UNITED SIKHS' Advisory: PREPARING FOR HURRICANE IRMA
 
 
 
Irma - A Category 5 storm that has kept sustained winds of 180 mph longer than any other on record -- knocked out electricity a day earlier to more than 1 million customers in Puerto Rico as it churned off the US territory, and devastated smaller islands, including Barbuda and the British Virgin Islands.
 
UNITED SIKHS continues to monitor the track and potential impact Hurricane Irma will have this weekend. It is expected to produce a dangerous storm surge with life threatening coastal flooding and strong winds.
 
Outer bands of the unusually powerful Hurricane Irma battered parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti today morning, threatening serious flooding a day after leaving severe destruction and at least 10 dead across a string of Caribbean islands to the east.
 
This storm carries the potential for coastal flooding; please review the following guidelines if you are in an area prone to flood conditions:
    Preparedness and Safety Guidelines:
  • There is the potential for flooding with this storm. Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low-lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. 4 to 8 inches of rain are expected, with 10 inch totals in isolated locations.
  • If you encounter floodwaters, remember - turn around, don't drown.
  • Be familiar with evacuation routes, have a family communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for pets. Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn these and other preparedness tips for tropical storms.
  • Know your evacuation zone and be sure to follow the direction of state, local, and tribal officials if an evacuation is ordered for your area.
  • If you have a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood policy, you may be eligible for reimbursement of actions taken to protect your property. Call your insurance agent to find out more.
  • Get to know the terms that are used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued.
(Courtesy:http://fema.gov)
 
 
 
    Supplies list needed to be safe and informed during the hurricane.
  1. Water - at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
  2. Food - at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
  3. Flashlight
  4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio(NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  5. Extra batteries
  6. First aid kit
  7. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries,glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
  8. Multi-purpose tool
  9. Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  10. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  11. Cell phone with chargers
  12. Family and emergency contact information
  13. Extra cash
  14. Emergency blanket
  15. Map(s) of the area
  16. Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  17. Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
  18. Tools/supplies for securing your home
  19. Insect repellent and sunscreen
 
Click on http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ to get latest on the hurricane
 
  • Please see if you are in the evacuation zone and locate the nearest shelters.
  • In case of emergency, please call 911.
  • If you would like to volunteer to assist in the post relief efforts please contact us at : 1-888-243-1690 or at 407-864-2124 (S. Baljeet Singh). You can also fill the form here to join our relief projects.
  • Make sure you have visited the ready.gov site to prepare for Hurricane Irma.
 
This alert is prepared by the UNITED SIKHS Aid National Center for Disaster Relief & Emergency Preparedness (NCDREP). To access resources on natural disasters click here.

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Issued by,
Gurvinder Singh
Director, UNITED SIKHS
E: sikhaid@unitedsikhs.org




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