Are You Prepared?!
Tips on Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane Season in New England is traditionally recognized as beginning June 1st and lasting through November 30th with most activity occurring from mid-August to early October.
Therefore, even though today’s forecasting technologies allow a much longer warning period then in years past, the intensity and exact path of a hurricane can change quickly, so it is best to be prepared in advance. This preparation includes having supplies on hand to survive several days without power as well as having a plan in the event of an evacuation.
Terms to be Familiar With
Property Protection
List of Preparations
Evacuation
Links
Terms to be Familiar With
The following terms are used to progressively describe the levels of organized tropical disturbances:
A Tropical Disturbance is a discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection - generally 100 to 300 nautical miles in diameter - originating in the tropics or subtropics, maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more.
A Tropical Depression is an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and a maximum sustained wind speed of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
A Tropical Storm is an organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and a maximum sustained wind speed of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).
A Hurricane is an intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. Hurricanes are further designated by categories on the Saffir-Simpson scale with a Category 1 Hurricane being the least intense and a Category 5 being the most intense.
Category Maximum Sustained Wind Speed
1 74-95 mph
2 96-110 mph
3 111-130 mph
4 131-155 mph
5 156+ mph
The National Weather Service has a two-tiered advising the public of an impending hurricane.
A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.
A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less.
Storm Surge is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. In addition, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the normal high tides.
Property Protection
Homeowners can perform several activities to help decrease the potential for damage to their homes from strong winds, damaging rains, and floods. Please note that a number of these are regular maintenance items that can be completed in advance of any threat of a hurricane.
§ Trim trees and shrubs. Remove dead or diseased trees and/or limbs that can be blown down during a storm
§ Clear rain gutters and downspouts
§ Secure storage sheds and other small outbuildings
§ Buy Flood Insurance if in low-lying area (flood damage is not automatically covered by homeowner’s insurance)
§ Bring in outdoor furniture and other items which may be picked up by strong winds
§ Inspect roof for loose shingles and repair
§ Check doors and windows for cracks, leaks, broken panes, etc. and repair
§ Make temporary plywood covers to protect windows, sliding glass doors, and French doors.
For more detailed information on how to protect your home, go to the FEMA publication Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Wind Damage at www.fema.gov/pdf/hazards/agstwnd.pdf
List of Preparations
Supplies
Residents should have a minimum one-week supply of the following items on hand:
§ Canned goods and nonperishable foods that do not require cooking (canned meats and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, canned/boxed/bottles juices or other drinks, dried fruit and nuts, bread, crackers, cookies, peanut butter, jelly)
§ Manual can opener
§ Bottled water (1 gallon/person/day)
§ Prescription medication (2 weeks supply; check with pharmacist if medication requires refrigeration in the event of a power outage)
§ Pet food
§ Disposable plates, cups, and utensils; paper towels, plastic trash bags
§ Baby food, formula, disposable diapers, wipes (2 weeks supply)
§ Personal hygiene supplies
§ First aid supplies
§ Telephone (cordless phones do not work if power is lost) and cell phone
§ Flashlight or lantern with extra batteries
§ Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
Other Advance Preparations
§ Store valuables and personal papers (bank accounts, insurance information, etc.) in waterproof container
§ Keep vehicles fueled (in the event of an evacuation)
§ Have cash and credit cards on hand
§ Make arrangements for pets in the event of an evacuation. Emergency shelters do not allow pets.
When a Hurricane Watch or Warning is Issued
§ If your water supply is from a well, fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. This water can be used for sanitation purposes in the event power is lost.
§ Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. In the event of a power loss, food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours and in a full freezer for up to 48 hours.
§ Bring in or secure in place outdoor furniture, swing sets, antennas, etc.
§ Cover windows and glass doors
§ Check emergency supplies
§ Prepare evacuation kit including clothing, books, activities/games for children, etc.
§ Review how to manually operate an electric garage door opener in the event of a power outage
§ Unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, cordless telephones, etc. if power is lost. When power is restored, there may be surges or voltage irregularities that can damage equipment.
Evacuation
Listen to your radio or television and follow instructions if ordered to evacuate. Leave as soon as possible and drive to a designated shelter or a location outside the evacuation area.
Before you leave, secure your home. Unplug appliances. Turn off electricity, gas, and water mains if possible.
When on the road, do no drive through flooded roads. Watch out for downed trees, power lines, and road/bridge washouts.
The designated emergency shelters in Mashpee will be opened if an evacuation is ordered. The emergency shelters for Mashpee are:
Mashpee High School
500 Old Barnstable Road
Please note that pets are not allowed at the shelter.
Items to bring to the Emergency Shelter include:
§ Prescription medication (2 weeks supply; check with pharmacist if medication requires refrigeration in the event of a power outage)
§ Baby food, formula, disposable diapers, wipes (2 weeks supply)
§ Personal hygiene supplies
§ Copies of personal papers (bank accounts, insurance information, etc.)
§ Cash and credit cards
§ Evacuation kit including clothing, books, activities/games for children, etc.
Authorities will announce when it is safe to return home.
Links
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