WEA-110
Be Hurricane Ready
The Atlantic Hurricane season is open from June 1st thru November 30th. August through September is generally the most active time of the season for us here on the Texas gulf coast. The month of August begins the traditional run-up to the historical September 10th peak date of Atlantic Basin tropical storm/hurricane strike time. With high sea surface temperatures (SST), the African and Saharan dust levels receding from their high levels of the previous months and the traditional annual retreat of the high level jet stream to more northerly latitudes thus reducing the upper level wind shear below 20 knots, conditions become favorable for an increase in storm activity.
While disaster takes many forms, some without prior warning or notice, hurricanes generally give us at least a few days in which to finalize preparations. Hopefully you have made your family plan with current information updated for this year. If your home is impacted by the event, you should have both an alternate assembly point and a distant Bug Out Location (BOL) as a contingency.
Be sure to make a written plan and make sure that each family member has a copy that they carry with them. You should have designated a safe room in your house in the event that you have to shelter in place. All of the necessary supplies should have been obtained. Bug Out Bags (BOB) should be packed and ready to go.
Your out of area evacuation destination should have been notified (friend/relative) or motel rooms booked. Your out of contact person has been established so your family can all contact them in the event family members are separated.
Your survival kits (BOB) for a three to seven day period are ready. You have at least one gallon of potable water per person per day along with non-perishable, packaged and canned food that require little or no heating. You know where to find your manual can opener and have planned for a gas or charcoal grill to cook or, preferably, warm your food supply. You have medications, personal toiletries, insect repellent, a portable radio, flashlight, batteries and extra clothing packed – plus your pet needs! In addition, each of your family members have their own personal kit. Young kids should carry ponchos, ball caps whistles, flashlights with spare batteries, pouches of water, some meal replacement bars or trail mix and a few small toys, games or books to keep their minds occupied while waiting for rescue if they should get lost. Watch the season so they have proper clothing. A simple AM/FM/SW radio (and more batteries) would also be useful especially if the kids can tune to a specified SW frequency on the hour (they’ll need a watch) so you can talk to them.
You are able to stay informed during an actual emergency with your accessible source of information. AM radio KTRH 740 is the area’s primary emergency alert system station are along with NOAA weather radio and our local designated VHF 147.000 + (Pl 103.5) repeater.
If directed to evacuate, you know where and how to turn off water and electricity at their main switch point. You have your evacuation route mapped out with alternatives along the way to get to your designated destination.
There is is just an overview. There is much to consider, much to plan and much to prepare in order to be truly ready.
That concludes tonight’s training. Are there any questions, comments or suggested additions to this material?
Thanks, this is (callsign) clear to net control.