EVEN THOUGH the 2013 hurricane season proved to be mild, forecasters are predicting an about-face for 2014. June 1 marks the official start of the hurricane season with the peak storm threat occurring from mid-August to late October.
When the Global Weather Oscillations (GWO), a leading hurricane and climate cycle prediction company, released its 2014 hurricane predictions, the upcoming season was described as stronger and more dangerous than a year ago, with 17 named storms, eight hurricanes and three major hurricanes. While many weather organizations predicted that 2013 would be a strong season, GWO was the only one that did not.
Santee Electric wants you to be prepared in the event of one of these dangerous storms. Keep your family safe with these handy tips.
Before the storm
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Put together an emergency kit and plan. Communicate the plan with your family.
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Know the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you prepare for the storm surge and any tidal flooding.
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Secure your home: cover all windows with either storm shutters or boards, clear loose and clogged rain gutters, and bring all outdoor furniture indoors.
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Learn your community hurricane evacuation routes.
During the storm
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Listen to the radio or TV for information, if possible.
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Avoid using the phone, unless there is an emergency.
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Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, keep the refrigerator thermostat on the coldest setting and keep the doors closed.
After the storm
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Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to Santee Electric.
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Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads. Watch out for fallen objects, downed power lines and weakened walls, bridges or sidewalks.
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NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawl spaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas.
For more tips on planning before, during, and after the storm, visit ready.gov/hurricanes.
Floyd L.
Keels
President and Chief
Executive Officer