Town Crier Articles

Hurricane Season is Here
Posted on June 1, 2022 5:50 AM by NTRA Emergency Preparedness Committee
 
This year the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean and circulation patterns in the ocean look remarkably similar to the way they did in 2005 -- the year the category 5 Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.  Consequently, we may anticipate a similarly active and devastating hurricane season this year.  
 
Hurricane season is June 1 until November 30 with peak hurricane season from mid-August to late October.  
 
Now is the time to initiate planning and preparations to help ensure the safety of our community and that of our families.    
 
 
NOAA will provide several days advance notice as well as the projected track of each major storm in the Atlantic. This gives us time for a possible evacuation or to prepare to weather the storm in New Town. 
 
Here are some tips to consider:  
 
Advance Planning Preparations 
  • Photograph or video your home and belongings for possible future insurance claims.
  • Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes so you are ready to leave New Town, if necessary.
  • Plan to take your pet/s with you and identify where you will stay (friend, family, hotel) inland in case you evacuate -- the further you are from the ocean the slower the winds will be.  
  • Build a Hurricane Kit for use if you stay or evacuate.  
  • Keep your car’s gas tank filled.    
Immediate Preparations (as time permits)
  • Consider putting duct tape on windows to lessen flying glass.
  • Secure outside items -- windblown objects create damage. 
  • Fill your bathtub with water to use for toilet flushing.
  • Move important items to higher floor.  
  • Protect property from flooding and water damage by moving items to a second floor and protecting them with plastic bags.
  • Plan on taking your animals with you if you evacuate.
Hurricane Kit:  At a minimum consider including these items in your kit: 
  • Extra cash (ATMs may not be operable)
  • Keep batteries charged
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries (or a hand crank radio)
  • Cell phone and charger
  • First-aid kit 
  • Tool kit
  • Duct tape
  • Utility knife 
  • Medications (seven days or more)
  • Nonperishable food for seven days or more
  • Manual can opener
  • Drinking water (7 gallons per person / a seven-day supply)
  • Pet supplies to include food, water, medications, collar & leash, current photos, proof of vaccinations, etc.    
  • Important documents (IDs, lease, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.)
  • Toiletries and sanitation supplies
  • Change of clothes
  • Blankets
Prepare now and have peace of mind that you and your family are prepared when the weather forecast announces an approaching hurricane.  
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