Winds from Sandy are already being felt on the East coast, and with widespread power outages predicted the public is going to have to be prepared. FEMA has done an excellent job of sharing information over the ‘net, utilizing several websites, social media accounts, and emails full of tips like the following, aimed at keeping the public safe and aware:
TROPICAL STORM SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS
The National Weather Service is the official source for weather information and severe weather watches and warnings, so follow your forecast at www.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast.
As of 8:00 am, Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings issued by the NOAA National Weather Service remain in effect along portions of Florida’s east coast; and a Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for portions of the coastal areas in the Carolinas. In addition, gale, storm and high wind watches and warnings are in effect for some areas.
According to the National Weather Service, Tropical storm conditions are expected to continue in the warning area along the east coast of Florida today. Tropical storm conditions are expected to first reach the tropical storm warning area in the Carolinas by this evening and spread northward tonight and Sunday. Storm conditions are also possible in the watch areas through tonight.
We urge those in East Coast states along the storm’s projected path to monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy. Individuals in the region should continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and their local news for severe weather updates, warnings and watches, and follow instructions of local officials.
While hurricanes are unpredictable, those in the possible path of the storm should be preparing. If you haven’t done so already, take the time now to put together a family emergency plan and emergency kit. Some of the items in a basic emergency kit include: one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food; battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio; flashlight and extra batteries; and First Aid kit. Having a kit can help you weather the storm.
Tropical weather can bring high winds and heavy rains, so listen to local officials and follow their instructions. Keep up to date with local conditions – follow TV and radio reports from your area, or visit www.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast.
The potential for heavy rains can also lead to flooding, or flash flooding in some areas. Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous. Remember – turn around, don’t drown.
Those in East Coast states along the storm’s projected path should also familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a severe weather hazard.
Terms used to describe tropical weather include the following:
- A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
- A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours.
For additional information, tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, visit
www.Ready.gov (or in Spanish at www.Listo.gov). The FEMA mobile site (http://m.fema.gov), smartphone app (http://www.fema.gov/smartphone-app), and text messages (http://www.fema.gov/text-messages) also provide regular updates. Sharing information using social media tools is also a good way for residents to stay informed.
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For more resources, see the Free Management Library topic: Crisis Management
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Jonathan L. Bernstein, president of Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc. has more than 25 years of experience in all aspects of crisis management – crisis response, vulnerability assessment, planning, training and simulations.
Erik Bernstein is a freelance writer and Bernstein Crisis Management's social media manager. He also edits Crisis Manager, a newsletter about crisis management.
