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Flood insurance can be a hedge against disasterThe National Flood Insurance Program is one of the few sources
of insurance for flood-prone communities and millions of American homes and
businesses.
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Names for Atlantic Storm| Agnes - 1972 Alicia - 1983 Allen - 1980 Allison - 2001 Andrew - 1992 Anita - 1977 Audrey - 1957 Betsy - 1965 Beulah - 1967 Bob - 1991 Camille - 1969 Carla - 1961 Carmen - 1974 Carol - 1954 Celia - 1970 Cesar - 1996 Charley - 2004 |
Cleo - 1964 Connie - 1955 David - 1979 Dennis - 2005 Diana - 1990 Diane - 1955 Donna - 1960 Dora - 1964 Edna - 1968 Elena - 1985 Eloise - 1975 Fabian - 2003 Fifi - 1974 Flora - 1963 Floyd - 1999 Fran - 1996 Frances - 2004 |
Frederic - 1979 Georges - 1998 Gilbert - 1988 Gloria - 1985 Hattie - 1961 Hazel - 1954 Hilda - 1964 Hortense - 1996 Hugo - 1989 Inez - 1966 Ione - 1955 Iris - 2001 Isabel - 2003 Isidore - 2002 Ivan - 2004 Janet - 1955 Jeanne - 2004 |
Joan - 1988 Juan - 2003 Katrina - 2005 Keith - 2000 Klaus - 1990 Lenny - 1999 Lili - 2002 Luis - 1995 Marilyn - 1995 Michelle - 2001 Mitch - 1998 Opal - 1995 Rita - 2005 Roxanne - 1995 Stan - 2005 Wilma – 2005 (Source) |
Hurricanes can bring inland flooding
Floods are the number-one most common natural disaster in the
United States.
In the past 10 years (1998-2007) the National Flood Insurance Program has paid
more than $23.6 billion to flood insurance customers, and 20 to 25 percent of
all flood insurance claims are filed in low- to moderate-risk areas.
New Jersey tops the list of states for claims payments in 2007, both in the
number of claims (6,969) and the total claims payout, $157,469,721, according to
the NFIP official website.
Inland Flooding: Did you know …
Some of the most damaging floods after a hurricane occur hundreds of miles from
the coast. Even though the state of Pennsylvania has no ocean coastline, it has
repeatedly faced intense rainfall causing dramatic inland flooding during
hurricane season. In 2004, hurricane season flood insurance claims for
Pennsylvanians were second only to Florida. Residents of that inland state
received more than $175 million in total payments.
A tropical storm can produce more rainfall than a Category 5 hurricane. The
largest amount of rainfall from hurricanes is usually produced by slow-moving
tropical storms that stall over an area. As all hurricanes weaken to tropical
storms and move inland, the threat of torrential rains and high winds over large
areas intensify the risks of flooding.
Inland flooding can occur almost immediately – and even a small amount of
flooding can cause significant risk and damage. As tropical storms move inland,
rainfall dumped in short timeframes can result in flash flooding that can last
up to a week or more. Just six inches of moving water can sweep a person off his
or her feet, and only a few inches of water can cause thousands of dollars of
damage to homes and businesses.
Inland flooding preparedness tips:
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Monitor any tropical storm systems. Make sure you and your family are aware of storm paths and pay attention to any flood-related advisories or warnings for your community.
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Make sure you have an emergency plan and contact. Plan and practice a flood evacuation route and ask someone out of state to be a "family contact" in case you are separated from loved ones.
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Get flood insurance. Visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call (800) 427-2419 to learn your risk, prepare for inland flooding, and discover how to purchase a National Flood Insurance Policy. A 30-day wait period means you should act now to protect your property. The toll-free number and website provide resources and information, including tools to find an agent and estimate the cost of insurance premiums.
Electric company offers tips for power outages
The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins this week,
arriving on cue with the formation of the season’s first tropical storm, Arthur.
According to Atlantic City Electric, it is time to prepare for the possibility
that destructive tropical weather could hit the region any time between now and
Nov. 30. The National Weather Service predicts an active period this year with
12 to 16 named storms – six to nine becoming hurricanes, and two to five major
hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.
“Even though the damage created by the storms that hit the U.S. mainland last
year was minimal, this year may prove different,” said Hallie M. Reese, vice
president of safety and strategic services. “We strongly encourage customers to
take steps and prepare for any emergency.”
She said that a few basic steps taken now will pay off when bad weather hits,
not only during hurricanes but during severe summer thunderstorms.
Here are a few important steps:
Keep Atlantic City Electric emergency numbers accessible to report outages or
downed wires. For outages call (800) 833-7476. To report downed wires call (800)
642-3780.
Make sure Atlantic City Electric has your latest phone number registered in its
automated Outage Management System, so it can identify your location and more
quickly locate the source of trouble. Customers can update numbers on line at
atlanticcityelectric.com or call Customer Care at (800) 642-3780.
Prepare an emergency survival kit with a flashlight, battery-powered radio,
fresh batteries, essential medication, nonperishable food and enough fresh water
to last several days.
Develop a contingency plan. Decide what to do in the event of a lengthy power
outage. Would you stay at home or with family or friends?
Atlantic City Electric employees regularly prepare for the possibility of power
outages and frequently participate in emergency drills. The company maintains
supplies of essential equipment, such as poles, wires and transformers, and
stays in contact with utilities throughout the region to quickly arrange mutual
assistance in case of a natural disaster.
Atlantic City Electric has upgraded its website to enable customers to view
outage information across the company’s service territory. To see the outage
maps or for information on preparing for power outages go to
atlanticcityelectric.com and
visit the Storm Center. The Weathering the Storm brochure can be downloaded from
the site. Customers can also call (800) 642-3780 to request a copy by mail.
Above-normal activity predicted this hurricane season
In the August update to the Atlantic hurricane season outlook,
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center
has increased the likelihood of an above-normal hurricane season and has raised
the total number of named storms and hurricanes that may form. Forecasters
attribute this adjustment to atmospheric and oceanic conditions across the
Atlantic Basin that favor storm development, combined with the strong
early-season activity.
NOAA now projects an 85 percent probability of an above-normal season – up from
65 percent in May. The updated outlook includes a 67 percent chance of 14 to 18
named storms, of which seven to 10 are expected to become hurricanes, including
three to six major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher on the Saffir-Simpson
Scale. These ranges encompass the entire season, which ends Nov. 30, and include
the five storms that have formed thus far.
In May, the outlook called for 12 to 16 named storms, including six to nine
hurricanes and two to five major hurricanes. An average Atlantic hurricane
season has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.
“Leading indicators for an above-normal season during 2008 include the
continuing multi-decadal signal – atmospheric and oceanic conditions that have
spawned increased hurricane activity since 1995 – and the lingering effects of
La Niña,” said Gerry Bell, the NOAA’s lead seasonal hurricane forecaster. “Some
of these conditions include reduced wind shear, weaker trade winds, an active
West African monsoon system, the winds coming off of Africa, and
warmer-than-average water in the Atlantic Ocean.”
Another indicator favoring an above-normal hurricane season is a very active
July, the third most active since 1886. Even so, there is still a 10 percent
chance of a near-normal season and a 5 percent chance of a below-normal season.
The hurricane outlook is a general guide to the expected level of hurricane
activity for the entire season. NOAA does not make seasonal landfall predictions
since hurricane landfalls are largely determined by the weather patterns in
place as a hurricane approaches.
Of the five named storms that have already formed this season, Tropical Storm
Arthur affected the Yucatan Peninsula in late May and early June. Bertha was a
major hurricane and the longest-lived July storm (July 3-20) on record. Tropical
Storm Cristobal skirted the North Carolina coastline. Dolly made landfall as a
Category 2 hurricane at South Padre Island, Texas July 23. And on Aug. 5,
Tropical Storm Edouard struck the upper Texas coast.
“It is critical that everyone know the risk for your area, and have a plan to
protect yourself, your family and your property, or to evacuate if requested by
local emergency managers. Be prepared throughout the remainder of the hurricane
season,” Bell said. “Even people who live inland should be prepared for severe
weather and flooding from a tropical storm or a hurricane.”
The Atlantic hurricane season includes activity over the Atlantic Ocean,
Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. The peak months of the season are August
through October.
NOAA observes and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths
of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages the country’s
coastal and marine resources.
A radio in every school
Federal agencies have begun distributing more than 182,000
public alert radios to preschools, Head Start programs, k-12 nonpublic schools
and nonpublic school central offices, k-12 school district offices and
post-secondary schools. In two earlier phases, the federal government
distributed radios to all 97,000 k-12 public schools across the country,
bringing the program to a close this September with a life-saving radio in every
school in the nation.
The radios sound an alarm to alert school personnel about hazardous weather and
other emergencies, even when other means of communication are disabled.
The radios are distributed by the Department of Commerce National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration with funding from the Department of Homeland Security
and assistance from the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.
Commonly known as NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, the radios provide alerts and
safety steps on a wide range of emergencies – from an approaching tornado, a
telephone outage disrupting 911 emergency services, local roads overrun by flash
floods, a derailed train posing a hazardous material threat, or abducted child
alerts.
The program encourages school officials, emergency managers, human service
providers and Citizen Corps Councils across the country to partner and align
their efforts with local emergency plans to build overall community
preparedness. By coordinating with their local emergency managers and Citizen
Corps Council, schools also can obtain technical and other assistance to improve
their school safety plans and other emergency preparedness efforts.
For information on the radios for schools program see
public-alert-radio.nws.noaa.gov.
The general public can learn about these radios at
www.weather.gov/nwr.
Homeland Security urges emergency preparedness
More than 1,200 national, regional, state and local businesses and organizations
have pledged their support and joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
National Preparedness Month Coalition.
Sponsored by the department’s Security’s Ready Campaign, National Preparedness
Month helps raise awareness and promote action by residents, businesses and
communities in regard to emergency preparedness.
"As we approach our fifth National Preparedness Month, I want to thank the
hundreds of coalition members who are making a difference in their communities
by helping raise the basic level of preparedness in our country," said Homeland
Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
"Individual preparedness is the cornerstone of emergency preparedness.
Experience shows that if Americans take steps ahead of time, they stand a much
better chance of coming through an emergency unharmed and recovering more
quickly."
The Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps ( www.citizencorps.gov ) are specifically
encouraging individuals across the nation to take important preparedness steps.
These steps include: getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency
plan, being informed about the different emergencies that may affect them, as
well as taking the necessary steps to get trained and become engaged in
community preparedness and response efforts.
Coalition members have agreed to distribute emergency preparedness information
and sponsor activities across the country that will promote emergency
preparedness. Membership is open to all public and private sector organizations.
Groups and individuals can register to become members by visiting
www.ready.gov
and clicking on the National Preparedness Month banner.
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joseph I.
Lieberman and ranking member Susan M. Collins, along with House Homeland
Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson and ranking member Peter T. King
will lead the effort to increase public awareness about the importance of
emergency preparedness on Capitol Hill and throughout the country.
For information visit www.ready.gov or
www.listo.gov or call (800) BE-READY or
(888) SE-LISTO.
Return to an evacuated home with caution
By JACKIE HANUSEY
Staff Writer
When hurricanes or tropical storms approach, depending on the severity, the
advice from emergency personnel could be to grab the emergency kit, gather the
family together and follow an evacuation route out of the danger zone.
But what happens after the storm subsides and authorities give the all-clear to
return home?
Some people could be returning to homes on which the storm has left a mark.
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management offers some tips on its website
about how to be careful amid the chaos that could result in a storm’s aftermath.
Local media will notify residents of recovery status and when it is safe to
return home. However, people should stay tuned for any additional announcements
even after returning home, the office warns.
Before leaving a temporary safe haven, whether it is a public shelter or the
home of a family member or friend, notify someone of your plans.
Let them know where you intend to be going and how you can be reached in case of
an emergency.
Be on the lookout for any downed power lines left in the wake of the storm;
immediately report any found to the electric company, police or fire department.
Upon returning, keep driving to a minimum to reduce the possibility of
encountering any flooded roads. The last thing needed is more damage. Washed-out
bridges should be avoided at all costs.
While it is natural to want to locate belongings, mementos or even pets that may
have been left behind, be very cautious when entering your home, the office
advises.
After a storm a home can be messy, dangerous, or even filled with snakes,
insects and other animals using the home for shelter.
Doors and windows should be opened as quickly as possible to allow ventilation
and to help dry out the home. But candles and open flames should not be used
indoors.
If power is out, use flashlights to inspect for further damage.
Refrigerators and freezers should be checked for spoilage, and any ruined food
should be properly disposed of.
Also inspect utilities that could be hazardous and report any problems.
If the smell of gas is detected, or if there is a blowing or hissing noise, open
a window and quickly leave the building.
If a gas leak is suspected, turn off the gas at the outside main valve and call
the gas company from a neighbor’s home. A professional will be needed to turn it
back on at a later time.
Check for electrical system damage and be wary of any sparks or broken wires. If
the smell of hot insulation is suspected, turn off the main fuse box or circuit
breaker immediately.
Be careful of your surroundings when turning off electricity. If turning off the
electricity requires stepping into any water, call and have it done by a
professional electrician instead of risking being electrocuted.
Check for sewage and water line damage as well. If any damage is suspected, do
not use the toilets in the house and notify a plumber.
If the water pipes are damaged notify the water company and avoid using tap
water.
However, water made by melting ice cubes is generally safe.
While it might be painful to see a beloved house in a state of disarray, take
pictures when possible. This will help if it is necessary to file an insurance
claim.
For more emergency tips, including what to have in an emergency kit and the best
ways to evacuate in the case of a storm see
www.state.nj.us/njoem.
Residents with special needs urged to sign up for disaster registry
New Jersey state officials say that now is the time to prepare
for hurricanes, and they urge people with special needs who live in the state’s
most hurricane-prone counties to sign up for New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry
for Disasters.
“The time to be ready is now,” said Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the New
Jersey State Police and director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency
Management.
“It takes three simple steps: Get a kit of emergency supplies – the items that
will help you stay self-sufficient for up to three days; make a plan for what
you and your family will do during an emergency – including knowing how to
evacuate and shelter in place; and stay informed of possible threats. It’s never
too early to talk to friends and family members who can help you get to safety
when a crisis hits,” Fuentes said.
“We are also urging citizens of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Monmouth, Ocean
and Salem counties who may have difficulty during an evacuation because of
physical or other limitations, or lack of transportation, to sign up for New
Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters,” said Richard L. Cañas, New
Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness director. “Signing up with
New Jersey's Special Needs Registry for Disasters will help first responders
make the best use of limited time and resources by planning to help those with
limited options for evacuation during an emergency.”
Fuentes and Cañas reminded members of the public that they can find additional
information about how to prepare for a hurricane or other emergency at the New
Jersey Office of Emergency Management’s Web site,
www.Ready.NJ.gov. There is a
“Register Ready” icon on the home page that can be clicked on to sign up for the
registry.
In addition, Fuentes and Cañas said that the state has begun an advertising
campaign to reinforce the message that citizens with special needs should sign
up for the Special Needs Registry for Disasters. The campaign targets the
six-county area, using radio, newspapers and outdoor advertising.
In addition to the link on the NJOEM home page, people with special needs or
their caregivers who live in the six counties currently eligible for the program
are encouraged to register electronically, if possible, at
www.registerready.nj.gov or call New Jersey’s toll-free 211 telephone service,
which will register people, offer free translation, and provide TTY services for
the hearing-impaired.
Paper registration forms are available from the mentioned county offices of
emergency management, including the Atlantic County OEM, Anthony Canale Training
Center, 5033 English Creek Ave., Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234. Phone: (609)
407-6742.
Understanding the weather forecast
Part of staying informed about weather conditions is
understanding the terms used by meteorologists. Wind is generally the measuring
stick for categorizing a tropical storm. Following are the definitions of some
common terms:
advisory: hurricane and storm information is disseminated to the public every
six hours
special advisory: information is disseminated when there is significant change
in storm-related weather conditions
gale warning: sustained winds of 35 to 54 mph and strong wave action are
expected
storm warning: sustained winds of 55 to 73 mph are expected
hurricane: is when the winds in a tropical cyclone reach or exceed 74 mph. It is
called a hurricane in the Atlantic and eastern and central Pacific Oceans.
Hurricanes are designated by categories on the Safir-Simpson scale. Those
designated as Category 3, 4 or 5 are considered major hurricanes.
Category 1: winds of 74 to 95 mph and an associated storm surge of 3 to 5 feet
Category 2: winds of 96 to 110 mph and an associated storm surge of 6 to 8 feet
Category 3: winds of 111 to130 mph and an associated storm surge of 9 to12 feet
Category 4: winds of 131 to 155 mph and an associated storm surge of 13 to 18
feet
Category 5: winds of 156 and above and an associated storm surge greater than 19
feet
hurricane watch: there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours
hurricane warning: a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours or less,
with sustained winds of 74 mph or more and dangerously high water
tropical disturbance: a moving area of thunderstorms is in the tropics
tropical depression: a tropical cyclone that maintains a closed circulation and
maximum sustained winds of up to 38 mph
tropical storm: a storm characterized by counterclockwise circulation of clouds
and sustained wind speed ranges from 39 to73 mph. The convection in tropical
storms is usually more concentrated near the center with outer rainfall
organizing into distinct bands.
Source: New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
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