Atlantic

Our Atlantic storm map displays potential tropical storms that could impact the US coast.    If there is an active tropical storm or disturbance the map will include forecast tracks & wind danger areas.

Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage from storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge historically is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.  The Atlantic Hurricane Season falls between June 1st and November 30th 

• Activate your facility’s Emergency Action Plan and ensure that copies are accessible off site.

• Listen frequently to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins on the storm’s progress.

• Evacuate non-essential personnel.

• Move fuel and service emergency vehicles and generators inside the building or to a safe location.

• Inspect storm, roof, and floor drains to ensure they are free of debris and fully functional.

• Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters or other shielding materials.

• Anchor all equipment stored outside.

• Brace all signs, tanks, and roof equipment.

• Remove all awnings and lightweight outdoor coverings.

• Protect vital records against flooding and wind. Elevate all possible valuables off the floor onto furniture and shelving.

• Secure back-up records off site, away from the targeted hurricane area.

• Ensure an adequate stock of non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, drinking water and other supplies for staff and emergency crews.

• Check batteries in flashlights and radios.

• Listen closely to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins.

• Complete preparation activities, such as putting up storm shutters and storing loose objects.

• Patrol the facility, as long as it is safe to do so.

• Check for leaks and fire protection system impairment.

• Shut off valves when pipes have broken.

• Complete emergency repairs that are safe to perform.

• Move to a safe area before you are cut off by floodwater. Use sandbags if necessary.

• Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if told to do so!

• If you choose to stay in the building:

  • • Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.

    • Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, such as a bathroom, closet or hallway.

    • In a multiple-story building, go to the first or second floors. Lay on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.

• Maintain a supply of plastic or tarpaulin to cover water-sensitive equipment.

• Ensure proper working condition for emergency equipment, such as flashlights and battery powered radios, drills, and saws.

• Stock non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, and drinking water.

• Purchase N-95, NIOSH-approved disposable respirators for working with moldy or damp materials.

• Create an emergency evacuation kit for employees and their families including: first-aid, baby food and diapers, cards, games, books, toiletries, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, identification, and valuable papers.

• Review the following if the property is self-maintained. If not, discuss with your building manager.

  • • Inspect roofs and flushing to ensure they are properly secure.

    • Trim trees and shrubbery with safety in mind. Avoid electrical lines and excessive heights.

    • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Check drain (sump) pumps.

    • Secure or brace outside storage tanks, sheds, and other structures.

    • Buy plywood (min. 1/2 inch) or shutters to protect doors and windows.

• Pay attention to emergency information and alerts.

• If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone and local officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.

• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.

• Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

• Account for all employees who stayed at the facility during the emergency. If someone needs to be rescued, call professionals with the right equipment to help.

• Use caution in flooded areas. Floodwaters may be contaminated by agricultural or industrial chemicals, or hazardous agents.

• Do not attempt to drive across flowing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Two feet of water will carry away most cars.

• Stay away from standing water. It may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

• Conduct a preliminary inspection to verify stability before entering a flooded, formerly flooded or wind-damaged building. If there is extensive damage, have a professional engineer or architect certify that the building is safe for work.

• Have professionals check gas, water, and electrical lines and appliances for damage.

• Assess damage to buildings and equipment. Photograph and document all damage. Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible.

• Make temporary repairs to protect the building and its contents. Remove and discard porous organic materials that have become wet or visibly contaminated.

• Use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles and other open flames indoors. Only use tap water for drinking and cooking after local officials have reported that it is safe to do so.

• When using a generator, be sure that the main circuit breaker is off and locked out prior to starting the generator. This will prevent inadvertent energizing of power lines and help protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.

• Avoid breathing dust (potential fungal spores) generated by wet building materials.

• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.