Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: National Hurricane Preparedness Week - Prepare for Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are violent storms which can bring intense winds, heavy rain, a storm surge, floods, coastal erosion, landslides, and tornadoes. While it is difficult to predict the exact time, place, and force of hurricanes, residents of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states must be prepared. The season for hurricanes runs from June through November, with most hurricanes occurring mid-August to late October. Each season, on average, six hurricanes form in the Atlantic Ocean of which two become major hurricanes.

PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE

• Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane threats. Hurricane Watch: Issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions in 24 to 36 hours. Hurricane Warning: Issued when dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less. 
• Plan your evacuation route and where you will go if told to evacuate.
• Have a Go Bag of emergency supplies ready in case you have to evacuate 
• Secure your property.
• To protect your windows from high winds, cover them with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters.
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. 
• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed. 
• If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.

For more information check out the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management's Coastal Storms page or read the National Hurricane Preparedness Week Presidential Proclamation.