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May 24, 2007 -- The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, and
health and safety experts at Kimball and Community Medical Centers
are joining the National Weather Service in urging shore area residents
to be prepared.
“The National Hurricane Center (NHC) —
a service of the National Weather Service — designates the
last week of May as Hurricane Preparedness Week,” says Neil
J. Bryant, regional director of safety management for Community
and Kimball Medical Centers. “Hurricane hazards come in many
forms —storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding
— which means it is important for your family to have a plan
that includes all of these hazards.
“While the Jersey Shore hasn’t battled
a major hurricane in a number of years, there is concern that area
weather patterns are changing – setting the coastline up for
the possibility of a major hurricane,” he adds.
In recent years, the surface temperature of the ocean
has risen – a factor known to generate more powerful storms.
That factor, combined with the area’s population growth, densely
populated barrier islands and complacency on the part of area residents
– who, in the past, have prepared for storms that never actually
materialized – has area health care safety experts concerned.
“Whether we face a hurricane here at the Shore
or not, the important thing to remember, particularly in light of
the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, is that we need to
be prepared,” he says.
That preparation, he explains, includes securing or
stowing items outside your home before a storm hits (such as garbage
cans or patio furniture) that could become dangerous projectiles.
It should also include closing and securing shutters if you have
them, or taping or boarding up windows to help prevent broken or
shattered glass. In addition, he advises that residents have a full
tank of gas in the car in the event it’s necessary to evacuate.
Inside your home, Bryant suggests keeping emergency
supplies in one portable container that can travel with you should
you need to evacuate your home. Having a well-stocked disaster supply
kit can make the process of leaving quicker and less traumatic.
“The kit should include an ample supply of food
– including items that don’t need to be refrigerated
or cooked (such as canned foods, meal bars, etc.). It should include
any medical supplies needed by family members on a regular basis,
such as blood pressure medications, insulin or syringes.”
He also recommends that the kit include first aid
supplies, waterproof matches, flashlights, a battery-powered television
or radio as well as plenty of fresh batteries. The kit should also
contain copies of your identification, credit information, as well
as some cash and coins in case you have to evacuate.
“You should also stock a gallon of water for
each person in your family per day, keeping enough on hand to last
at least three to seven days,” says Bryant. “If you
have pets, don’t forget to stock food and water for them,
and have a pet carrier available as well.”
Bryant notes that now matter how prepared area residents
may be for a gathering storm, if local officials order an evacuation,
they should go to a shelter or to a friend or relative’s home
outside of the immediate area.
“Disregarding the call to evacuate not only
puts your life in jeopardy, but the lives of first responders who
may need to rescue you if the situation deteriorates,” Bryant
notes.
“Thankfully, we haven’t had a major hurricane in this
area in years,” he adds. “But if there’s anything
that Hurricane Katrina taught us, it’s that it can happen
– and when it does, there’s no such thing as being too
prepared.”
CONTACT: Kathleen Horan
Public Relations and Marketing
732-557-3909
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