Yesterday, even as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a revised hurricane outlook for the 2009 hurricane season, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is today, reminding the public that no one can predict where the next storm will strike or it impact, hence the importance of everyone being prepared.
NOAA has reduced its predictions for named storms by nearly one quarter, from its May forecast. In May NOAA initially predicted that there would be 9 to 14 named storms, 4 to 7 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes.
In issuing its revised predictions yesterday, calculated at a 70 percent chance, NOAA is forecasting 7 to 11 named storms, with 3 to 6 becoming hurricanes and 1 to 2 expected to turn into major storms, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.
Notwithstanding the new predictions from NOAA, largely arising from the effects of El Nino, FEMA is emphasizing preparedness, as the more active phase of the hurricane season approaches.
“If you live in a hurricane prone area, it is common sense to ensure your family is prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We do not know where the next hurricane will strike, but what we do know is that the more the public does now to prepare, the better the outcome will be. I’m encouraging anyone in a hurricane prone state to take a few small steps to ensure their family is ready.”
FEMA is also urging everyone, even those persons living outside of hurricane-risk areas to ensure that they have taken steps to prepare, including developing an emergency kit, getting training in CPR or first aid and knowing if they live in an evacuation route.
Important items that persons should have ready in case of an emergency include:
-battery-powered radio
-flashlight
-extra batteries
-medicines
-non-perishable food
-hand-operated can opener
-utility knife
-first aid supplies
FEMA is also recommending that persons copy and store important documents, such as medical records, contracts, property deeds, leases, banking records, insurance records and birth certificates, in a waterproof bag.
Earlier this week Administrator Fugate released a video message on the importance of personal preparedness. The video can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/fema.
For persons seeking more preparedness information, please visit www.fema.gov and www.ready.gov.
