Alex, the first named tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, has moved into the Gulf of Mexico. Experts think there are good chances the storm could turn into a hurricane as it moves over the Gulf’s warm waters. The Associated Press states, “…the storm’s direction is not on track to hit the BP oil spill on the northeastern end of the Gulf. Maximum sustained winds Sunday night were 45 mph.”
So far, Tropical Storm Alex has proven deadly in the Central American states it has already visited. Meteorologists predict the storm will not make landfall in the United States, but will land in Mexico instead. However, it is important to remember that a tropical storm’s track can suddenly change and/or strengthen.
Be Prepared
When a hurricane or tropical storm threatens your area, there are some basic hurricane preparedness tips to keep in mind.
Make sure you are covered. Most home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by water, whether it is from a burst pipe or flood waters. Get flood insurance before it is too late.
Know the hazards in your community and where to seek shelter. Be aware of areas that are likely to flood when there is heavy rainfall. In addition, create a map with highlighted route in the event you need to seek shelter. Remember to keep in mind possible road closures.
3. Know the safest area of your home.
Have your emergency disaster kit ready to go. This kit should have a list of important phone numbers, insurance policy information, a first aid kit, food and water rations, prescription medicines, flashlights, a radio and extra batteries.
Secure your property. Fill your vehicles with gasoline and park them in a garage. Move valuables away from the windows. Place boards or lower hurricane shutters over windows. Fill all tubs and sinks with water.
The President is confident that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ready for action under the leadership of its new director, Craig Fugate.
Fewer hurricanes are predicted to affect the United States this year, but residents that could be affected are warned to still be prepared just in case. After all, it does take just one hurricane to cause enough devastation to last for years. It is estimated that 35 million people in the country live in hurricane-prone areas.
Experts advise that not only residents should be prepared for hurricanes, but tourists should prepared be as well. It would be wise for travelers to pack an emergency disaster kit should the weather expected change with little notice.
FEMA has been creating and improving upon disaster housing solutions in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the highly criticized trailers that caused people to fall ill. The new and improved trailers feature an adhesive with less formaldehyde in them. They also come in several varieties of beige colors. The travel-trailers are also clean and do not have shutters.
FEMA housed one million displaced, homeless citizens after Hurricane Katrina caused unlivable conditions in homes only to find the emergency housing caused breathing problems, frequent headaches, nosebleeds, and other illnesses. The culprit was the formaldehyde used in what was thought to be a more cost-effective glue product in the manufacturing of the mobile homes and trailers.
The trailers will be undergoing tests for 6 to 12 months by students at the National Emergency Training Center. One of the insulation products being tested includes sheep’s wool, which is thought to absorb formaldehyde. Testers will see if the levels of formaldehyde increase with time if one cooks or smokes in the trailers. Air quality standards are in place for mobile homes in the United States, but not for travel-trailers.
