Hurricane season is here. Are you prepared for an emergency?

Hurricane season is here. Are you prepared for an emergency? The great hurricane of 1938 hit the south coast of New England without warning, claiming roughly 200 lives here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and causing millions of dollars in damages. (Great info and video links are available at the Sea Fever blog 70^th anniversary site: http://sea-fever.org/2008/09/21/70th-anniversary-of-the-1938-hurricane .

Sixteen years later Hurricane Carol ripped through southern New England and her 14 foot storm surge in Narragansett Bay left downtown Providence under 12 feet of water. The coastal areas of Fall River, Westport, Somerset, Swansea, Dartmouth, and Tiverton and Portsmouth Rhode Island were devastated. (See more at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB3IPzn6_Ew

On August 19, 1991 Hurricane Bob focused on southern New England and was the most recent hurricane to strike New England.

The Greater Fall River area is vulnerable to hurricanes and as such we should all take the threat seriously. Today’s weather forecasting is far superior to that of the last century, but residents must heed the warnings and take precautions to prevent needless injury and property damage.

These precautions include having a disaster supply kit ready in the event of an emergency. Suggested items include canned foods (meats and fish, fruits and vegetables, soups, etc.), cookies, crackers, peanut butter, coffee, tea and bottled water. Also practical items like a manual can opener, battery powered radio, extra batteries, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid supplies, propane gas grills, toiletries and medications, a full tank of gas for you car. Another item easy to overlook is cash. In the event of extended power outages, ATM’s and banks may not be available.

For complete lists visit the NationalHurricaneCenter website at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml or see the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) site list at www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/mema/disaster_supply_list.pdf.

This time of year many of us enjoy the summer weather outside and have deck, patio, pool side, and yard furniture out.. Put away any loose furniture, toys, bikes, trash cans, and anything which could become a flying projectile in a storm. Flip patio tables over so the table top is on the ground. Bring in potted and hanging plants. High winds can cause anything loose fly around possibly breaking windows, damaging cars or other property.

Most importantly, listen to weather advisories and take precautions before the bad weather hits.

For more about  the Greater Fall River area, visit my website atwww.stevew-homes.comor contact me directly at 508-558-8035.