THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 9, 1996 TAG: 9606070191
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: 39 lines
Hurricane season began June 1, and after last year's high level of tropical activity, Fire Capt. Bruce Sterling is reminding citizens to start preparing.
Sterling is Portsmouth's Emergency Services Coordinator
According to information provided by Sterling's office, the season is not expected to be as active as last year, but predictions call for 11 named storms - seven possibly becoming hurricanes.
Residents should have a disaster supplies kit and should be ready to survive on their own for at least 72 hours should a Category 4 hurricane strike the area.
Disaster supplies kits should be purchased ahead of time and kept in an easy-to-carry container, according to information provided by the Emergency Services office. Those items include:
Water - Three gallons of water per person in the household.
Food - Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; high-energy foods such as peanut butter and jelly, crackers, granola bars.
First-aid supplies - Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, four to six 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads, hypo-allergenic adhesive tape, moistened towelettes and antiseptic.
Clothing and bedding - Rain gear, blankets and sleeping bags, at least one change of clothes per person.
Tools and supplies - Battery-operated radio and flashlight and extra batteries for both, cash, non-electric can opener and fire extinguisher.
Special items - Baby items such as formula, diapers and medications; adult medications, games, books and important family documents such as insurance and bank papers.
Sterling suggests building the kit a little at a time if a family's budget is limited. But stores sell out of flashlights and batteries quickly when a hurricane threatens the area, he reminded.
For more information on disaster planning, call the Emergency Management Office at 393-8551. by CNB