October 4, 2016

Hurricane Matthew’s path through the Caribbean and approach to the United States is an authentic reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season is still active. The season, which began June 1st, ends November 30th.

It is uncertain what track Matthew will take when it advances towards the United States Atlantic coast and if its effects will be felt in Philadelphia. It is certain, however, that you prepare before a storm hits.

This means being connected to important sources of information, having emergency supplies, and developing a family communications plan.

Philadelphia and its surrounding counties and states have seen late-season powerful storms over the decade-and-a-half. In 1999, Tropical Storm Floyd caused mass flooding, widespread property damage, and power outages. September marked the five-year anniversary of  Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Hurricane Sandy made landfall in October of 2012.

Severe storms, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, brings heavy rain which causes flooding and high winds that cause power outages along with property damage.

Now is the time to check your emergency supplies and discuss an emergency plan with your family.

What you can do:

  • Make a family emergency plan. Include everyone in your house: involve those with access and functional needs. Be sure to account for your pets too. Write down emergency contacts and health information.
  • Assemble a emergency supply kit if you should have to shelter-in-place. If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate, have adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
  • Build a go-bag in case you should need to evacuate. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of important information. Given our dependence on cell phones, you’ll need a portable, crank or solar powered USB charger.
  • If you are asked or ordered to evacuate, know the evacuation route. Have a plan for where you can stay, whether you’re with family, friends or a temporary residence. If it becomes necessary, our office will open up a shelter for displaced residents.
  • If using a professionally installed or  portable generator during power outages, remember to keep them and other alternate power/heat sources outside (at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture) and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.
  • 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.
  • Know the terms. A Hurricane watch means conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours.
  • Have a trusted source for information. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center is a source for hurricane forecasts. The National Weather Service in Mount Holly provides local information regarding the expected impacts from storms.
  • Stay in communication before, during, and after an emergency. Sign up for the City’s mass notification system, ReadyPhiladelphia. Alerts direct from the National Weather Service and emergency information from the city are sent to you via text, email or phone calls.
  • Information will also be published through the City of Philadelphia and the Office  of Emergency Management’s websites as well as  @PhiladelphiaGov, @PhilaOEM, @PhillyPolice and @PhillyFireDept social media accounts. Local news media will also disseminate important information.

 

 

Follow Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management on Twitter. Like us on  Facebook.