Hurricane season arrives June 1 and the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness’ Office of Emergency Preparedness recommends that concerned residents begin to prepare now.  The 2010 hurricane season will last from June 1 through November 30 and is predicted to be busy. 

“It is important for families to have a plan of response in the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane,” states Patrice A. Harris, MD, Director, Fulton County Health Services. “Planning and preparation is the key to storm survival and recovery.  Our Office of Emergency Preparedness, along with emergency response organizations, work together to assist residents after an event, however, it is important for all residents to take steps to be prepared based on their family’s needs.”

The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness’ Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) is responsible for ensuring that medical assistance is provided in the event of a major disaster, man-made or natural.  Although Fulton County is located in-land, hurricanes have an effect on the County’s need to provide medical care and shelter to individuals seeking refuge from the southeastern coastal area.

“Hurricanes typically bring severe thunderstorms, which can lead to flooding and the development of weather conditions that can lead to tornadoes,” states Al Simmons, Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness. “There are steps that can be taken now to help prepare for possible inclement weather that may affect our area.”

To prepare for hurricane season, OEP offers the following recommendations supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Prepare for a Hurricane
-Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.

-Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines. Secure structurally unstable building materials.

-Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it. Locate and secure your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc.

-Post emergency phone numbers at every phone and inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a physical disability.

Emergency Supplies You May Need
Stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. At a minimum, these supplies should include:

-A 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person). Also, a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food, a first aid kit and manual, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.

-Prescription medicines and special medical needs, baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.

The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness also encourages the monitoring of local news casts and weather conditions.  “Awareness is a key component of preparedness,” says Dr. Harris.  “We all have to take personal responsibility for the safety of our families.”

For more information about hurricane preparation or hurricane tracking, visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/readiness.asp or the National Weather Service at
http://www.tpc.ncep.noaa.gov.