For all you working in Atlantic and Gulf coastal states, this from NOAA yesterday regarding the current hurricane season (reprinted with permission):
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05/23/2007
NOAA Predicts Above-Average Hurricane Season
Experts at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center are projecting a 75 percent chance that the Atlantic hurricane season will be above normal this year-showing that the ongoing active hurricane era remains strong.
NOAA predicts the occurrence of 13 to 17 storms this season with up to 10 of those storms becoming hurricane strength. And, the storm activity may be even stronger than predicted if La Niña cycles. A possible transition to La Niña conditions could occur within the next 1 to 3 months.
To get ready for this active season, "National Hurricane Preparedness Week" began May 20th, and NOAA recommends those in hurricane-prone regions to begin their preparation plans. For your facility, those plans should include:
* Repairing hurricane/storm shutters, patching roofs, and caulking windows.
* Checking security and flood lighting.
* Identifying and securing items that may be blown around.
* Identifying emergency power requirements and determining if a generator needs to be purchased or rented. Test the generator monthly during peak season.
* Determining computer support for employees who need to remain operational during a natural disaster.
* Verifying that communications equipment is operational.
* Stocking necessary emergency supplies. All emergency supplies should be clearly marked and stored in an area accessible in an emergency.
* Preparing a list of vendors (and their telephone numbers) critical to your daily operations.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity occurring August through October. According to NOAA, an average Atlantic hurricane season brings 11 named storms, with 6 becoming hurricanes, including 2 major hurricanes.
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You might want to share this "action list" with authorities at your worksite(s). One other action item for security forces: Make sure every member of the security force has, understands, and has practiced the post orders or site instructions pertaining to hurricane events. We have no guarantees that Katrina can't happen all over again, so don't count on "outside help"! The more self-sustaining your venue is, the better off you'll be with respect to all disasters, not just hurricanes.
__________________________________________
05/23/2007
NOAA Predicts Above-Average Hurricane Season
Experts at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center are projecting a 75 percent chance that the Atlantic hurricane season will be above normal this year-showing that the ongoing active hurricane era remains strong.
NOAA predicts the occurrence of 13 to 17 storms this season with up to 10 of those storms becoming hurricane strength. And, the storm activity may be even stronger than predicted if La Niña cycles. A possible transition to La Niña conditions could occur within the next 1 to 3 months.
To get ready for this active season, "National Hurricane Preparedness Week" began May 20th, and NOAA recommends those in hurricane-prone regions to begin their preparation plans. For your facility, those plans should include:
* Repairing hurricane/storm shutters, patching roofs, and caulking windows.
* Checking security and flood lighting.
* Identifying and securing items that may be blown around.
* Identifying emergency power requirements and determining if a generator needs to be purchased or rented. Test the generator monthly during peak season.
* Determining computer support for employees who need to remain operational during a natural disaster.
* Verifying that communications equipment is operational.
* Stocking necessary emergency supplies. All emergency supplies should be clearly marked and stored in an area accessible in an emergency.
* Preparing a list of vendors (and their telephone numbers) critical to your daily operations.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity occurring August through October. According to NOAA, an average Atlantic hurricane season brings 11 named storms, with 6 becoming hurricanes, including 2 major hurricanes.
_________________________________________
You might want to share this "action list" with authorities at your worksite(s). One other action item for security forces: Make sure every member of the security force has, understands, and has practiced the post orders or site instructions pertaining to hurricane events. We have no guarantees that Katrina can't happen all over again, so don't count on "outside help"! The more self-sustaining your venue is, the better off you'll be with respect to all disasters, not just hurricanes.
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