Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

While the hurricane season is officially June 1-November 30, there already is a tropical storm off the southeast coast. Alberto is the earliest tropical storm to form in the Atlantic basin since Ana in 2003. In its 29th year of issuing Atlantic Basin hurricane forecasts, the Colorado State University forecast team has predicted a below-average 2012 Atlantic basin hurricane season due to a cooling of the tropical Atlantic and the potential development of El Nino conditions. The CSU team calls for 10 named storms during the hurricane season. Four of those are expected to become hurricanes and two of those major hurricanes (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5) with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater. Time to prepare!

Check out NOAA's National Hurricane Preparedness Week site. (Item #1)   Know the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane? Now you can find out... and get prepared as well. (Item #2)   The Red Cross offers a resource you'll want to know about. (Item #3)  

Don't forget to plan for your pets... even the government is now urging that pets figure in your disaster plans. (Item #4)   Use this checklist from the Red Cross to be sure you're prepared just in case. (Item #5)   If you're not up for putting together your own kit, check online for sources of ready-made kits. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. National Hurricane Preparedness Week May 27-June 2

History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. NOAA offers information and links to various YouTube videos on subjects of interest during the week.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/

2. Tropical Cyclones: A Preparedness Guide

Tropical cyclones are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by destructive winds, tornadoes and flooding from these storms. This guide from NOAA provides good information, from definitions to hurricane hazards to how to stay informed.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/hurricane/resources/TropicalCyclones11.pdf

3. Red Cross Safe and Well Site

After a disaster, the Red Cross offers a resource that lets you list yourself safe and well so concerned family and friends will know you are okay. The other option offered on the site is the ability to search the list so you will know others are safe. Give everyone you know the link to this site so they, too, can let you know they're safe or can search to see if you are.
https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php

4. Disaster Planning for Pets

After Hurricane Katrina, FEMA started an initiative educating families with animals on how to prepare in advance to evacuate with their pets. Our pets are just like family to most of us and they are usually also affected by a disaster. Since tornado and hurricane season is right around the corner, an emergency plan for your furry four legged friend is something you might want to consider.
http://dogsnpawz.com/national-animal-disaster-preparedness-day.html

5. Hurricane Safety Checklist

The Red Cross provides this safety checklist in PDF form... download it and make sure you are prepared for the worst. Preparation is your best defense.
http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Hurricane.pdf

6. Hurricane Preparedness Kits

The First Aid store is but one of many companies that can provide survival kits for all types of disasters. Googling survival kits will bring up many more. You also can check www.hurricane.com for more sources of kits and information.
http://www.firstaidstore.com/catalog/Disaster_Survival_Preparation/244.aspx?iorb=4764&utm_source=sponsored&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=BROI