County Executive George Latimer Reminds Residents to be Prepared for Severe Weather

With the arrival of National Preparedness Month in September, County Executive George Latimer is reminding residents to plan for the potential impacts of severe weather that might occur in fall and winter.

Latimer said: “September is National Preparedness Month, and this designation is another reminder that we should continue to take practical precautions to be ready for any type of natural disaster or severe storm. As the recent horrific wildfires in Maui remind us, natural events and severe weather can have devastating consequences, including loss of life and enormous property damage.”

Latimer said residents should replenish their stockpile of batteries, canned or packaged foods, and other items that are useful to have if you have to shelter-in-place without power. He also said residents should have a go-bag ready in the event they have to leave their homes on short notice for any type of emergency.

Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie of the Department of Emergency Services (DES) noted that hurricane season continues through November 30, followed by the arrival of the winter storm season.

He recommended that people create a disaster preparedness kit that includes: one gallon of water per person per day; a three-day supply of canned, packaged or other foods that do not need refrigeration or need to be cooked; a manual can opener and eating utensils; flashlights and batteries; a first aid kit; and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

Foods that can be stored include ready-to-eat canned meats and fish; protein or fruit bars; dry cereal and granola; peanut butter; nuts; crackers and canned fruit juice.

Wishnie said residents can do the following to enhance their preparedness:

Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said flooding often occurs during severe storms, and provided the following tips to motorists who may be driving when flash flooding occurs: