THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 6, 1995 TAG: 9508040229
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
The only weather Portsmouth residents have been talking about recently is the heat.
But if you talk to Portsmouth Fire Capt. John A. O'Neal, be ready to switch weather channels.
O'Neal is deputy coordinator of emergency services for the city. He's responsible for how the city responds to hurricane season.
Long before the first tropical storm had stirred up enough gust to earn it's place at the front of the alphabet, O'Neal and other emergency officials were laying the groundwork for area preparedness.
They participated in a hurricane exercise called Nanna in June, holding a disaster drill at the Emily Green Shores Home for Adults where about 40 residents were moved to a shelter.
The training was for the 15 staff members, as well as residents.
``Everybody moved, I believe, in about 40 minutes,'' said Bill Parker, the home's administrator. ``We've come up with some ways to do it quicker now.''
The Fire Department, Red Cross and the Baptist Disaster Team participated in the Emily Home exercise, according to O'Neal.
In addition, the Red Cross has formed a committee to examine the needs of the elderly and homebound in the event of disaster, he said. The committee includes representatives of emergency services and hospitals and agencies that serve the sick and elderly.
O'Neal said that his office has information available on all types of hazards and can provide guest speakers on preparedness to civic leagues and other groups.
If interested, call O'Neal at 393-8551.
O'Neal also provided residents these hurricane safety tips, which come from the 1995 Hurricane Awareness Campaign of the state Department of Emergency Services:
Before the storm:
Know your risk. Consult your local emergency management office or Red Cross chapter for information on area preparedness.
Identify where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a motel, a shelter.
Pre-pack a home hurricane supplies kit with a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, first aid kid, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
Recheck your supply of boards, tools, batteries, and other equipment you will need when a hurricane strikes your area.
Check your homeowner's coverage to make sure that you have flood insurance. Take pictures of your property before the storm to help validate your claim and remember to take the policies with you should you have to evacuate.
When a hurricane is approaching:
Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. A hurricane watch means possible danger; if the danger increases, a hurricane warning will be issued.
Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture and other items that could blow away.
Fill your car's gas tank and prepare to evacuate if told to do so.
If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.
During the storm:
If you are not advised to evacuate, remain indoors, away from windows. If necessary, seek refuge in an interior, windowless room. Use a mattress to protect yourself from falling debris.
If the calm storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to half an hour or more. The winds at the other side of the storm's eye rise very rapidly to hurricane force, coming from the opposite direction.
After the storm:
Listen to your local radio stations for official disaster relief information and instructions.
Be prepared to do without power, phone or outside services for a week or more.
Be careful of downed power lines, weakened structures, rodents and snakes, and avoid puddles.
Don't drink tap water and eat only foods you are absolutely sure are safe.
Be careful when handling power tools, gas lanterns, generators and matches.
Avoid using candles as a light source. Deadly fires could result.
If you are within 50 miles of a hurricane-prone coast, don't wait until it's too late. Follow the safety guidelines and ask your local insurance agent about flood insurance coverage to protect your home and belongings. Standard homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding. by CNB