June 1, 2016

In mid-May, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlighted hurricanes through its  National Hurricane Preparedness Week awareness campaign.

It coincided with the start of the Eastern North Pacific hurricane season, which began May 15th.

A concern for Philadelphia residents and those living in the East Coast quadrant of the United States is the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1^st through November 30^th.

While those living in our region may think of the Gulf Coast and Florida when it comes to hurricanes, Philadelphia and the surrounding counties and states experience severe storms. Hurricane Sandy comes mind as some parts of the region continue to recover from the 2012 storm.

Hurricane Preparedness Week is your time get ready  for a potential land-falling tropical storm, hurricane or related storm system. Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management can help you prepare through information on our website or our free READYHome or READYBusiness workshops.

Risk

Hurricanes are natural hazards that bring high winds and flooding. A storm may not be classified as a hurricane, but tropical storms, hurricane remnants or heavy rainfall can cause wide-spread, long-term damage such as utility interruption, property loss, and personal injury.  Significant impacts have occurred in Philadelphia without there being a major category hurricane.

In 2011, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee flooded out parts of Germantown. Tropical Storm Floyd brought massive flooding in September of 1999, causing evacuations in Southwest Philadelphia and lower Delaware County. Several fatalities were blamed on Tropical Storm Floyd. Flooding is a major concern to Philadelphia residents, according to those taking our Hazard Mitigation Plan survey.

Preparation

Prior to the storm approaching, learn the safest route from your home to high ground in case you have to evacuate. Do you live in a evacuation zone? If you do, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. This should be part of your Family Emergency Plan.  Be sure to account for your pets, never leave them behind. Identify family or friends who can take them in the event of an evacuation. Animals are welcome at all City of Philadelphia evacuation shelters, reception centers, and on SEPTA evacuation transport vehicles. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care for.

Information

NOAA’s National Hurricane Center is a source for hurricane forecasts. National Weather Service in Mount Holly provides local information regarding the expected impacts from storms in Philadelphia.

Make sure you are signed up for the City’s mass notification system, ReadyPhiladelphia. Alerts direct from the National Weather Service or emergency information from the city are sent to you via text, email or phone calls. Information will also be published through the city’s website, www.phila.gov, OEM’s site www.phila.gov/ready and social media accounts @PhiladelphiaGov, @PhilaOEM, @PhillyPolice and @PhillyFireDept.  Local news media will also disseminate important information.

Supplies

You will need supplies that are found in a shelter-in-place kit to not only get through the storm, but for the aftermath as well. Utilities such as electricity and water may be out for a prolonged period, so have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. Given our reliance on cell phones, you’ll need a portable, crank or solar powered USB charger. Put together a Go-Bag in case you need to evacuate.

Insurance 

Ask your insurance company for a check-up.  Make sure you have enough homeowners or renter’s insurance for your residence.  Standard homeowners insurance does not  cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it, and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance requires a 30-day wait period, so act before the storm. A majority of Philly’s homeowners or renters who have taken our Hazard Mitigation Plan survey are aware of the importance of insurance. 80 percent of those responding say they have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

Finalize 

Just as with any emergency, the time to prepare for an emergency is not during the emergency. When you are under stress, thinking becomes cloudy. Duress can lead to wrong decisions. Take the time before hurricane season begins to become educated and write your plan down. Think of snowstorms when it comes to buying supplies: Long lines lead to a supply shortage at the supermarket and hardware stores as soon as a storm warning is issued.  Be at the front of the line: have peace of mind, be resilient, and be prepared!

What keeps you up at night? The Office of Emergency Management needs to hear Philadelphia residents’ concerns through a two minute survey as we update the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.  

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