Get Ready during HURRICANE Season!
Hurricane Season runs June 1^st thru November 30^th

By Lauren DiLuzio, Red Cross volunteer

The Delmarva Peninsula has been impacted numerous times in the past by the forces that define powerful storms such as Nor’easters, hurricanes and tropical storms.  This year is likely to be no different from any other. Therefore, the probability of the Delmarva Peninsula remaining unscathed is extremely rare.  Due to last year’s devastation and the forecast for this year, it is imperative that each individual and family take additional steps in planning and safety.  Already there have been predictions for 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 5 severe hurricanes.

The Delmarva Peninsula’s location and geography has acted as a shield to hurricanes for the past seventy years, but that does not mean that it will not be affected by the wrath of a hurricane in the near future.  Because access to the peninsula is limited, evacuation of the area is difficult and time consuming.  This poses a serious threat to our residents, making it important to listen and take action when a warning is issued.  It is important to keep in mind that Nor’easters have statistically been the most damaging, but that fact can dramatically change after just one hurricane, in six hours.   

Hurricanes are wrought with rain, wind, and strong storm surges that are extremely dangerous to the area. For instance, although an unlikely occurrence because of the Atlantic’s cold water, a category four hurricane would leave Rehoboth inundated with several feet of water, while just a category one hurricane would see flooding in the towns of Lewes, Dewey, and Bethany.   In addition, a category one hurricane traveling up the Chesapeake Bay would create flooding in Dorchester, Queen Anne’s and Kent counties in Maryland.  Flooding is not the only result – strong winds have potential to create significant levels of damage to homes, buildings, and power lines.

The expected forecast of storms has prompted both the National American Red Cross and our local Red Cross chapter to increase our preparedness for this season.  Not only do we need to take precautions, but it is necessary for you to take the expected safety measures for your own protection. This will help improve the chances of being prepared if affected during a nor’easter, hurricane, or tropical storm of any magnitude.


What is the American Red Cross doing to prepare?

Nationally

• American Red Cross Expands Capacity to Handle Disasters
   

• ARC is building partnerships with other agencies to provide better welfare information and family reunification services.  After the 2005 hurricane season that had one of the most devastating storms in history, the largest relocation of Americans in our country’s history occurred. The result was the necessity for a more effective way to reunite families.  Several agencies are now working together to coordinate services that will help improve the reunification of families during the aftermath of a disaster.  The agencies that are working together include American Red Cross, FEMA, Louisiana Family Assistance Center, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, USPS, National Next of Kin Registry, Community Voice Mail, and Contact Loved Ones. 

 Locally

• Free disaster training is available throughout the jurisdiction to become a Red Cross volunteer, and help save lives, should hurricanes or other disasters strike right here at home. 
   

• We have increased our capacity to respond. We have trained more disaster volunteers in all counties in our jurisdiction, and acquired new vehicles (through a grant from the Longwood Foundation) The new Dodge Rams are already in use at three chapter offices. The three new vehicles’ primary role is to move pre-positioned trailers filled with relief supplies to disaster response facilities, and provide support for other disaster relief and preparedness activities.

What should I do now to stay safe during a Hurricane?

• Familiarize yourself with Hurricane Safety Tips and other necessary safety precautions.
   

• Create a family communication plan that includes pre-disaster planning. Contact family members before a forecasted event occurs, inform them of the family communication plan, and let them know your location in the event of an emergency.
   

• Take training in life-saving skills such as First Aid and CPR, to protect your family, friends and neighbors.

What can I do to help?

• You can become a Red Cross volunteer. Take free disaster training to respond to local or national emergencies or disasters, help with administrative duties, and teach classes etc.
   

• Donate to our local American Red Cross chapter to provide for our local families whose lives are devastated by disaster.