Hurricane season is upon us. Each year we plan for the worst and hope for the best. We are more fortunate than many in how our area experiences the impact from hurricanes, however as recent history shows, we are not immune to the devastation that can be caused.
While most of the storms seem to miss us, we are not without risk. There are several things you can do to prepare yourself in the event that a storm is heading our way.
First it is important to know what your risk is. Are you in a flood prone area or at risk if high winds and surge hit us? Securing outdoor items and using tie down straps for buildings that could be moved off their foundations is great prevention. If you are close to the coast, it is important to pay attention to the forecast, as we are very limited in our routes inland. If you choose to stay home, be ready with plenty of water, non-perishable foods, battery operated lighting and a battery operated radio. If you use a candle or other fire, fire crews may have a very hard time getting to you if it were to get out of hand.
Medication and cash on hand are also important things to consider. Try to keep at least a week of medication handy so that you have enough to make it through until stores are able to re-open. In the event of a power loss, cash may be the only ability you have to get things you may need. A good emergency coffee can fund is never a bad idea. You may also want to keep paper copies of your insurance policies in a zip lock just in case it is needed.
In addition to taking care of yourself and your family, pets are another important consideration in being prepared. Be sure to have extra water and food for them as well.
While this may seem like we cover the same things each year, and sometime more than once, it is in most people’s nature to think that we have been spared so far, and there is no need to be overly prepared. The recent severe storms has brought to the forefront just how important our safety is and how much we are lucky to have more than a few minutes warning when a hurricane, tropical storm or depression is heading our way. You can download the National Weather Service preparedness brochure from: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hurricane/pdfs/hurricane_safety.pdf
As Sherrie says, safe boating is no accident. Make sure you are ready to stay safe and prepared for whatever weather heads our way!!
If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.
Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.
