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June 1- November 30 marks the hurricane season and the time to prepare for one is now.  This season may be a very active season according to NOAA, with 14 to 23 named storms.  Knowing which types of hazards might affect your family is one step to getting your family  ready. Central has two major rivers surrounding it; determine the  routes  best for your home if you need to leave. Know how  heavy rains, flooding and winds will affect your home and property. You can obtain sand and bags at all five of Centrals fire stations.  Have a single point of contact, ( out of state friend or family member) whom all your family members know how to get in touch with.  Have a disaster supply kit already assembled and in an available location.  

Disaster supply kit should include ( but not limited to) non-perishable food, non-electric can opener, bottled water, blankets and pillows, important documents, Flashlights with extra batteries, local maps, battery operated radio,  moisture wipes, toiletries,  

Also keep a First Aid Kit with medicines, doctors names and number, number to local pharmacies. Your CPR and first aid training can be obtained through us; for this go to our community page.  

Don’t forget about your pets, make sure they are up to date on shots, and have proper identification.  Have a cage, leash or harness, ample supply of food and water for them also.  Central’s area veterinarians can direct you to a shelter and information for you pets.  

Lightning   

Lightning can occur anywhere there is a thunderstorm. In the Webster’s II New College Dictionary lightning is defined as a large-scale high-tension natural electric discharge in the atmosphere.  A bit simpler: it  is a rapid release of electrical energy in the atmosphere.  This amazing change can cause the path of lightning to reach extremely hot temperatures.  

Even though lightning is so common, many people do not know what to do when it is happening.  First off it is always good to know the weather forecast before any outside activities.  Learn the 30-30 rule, when you see lightning count the time until you hear thunder if this is 30 seconds or less seek proper shelter. Also a good suggestion is to wait 30 min or more after last clap of thunder before leaving shelter, even if you do not see lighting.

Proper Shelter from lightning is a fully enclosed building, or metal topped vehicle.  These buildings need plumbing and/or wiring in the walls. Once inside stay away from plumbing, objects that plug into wall, window frames, metal doors.  For vehicles to be safe they need to have a complete metal top.  In addition to the metal shell, the persons inside should avoid touching things connected to outside, such as gear shift, steering wheel, windows.  The best place for your hands should be in you lap. 

The weather is always changing, so keep an eye on the sky,know  the forecast before outdoor activities and use safety precautions during a storm.

Webster’s II New College Dictionary. Boston New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1995. 634.