Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: It's National Hurricane Preparedness Week - Make Sure You're Prepared For Hurricane Season

Hurricanes have brought intense winds, heavy rain and flooding to the Philadelphia area. 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. Take the time now to prepare for these violent storms.

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. 
• Develop a Household Emergency Plan, know 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.
• Stay informed about emergencies with ReadyNotifyPA, the region's emergency text and/or email alert system. Sign up at www.readynotifypa.org. 
• For information on flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov. 

For more information check out the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management's Coastal Storms page, read the National Hurricane Preparedness Week Presidential Proclamation or visit www.hurricanes.gov/prepare.