But, I Don't Live
Near the Water!
If you think that living inland means you're safe from the ravages of hurricanes, think again! Recent studies of hurricane-related deaths show that in the U.S., more people die from inland flooding than from any storm surge or coastal effect. With hurricanes dropping about an inch of rain per hour, effects in low-lying and mountainous areas can be catastrophic. In 1998, Tropical Storm Charley's strike in Texas and Hurricane Mitch's land-fall in Honduras caused a number of casualties far from the water's edge.
Max Mayfield, newly-appointed director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, warns Americans not to overlook the dangers of inland flooding from land-falling storms. Remember Hurricane Floyd? "Unfortunately, most of the 56 U.S. citizens that died as a direct result of Hurricane Floyd lost their lives from inland flooding, the deadly by-product of hurricanes that cannot be ignored," Mayfield said. "When an evacuation order is given, it should be treated as a li
fe or death matter."
Are You Hurricane-Ready?
Do you know what to do before a hurricane is even forecast? Do you know the difference between a "Hurricane Watch" and a "Hurricane Warning" and how to respond to each? And, do you know what to do and where to go after the hurricane passes? Having a hurricane plan for yourself, your family, and even your pets can reduce the risks of injury and death. Understanding the hurricane warning and watch alerts can reduce anxiety and panic and help you function better during an emergency. And, knowing where and how to find help when it's over can hasten recovery and rebuilding.
| Are you ready for the storm? Do a quick "Hurricane Check" on your home, and find out! |
| Have you installed hurricane straps and storm shutters on your windows? |
| Have you reinforced your roof with hurricane straps and bracing? |
| Have you reinforced your garage doors? |
| Have you secured all double-doors at the top and bottom, adding bolts or pins where needed? |
| Have you trimmed back dead or weak branches from trees and stored the debris away from the house? |
Don't delay! The answers to these and other life-saving questions are just a "click" away!
For more hurricane information and preparation and damage prevention guidance, visit one of the following Internet sites before the storm:
Visit
NOAA.
Visit
NWS.
Visit the National
Hurricane Center.
Visit NASA.
Visit FEMA.
Learn more about GOES.
8/8/00
