East Coast Residents Should Prepare for Hurricane Earl: FEMA

Feds advise shoring up homes, storing water and food, and monitoring radio, TV

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THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- As Hurricane Earl, packing 145 mph winds, crept closer to the U.S. east coast Thursday, federal officials urged residents to take steps to protect themselves and their property.

Forecasters were trying to pinpoint how close the strongest winds and heaviest storm surge would get to North Carolina's Outer Banks, a fragile chain of barrier islands. They also were trying to determine whether the category-four storm would remain offshore as it heads north, or bring hurricane-force winds to Long Island, Cape Cod and the Boston area, the Associated Press reported.

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But people should know that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials said.

All residents should take measures to be prepared and ensure their safety, advised FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. Steps include putting together an emergency kit with 72 hours worth of food and water, developing a family communications plan, and listening to the radio or TV for information about risks and evacuations.

Among other federal government recommendations if the hurricane is likely to strike your area:

• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• Close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. If you don't have shutters, board up windows with 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Putting tape on windows does not prevent them from breaking.
• To reduce roof damage, install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
• Clear clogged rain gutters so they won't overflow.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• If you have a boat, moor it.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so. Otherwise, set the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest level and keep its door(s) closed.

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-- Robert Preidt