Be Smart. Know Your Hazard

Hurricanes have the power to cause widespread devastation, and can affect both coastal and inland areas. For more information, download the “How to Prepare for a Hurricane” guide from the FEMA website. The guide provides the basics of hurricanes, explains how to protect yourself and your property, and details the steps to take now so that you can act quickly at a time when every second counts.

Hurricane Basics

WHAT: Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over water and move toward land. Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. These large storms are called typhoons in the North Pacific Ocean and cyclones in other parts of the world.

WHEN: The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30.

WHERE: Affected areas include all Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, parts of the Southwest, the Pacific Coast, and the U.S. territories in the Pacific.

Know the Risk

Your risk from hurricanes is based on where you live, the structure of your home, and your personal circumstances. People who live on the coast are most at risk for extreme winds and flooding from rain and storm surge. People who live inland are at risk for wind, thunderstorms, and flooding. Hurricanes also cause widespread power outages, which may be a risk factor for people who need power-dependent medical devices. Visit the FEMA website to learn about your property’s projected risk to flood hazards.

Additional Resources

Decide where the members of your household will meet after the hurricane. Visit the Government’s website to make-a-plan for instructions on developing a Household Communications Plan.

For more information on protecting yourself from a hurricane and protecting your property and belongings, visit the FEMA website.

New Jersey’s Register Ready – Video in American Sign Language (ASL): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmIpCD2I6aE

NJSP Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey: http://www.ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/hurricanes.shtml

Safety Tips to Prevent Unintentional Poisoning During Hurricane Clean-Up

24/7 Multilingual Hotline to NJ Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

Here are some SAFETY TIPS from the NJ Poison Control Center on preventing unintentional poisoning during the clean-up process :

  1. Do not use gasoline-powered washers or generators in the basement, home or garage.  Gasoline-powered equipment releases large amounts of carbon monoxide increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  2. NEVER MIX cleaning products such as ammonia and bleach or other disinfectants.
  3. Use bleach to clean mold off hard things (floors, stoves, sinks, certain toys, counter tops, flatware, plates, and tools).  Mix no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water.
  4. When working with cleaning products, wear rubber boots; rubber gloves; goggles;and, when necessary, a mask to prevent skin and respiratory irritation.
  5. Open windows and doors to get fresh air when using cleaning products.
  6. Wash hands routinely and thoroughly to prevent infection.  Wash all clothing worn during cleanup in hot water separate from the laundering of routine clothing.
  7. Take things that were wet for two (2) or more days and place them outside the home to be cleaned or thrown away.

Help is just a phone call away.