or any other blog without written permission, which can be sought by emailing arturc@att.net.
Main Office 718 422 74