Hello friends!

The 2018 Hurricane Season, believe it or not, is only 3 months away and therefore it is important that you prepare now.  We all know what a catastrophic season 2017 was for Texas, Florida and the Carribbean islands.  Once again, severe weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes, in-land flooding from heavy rainfall, hail, lightning and wind damage is not to be taken lightly.  We all witnessed and observed the unbelievable property damage and loss of life from last season's tropical storms.

Remember, too, that we don't have to have a tornado or hurricane to cause death and destruction!  Powerful Noreaster's like the recent "Bomb Cyclone" of March 2-3, 2018 along the east coast of the US is a prime example of what even a power coastal storm can do to property and loss of life.  I believe very strongly and highly recommend that every person living in the United States has or obtains a NOAA Weather Radio.  Sure, we are now able to receive emergency weather updates through our cell phones, but cell phones can lose the signal and cell phones need to be constantly recharged.  What if you lose power?

An NOAA weather radio will give you 24-hour weather updates and emergency information.  All you need to do is be sure you have a fresh supply of batteries for it.  Next, a "generator" and even better, a generator hooked into a "transfer switch" -- should be on every owner's top priority list.  Especially, if they live in rural areas and in winter regions.  This is also mandatory for anyone living in tornado alley and along the coastal hurricane zones of the gulf and atlantic coastlines.

Below is a great Hurricane Prepardness Checklist from Accuweather.  Please print this out or click on the HURRICANE PREPARDNESS CHECKLIST LINK and keep it posted for quick reference!  Stay safe my friends,

Ronald

HURRICANE PREPARDNESS CHECKLIST

BE PREPARED FOR TROPICAL STORMS BY KNOWING THE FACTS

• Ensure you have a way to receive warnings-a NOAA weather radio, the AccuWeather app on your phone or the radio/television. Sign up for alert notifications that are specific to your town or region.

• Know your local hurricane evacuation route(s), as well as shelters outside the evacuation zone.

• Make sure your vehicles are in good working condition and able to make the potentially several hundred-mile trip.

• Put together a “go bag” for each member of your family, including pets, that includes clothes, toiletries, medicines and anything else needed to survive comfortably away from home for several days.

• Put together a general emergency preparedness kit. Water (1 gallon per person per day) Battery-powered weather radio with extra batteries Non-perishable food Flashlight First aid kit Cash Whistle to signal for help if trapped in debris

• Know the difference! Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the next 48 hours. Stay tuned into alerts and look over evacuation route. Double-check emergency preparedness kit. Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. If in the evacuation zone, it is time to evacuate to a safe shelter outside the evacuation zone with your family and pets. Stay in contact with family and friends using phones or social media to let them know you’re safe.

• Preparing your home before hurricane season starts: Take pictures of your property, inside and out. This will come in handy if/when talking to insurance companies about storm damage. Purchase a generator and make sure it works ahead of time as electricity can be out for weeks after a hurricane. Cut down any trees or branches that could fall or be blown into the house. Store bottled water in case water becomes polluted or unavailable.

• Before evacuating: Clear out drains and gutters to keep them from flooding when it rains heavily. Bring inside any outdoor objects that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds. Unplug electronic devices and turn off utilities as directed to do so by authorities before evacuating. Large pets or livestock that cannot be taken with you when evacuating should be evacuated well ahead of time, so it’s important to have a plan in place for this. Board up all windows to prevent broken glass.