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View Full Version : Hurricane Irene -- Playing it Safe



sterlingempire
08-27-11, 11:17 AM
As you all know, the East Coast of the US is experiencing Hurricane Irene, a Category 2 hurricane. Below are some tips posted by other users and I so you can stay safe.

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

Listen to the radio or TV for information.

Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.

Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Moor your boat if time permits.

Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.


You should evacuate under the following conditions:


If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.

If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure?such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.

If you live in a high-rise building?hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.

If you feel you are in danger.


If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:


Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.

Close all interior doors?secure and brace external doors.

Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.

Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.


Also,


Stay away from windows and doors. Identify a ?safe room? in your home where you can stay during the hurricane. Choose a room with no doors or windows, like a closet. Bring a mattress into the room and use it for additional protection against falling debris.

Expect to lose power. Make sure you have flashlights within reach in your safe room.
Never venture outside during the storm. Flying debris may cause serious injury or

death.
Be aware of the hurricane's ?eye? passing overhead. A brief period of calm will be followed by winds blowing in the opposite direction and damage may be greater.

Stay away from rising water. Fallen power lines may still be "hot" and electrocution can occur. Water may also contain raw sewage.

Here is a quote from TWC (the weather channel):

... HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT...

... PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

MAKE THE FINAL PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY. RUSH TO COMPLETION THE HARDENING OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS BY CLOSING SHUTTERS AND BRACING GARAGE DOORS.

IF EVACUATING... LEAVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. GUARD AGAINST BEING STUCK OUT ON ROADWAYS WHEN DANGEROUS WINDS AND HEAVY RAINS ARRIVE. AGAIN... DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME. REMEMBER... PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN MOST OFFICIAL SHELTERS... SO CHECK AHEAD WITH YOUR INTENDED SHELTER.

IF STAYING IN A HOME... TURN THE REFRIGERATOR TO MAXIMUM COLD AND KEEP IT CLOSED. TURN OFF PROPANE TANKS AND UNPLUG SMALL APPLIANCES. FILL THE BATHTUB WITH WATER IN CASE THE TAP WATER BECOMES UNAVAILABLE AFTER THE STORM. THIS IS FOR CLEANING AND FLUSHING PURPOSES. DO NOT DRINK IT.

&&

... WINDS... AS HURRICANE IRENE APPROACHES... SUSTAINED TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATE THIS EVENING... WITH HURRICANE FORCE WINDS LATE TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY. MAXIMUM WINDS ARE FORECAST TO BE IN THE 55 TO 75 MPH RANGE WITH GUSTS TO 85 MPH.

... STORM SURGE AND STORM TIDE... IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO DETERMINE THE EXACT HEIGHTS OF COMBINED STORM SURGE AND TIDE WATERS FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS WITHIN THE FORECAST AREA TO BE CAUSED BY HURRICANE IRENE. IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE PRECISE SIZE... INTENSITY... TIMING AND TRACK OF THE SYSTEM AS IT APPROACHES THE COAST.

BASED ON THE FORECAST TRACK OF IRENE THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR 4 TO 8 FEET OF SURGE ACROSS WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND AND NEW YORK HARBOR... WITH 3 TO 6 FT OF SURGE ALONG THE SOUTH SHORE BAYS OF LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY... PECONIC AND GARDINERS BAYS... AND EASTERN LONG ISLAND FROM EARLY SUNDAY MORNING INTO EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. THESE TIDAL CONDITIONS WILL BE AGGRAVATED BY ACCOMPANYING LARGE... DESTRUCTIVE... AND LIFE THREATENING WAVES.

... INLAND FLOODING... A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE AREA. RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 6 TO 10 INCHES WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED. SEE THE LATEST FORECAST FOR THE MOST UPDATED INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS FOR YOUR LOCATION... AND BE READY TO ACT IF FLOODING RAINS OCCUR.

... COASTAL HAZARDS... INCREASINGLY LARGE SWELLS ARRIVING FROM HURRICANE IRENE WILL CREATE HIGH SURF... SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION AND WASHOVERS ALONG THE ATLANTIC FACING COASTLINE TODAY INTO MONDAY.

SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION IS ALSO LIKELY ALONG THE COASTLINE OF LONG ISLAND SOUND AND PECONIC AND GARDINERS BAYS DUE TO THE SURGE AND BATTERING SURF.

... RIP CURRENTS... DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING RIP CURRENTS ARE EXPECTED THROUGH MONDAY.
More Information

... IRENE BATTERING EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA... TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS SPREADING NORTHWARD ALONG THE DELMARVA COAST...

.NEW INFORMATION... UPDATED FOR CURRENT POSITION OF HURRICANE IRENE.

.AREAS AFFECTED... THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE AND MARINE INTERESTS IN SELECT LOCATIONS AND COASTAL WATER LEGS OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK... NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY... SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT AND ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS.

.WATCHES/WARNINGS... A HURRICANE WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... NORTHERN FAIRFIELD... NORTHERN NEW HAVEN... NORTHERN MIDDLESEX... NORTHERN NEW LONDON... SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD... SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN... SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX... SOUTHERN NEW LONDON... EASTERN PASSAIC... HUDSON... WESTERN BERGEN... EASTERN BERGEN... WESTERN ESSEX... EASTERN ESSEX... WESTERN UNION... EASTERN UNION... PUTNAM... ROCKLAND... NORTHERN WESTCHESTER... SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER... NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)... BRONX... RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)... KINGS (BROOKLYN)... NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK... NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK... SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK... SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK... NORTHERN QUEENS... NORTHERN NASSAU... SOUTHERN QUEENS AND SOUTHERN NASSAU.

FOR MARINE INTERESTS... A HURRICANE WARNING CONTINUES FOR ALL OF LONG ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT COASTAL WATERS AND NEW YORK HARBOR.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... WESTERN PASSAIC... ORANGE.

A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK... NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT. PLEASE LISTEN CLOSELY FOR ANY FLOOD WARNINGS THAT MIGHT BE IN EFFECT FOR YOUR AREA.

.STORM INFORMATION... AT 12 PM EDT... THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IRENE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 35.2N... LONGITUDE 76.4W. THIS WAS ABOUT 410 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF NEW YORK CITY NY... OR ABOUT 470 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF MONTAUK POINT NY. STORM MOTION WAS NNE OR 15 DEGREES AT 15 MPH. STORM INTENSITY WAS 85 MPH.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW... HURRICANE IRENE IS FORECAST TO TRACK NORTH ALONG THE EASTERN SEABOARD THROUGH SUNDAY... WITH THE OUTER RAIN BANDS FROM IRENE MOVING IN FROM THE SOUTH THIS AFTERNOON. CONDITIONS WILL THEN RAPIDLY DETERIORATE IN TORRENTIAL RAIN AND STRENGTHENING WINDS TONIGHT. THE WORST CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED LATE TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY AFTERNOON... WITH POTENTIALLY DAMAGING WINDS... FLOODING RAINS... AND SIGNIFICANT COASTAL FLOODING.

WHEN MAKING DECISIONS... DO NOT FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK... AS THE IMPACTS OF THE HURRICANE WILL BE FELT OVER A LARGE AREA DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE STORM.

DEPENDING ON THE EXACT TRACK... INTENSITY AND TIMING OF THE HURRICANE... THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR MODERATE TO MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING DAMAGE IF THE GREATEST SURGE COINCIDES WITH THE TIMES OF HIGH TIDES ON SUNDAY. THIS SURGE WILL BE EXACERBATED BY ACCOMPANYING LARGE... DESTRUCTIVE... AND LIFE THREATENING WAVES.

THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR 5 TO 10 INCHES OF RAIN WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS. BASED ON RECENT HEAVY RAINS... IF THESE RAINFALL AMOUNTS OCCUR... MODERATE TO MAJOR RIVER FLOODING IS LIKELY. SIGNIFICANT AND WIDESPREAD URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE FLOODING WILL ALSO BE AN ISSUE. AS A RESULT A FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT.

A GENERAL CONCERN SHOULD BE FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING WINDS ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK... NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT.

.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

FOR THOSE UNDER A WARNING... NOW IS THE TIME TO RUSH TO COMPLETION PREPARATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY. EVACUATE IF DIRECTED TO DO SO BY LOCAL OFFICIALS... OR IF YOUR HOME IS VULNERABLE TO HIGH WINDS OR FLOODING.

FOR INTERESTS AT PORTS... DOCKS... AND MARINAS... URGENTLY COMPLETE PRESCRIBED PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES. IF YOU LIVE ON A BOAT... MAKE FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR SECURING YOUR CRAFT BEFORE LEAVING IT. BE SURE TO ACCOUNT FOR THE POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF BRIDGES AND CAUSEWAYS.

REGARDING ANY COASTAL WATERS UNDER A WARNING... SMALL CRAFT SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT AND WELL SECURED.

FOR ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION... PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO YOUR LOCATION AS FURTHER DESCRIBED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE AND LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

&&

.NEXT UPDATE... THE NEXT LOCAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON AROUND 700 PM EDT... OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.


Remember, besides cell phone towers going out for long periods of time, so does electricity which means grocery stores and gas stations also lose power in your area. You wont be able to use an ATM or credit card machine or pump gas if power goes out.

Get some stuff together now ! Don?t wait till it?s too late. There is often a rush on store items and at gas stations. Long lines. So, do it ASAP.

Here are some items you should have at the ready and what is recommended you do:
1) Non- perishable food and water for you and your pets: paper plates and utensils. If possible, pack some camping gear like a small cooking stove and small propane canisters
2) CASH and a roll of quarters. Get together your credit cards, IDs, and important papers
3) Medications for you and your pets, first aid kit
4) Pet supplies: crate/carriers, blanket, bowls, food, collar with ID info on it, muzzle, leash
5) Charge up your cell phone, pack your charger, car charger
6) Other electronic devices and chargers, a good book
7) Blankets/pillows/towels
8) Clothing, including rain gear and galoshes and sturdy shoes
9) Write down all # from your cell phone just in case it is not usable
10) Gas up your vehicle way before the lines start forming. If possible, fill an extra gas can and put it in the trunk of your car
11) Look around your home, figure out what is the safest room to be in. Let your friends and family know where you plan on being.
12) Know your escape routes out of your house/apt. Know which way to go to escape the area too! Traffic can really get backed up on freeways. Is there a back way?
13) Make plans with a friend or relative in a safe area to come stay with them if necessary. If you can?t do that, then make reservations at a hotel. You?ll be glad you did. It?s definitely worth it. Make sure to call the hotel as soon as you know you are heading that way because the rooms will book up fast. Remember, power could be out or your homes area could be unsafe for up to a week. A little money lost on a reservation not used is much better than not having anywhere to go for a week.
14) Take a shower as close to the time before the storm hits. You never know when you?ll be able to take another shower.
15) Toiletries, toilet paper and moist toweletts just in case you need to disinfect.
16) A small tool kit. Flashlight/batteries, radio/batteries (CB if you have one)
17) Know the local emergency channels on the radio. Know where the nearest shelters are in your area.
18) Take a photo of your pet and print it out. Make copies of it to post up if your pet gets lost. Many pets that were caught off guard or escaped during the storms get lost. Know where your local pet shelters are.
19) Make plans with your family and friends of how you will reach them to let them know your OK. Think of different scenarios?if power is out, if can?t use cell phone, if can?t use computer, if other areas are affected. Etc. Usually people pick an out of town relative that everyone reports to. They can also use this person to give YOU updates on the situation as they are likely watching the news reports and may be able to call around to find out more.
20) Board up your windows and bring all furniture or loose items inside. Mail boxes too. Some people buy sheets of plastic and a staple *** to put over their windows on the inside, just in case they break and you don?t want water streaming in the open windows. Also put duct tape over the window glass (includes sliding glass doors) so that if it breaks it doesn?t do so in a million sharp shards. Buy sand bags to put just outside your door to direct the water away from going under the door and into your home.
21) Put all this stuff in a plastic storage bin. You can buy a rolling cart to it on if you cant carry it. But make it easy enough to escape with. Some people make two bins and store one in their car and one in the house.
22) NOW MOST IMPORTANTLY?your friends here on the forum are going to worry about you. So as soon as you are safe and have contacted your family and friends?log on with you can and let us all know your ok.


Okay guys, thats it. Stay safe!!

bawpotter
08-27-11, 11:55 AM
Thanks SE, it was nice of you to bundle this info together.

sterlingempire
08-27-11, 12:09 PM
Thanks SE, it was nice of you to bundle this info together.

No problem :o

Guys, feel free to post your own tips on this thread. It can be very useful.

LanokaHarbor
08-27-11, 01:37 PM
We filled the washing machine with water and the bathtub as well.....can't have enough water!

sterlingempire
08-27-11, 06:17 PM
Update: (Quote from TWC) TORNADO WARNINGS


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 812 IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EDT SUNDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN CONNECTICUT THIS WATCH INCLUDES 1 COUNTY
IN SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT
FAIRFIELD
IN NEW JERSEY THIS WATCH INCLUDES 5 COUNTIES
IN NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY
BERGEN ESSEX HUDSON PASSAIC UNION
IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 9 COUNTIES
IN SOUTHEAST NEW YORK
BRONX KINGS (BROOKLYN) NASSAU NEW YORK (MANHATTAN) QUEENS RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND) ROCKLAND SUFFOLK WESTCHESTER

FLOOD WATCH: QUOTE FROM TWC

. FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT... THE FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT... NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHEAST NEW YORK... INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS... IN SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT... NORTHERN FAIRFIELD... NORTHERN MIDDLESEX... NORTHERN NEW HAVEN... NORTHERN NEW LONDON... SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD... SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX... SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN AND SOUTHERN NEW LONDON. IN NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY... EASTERN BERGEN... EASTERN ESSEX... EASTERN PASSAIC... EASTERN UNION... HUDSON... WESTERN BERGEN... WESTERN ESSEX... WESTERN PASSAIC AND WESTERN UNION. IN SOUTHEAST NEW YORK... BRONX... KINGS (BROOKLYN)... NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)... NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK... NORTHERN NASSAU... NORTHERN QUEENS... NORTHERN WESTCHESTER... NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK... ORANGE... PUTNAM... RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)... ROCKLAND... SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK... SOUTHERN NASSAU... SOUTHERN QUEENS... SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER AND SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK.
* THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT
* BASED ON THE FORECAST TRACK OF HURRICANE IRENE... TORRENTIAL RAINS ARE EXPECTED TONIGHT... CONTINUING THROUGH SUNDAY. RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 10 INCHES WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE ANTICIPATED THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING. THE EXACT TRACK OF IRENE WILL DETERMINE WHERE THE HEAVIEST AXIS OF RAIN SETS UP... BUT A SIGNIFICANT FLOOD POTENTIAL EXISTS AREAWIDE.
* THESE RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL BRING THE POTENTIAL FOR MODERATE TO MAJOR SMALL STREAM AND RIVER FLOODING ACROSS THE TRI-STATE RIVER BASINS. IN ADDITION... SIGNIFICANT AND WIDESPREAD URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE FLOODING WILL BE AN ISSUE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.
&&
More Information

... HURRICANE IRENE EXPECTED TO BRING TORRENTIAL RAINS AND POTENTIALLY MODERATE TO MAJOR FLOODING...