Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Encourages Action During National Hurricane Preparedness Week May 5 – 11, 2024

May 8, 2024

Contact: Vanessa Corson
Cell: (207) 592-6201
Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUSTA, MAINE - It is National Hurricane Preparedness Week! The purpose of this designation is for residents and business owners along the east coast to take actions that will prepare them for the Atlantic Hurricane Season which occurs annually June 1 through November 30.

In coordination with National Hurricane Preparedness Week, the Maine Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to take inventory of existing supplies in their homes and vehicles, replace or update any expired materials, obtain supplies that are essential in the event of a hurricane, and discuss emergency plans with household members.

Know Your Risk:

• Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur without it being a major hurricane.
• Coastal Maine could experience storm surge, strong winds, and rip currents. Inland flooding may occur, and tornadoes can form because of these storms.

Discuss Emergency Plans With Household Members:

• Decide how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
  • Identify several places you could go such as a friend's home in another town or a hotel. Choose destinations in different directions so that you have options during an emergency.
  • If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Some emergency shelters only allow service animals.
• Identify the nearest evacuation shelters.
• Who will you contact to let them know you are safe? How will you communicate with them if your cell phone is dead or the cell tower is down?
• Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
• Come up with a family/household plan to stay in touch in case you become separated.
• Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation. Prepare a "go-bag" you can carry when you evacuate on foot or public transportation and supplies for traveling longer distances if you have a car.

Home Supplies And Preparations:

• One gallon of water per person per day to last 3 days. Don't forget about pets!
• Nonperishable food that does not require cooking, and a manual can opener.
• Medications.
• Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel, or food.
• Gather financial and critical personal, household, and medical information.
  • Store important documents either in a safety deposit box, an external drive, or on the cloud to make it easy to access during a disaster.
• Review your insurance policy.
  • Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.

Vehicle Preparedness:

• Keep a full tank of gas if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car. Supplies include jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, car cell phone charger, blanket, map, and bottled water.
• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if needed. Decide with family, friends, or your local emergency management office to see what resources may be available.

Additional preparedness and safety information is available at www.MainePrepares.com or visit MEMA on Facebook, X, and Nextdoor.