Helping Residents Get Ready for the Next Storm By J. Elizabeth Phillips, Urban Regional Extension Agent, Mobile County

On May 22, 2006, the National Hurricane Center predicted 13-16 "named" storms to occur in 2006. This includes as many as ten hurricanes, with a possibility of six being major storms. Since the north Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Extension) is making an effort to prepare residents living along Alabama's Gulf Coast on how to plan for natural and manmade disasters. This included recent participation at the first annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo held in Mobile on May 24.

Events like the Hurricane Preparedness Expo focus on storm preparation, including personal and family safety planning. Government and other emergency response agencies agree it is necessary to educate citizens on the full-range of services available where they live. No one wants to repeat the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that devastated Alabama's Gulf Coast region, Louisiana, and other coastal states in August 2005. For example, Mobile public housing residents in flood-prone facilities learned about new evacuation routes, transportation options, and the importance of having a personal and family plan in the event of a catastrophic hurricane.

When disaster occurs, it is the unexpected we need to prepare for, such as caring for pets and individuals with acute or chronic illnesses like diabetes. This is also a great time for meteorologists to help residents understand and appreciate the need for personal responsibility in adhering to public pleas for early mandatory evacuations.

Much like health prevention education, you can never sound the alarm enough when it comes to disaster preparedness that may help to save human life. If you want to find out more about how to prepare for natural or manmade disasters, or to learn what emergency services are available in your area, contact organizations, such as the Federal or Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, AARP, local fire and police departments, or your county Extension office.

References
O'Driscoll, Patrick. (June 1, 2006). The 2006 hurricane season begins today---Is everyone ready? USA Today.

United States Census Bureau. (May 22, 2006). 2006 hurricane season begins. Facts for Features.

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