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Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) Presentation: "Preparing for Disasters" On March 7th, our CERT hosted a presentation on disaster preparedness with various Polk County subject matter experts. At left, Chairperson Jim Bontrager thanked Mike Clay, Bay News 9 Meteorologist, for his overview on evacuation strategies, how meteorologists predict storms routes and severity, and practical evacuation strategies.
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Mike reminded us that, due to our inland location, our biggest threat from hurricanes (and tornadoes) will be from wind and not storm surge. In nearly all such circumstances, it's better to evacuate CLOSE to home when possible. Emergency preparedness is especially crucial during years of El Niño weather patterns, when most significant tornadoes occur. He stated how people can become easily confused about the dozens of hurricane storm tracking models and the spaghetti plots they create when attempting to understand the path a storm will take.
Mike recommended the use of the Spectrum BN9 (Bay News 9) mobile device application (app). Most other apps simply do not have the benefit of human interpretation from skilled meteorologists with years of experience to evaluate the myriad data when considering storm routes and severity. Mike also urged people to stay inside when warnings are issued for lightning strikes and to NOT go outside for at least 30 minutes following the last thunder rumblings.
Donna Prince, Judy Robinson, and Kathy Dranesville treated us to additional information on disaster preparations, including must-know considerations for those with special needs and pets.
Mike recommended the use of the Spectrum BN9 (Bay News 9) mobile device application (app). Most other apps simply do not have the benefit of human interpretation from skilled meteorologists with years of experience to evaluate the myriad data when considering storm routes and severity. Mike also urged people to stay inside when warnings are issued for lightning strikes and to NOT go outside for at least 30 minutes following the last thunder rumblings.
Donna Prince, Judy Robinson, and Kathy Dranesville treated us to additional information on disaster preparations, including must-know considerations for those with special needs and pets.
Donna Prince
Polk County Animal Control |
Judy Robinson
Polk County Healthcare Facility Emergency Management Planning |
Kathy Dranesville
Polk County Fire Rescue |
Our HAMPTONS Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
is looking out for us: Thank YOU, Dear Neighbors!
is looking out for us: Thank YOU, Dear Neighbors!
