By Natalie M. ZeiglerCity Manager
June has arrived, and hurricane season has come right along with it.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tells us that this year’s season has the potential to be an extremely active one, and as such could bring one of the region’s greatest natural hazards to our doorstep later this year. While we are free from the threat of catastrophic storm surge which faces our state’s coast, hurricanes may still inflict substantial damage here, and this possibility is something for which we and our residents ought to be prepared. Those who experienced Hurricane Hugo on the unforgettable night of Sept. 21, 1989 surely remember just how destructive wind and rain can be -- taking out power, downing trees and smashing in windows and roofs.
Many excellent websites offer vital hurricane information. The National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov) serves as an excellent storm tracking monitor, and it joins the Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.ready.gov/hurricanes) in providing advice on the ways in which residents should prepare for the approach of storm systems.
Before a storm, securing property is an important consideration. Loose outdoor items should be stored away, gutters and downspouts cleared, and trees and shrubs trimmed as well as possible.
Anytime a hurricane appears to be on the way, emergency supplies should be on hand as well. Some major necessities include water, with one gallon per person per day on hand for three days. Consider filling bathtubs or other large containers with water in case of a disruption of service. A three-day supply of non-perishable food should be available as well. At a time when we are used to receiving weather reports by television, Internet or mobile device, this can be easy to forget, but in emergencies, radios serve as a reliable means by which to get weather information, so think about having a battery- or crank-operated radio on hand.
The best place to take cover in a hurricane is on the ground floor of a structure in a small space, such as a hallway or closet, and of course away from any window. Keep interior doors closed as well, as a partial guard against wind if a window should fail. Remember that mobile homes are not as secure as other structures in standing up to hurricane-force winds.
South Carolina has been fortunate for many years in avoiding direct strikes from powerful hurricanes, but those who have lived here long enough know that sooner or later, a major storm will arrive. In hurricanes as with any disaster situation, our local emergency response – police, firefighters and utility crews – are always among the first on the ground keeping Hartsville safe. Just as the City of Hartsville maintains an Emergency Operations Plan, our residents should conduct their own planning and preparation to stay safe this and every hurricane season.
