Atlantic hurricane 2013 season begins Saturday

They may not strike, but you should still be ready.
Before the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins Saturday, the National Hurricane Center is hosting National Hurricane Preparedness Week this week.
Saturday, June 1 marks Day 1 of the six-month hurricane period ending in November, which is a reminder for area counties to double-check and inform residents about disaster plans.
The NHC is predicting between 13 and 20 tropical storms in 2013. Up to 11 of those are predicted to become hurricanes and between three and six could turn into major storms.
“We typically take a look at what’s coming off Africa,” said meteorologist Lara Pagano about tracking the tropical storm cycle. “You have to have the warm sea surface temperatures and not too much wind sheer out there so it can start to develop.”
Pagano, who works with the National Weather Service in Newport, said with these “ingredients,” the weather service can forecast the intensity of a storm as it gets closer.
Although it will be an active hurricane season, Pagano said there may or may not be landfall.
 Randy Skinner, Greene County Emergency Services manager, said, “The biggest thing I can stress to the citizens of the county is to make sure you have supplies that last you at least three days.”

With a busy hurricane season predicted, one hasn’t made landfall since Hurricane Irene in 2011. More than 2 million people were under mandatory evacuation and 26 river-flooding records were broken, according to Huffingtonpost.com.
Hurricane Floyd of 1999, also called the “500-Year Storm,” devastated the Kinston area more than the others. When that catastrophic storm bellowed into North Carolina, most of Kinston’s highways were inundated; the Neuse River rose to 28 feet and it cost Lenoir County $310,000,000 in damages.
Floyd was tracked in its early stages.
“People need to pay attention to the forecast (and) the hazards that are involved with them and heed the advice of the emergency managers and the national weather services,” Pagano said. “I think that’s the best that most people can do at this point.”
 
Sonja Babic
Your North Carolina Broker

This Hurricane Season get ready with PRIME Realty

First and foremost you have to know what watch and warning mean:

Hurricane Watch—Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.

Hurricane Warning—Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

 

This hurricane season we all are hoping that we will not get much of the hurricane action here in New Bern but it is still very good idea to get prepared. Hurricanes are very powerful storms and they do change their paths here and there. For your convince here is list of supplies you should have ready and handy

 

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days

— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices

— foods for infants or the elderly

— snack foods

— non-electric can opener

— cooking tools / fuel

— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag

— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filledPet care items

— proper identification / immunization records / medications

— ample supply of food and water

— a carrier or cage

— muzzle and leash

Your North Carolina Broker

www.SonjaBabic.com

252-617-0861