As hurricane season rolls around, officials suggest being prepared
Nearly three years ago, Superstorm Sandy rocked the east coast, severely damaging parts of Ocean City and New Jersey.
Rehoboth Beach however got lucky.
Joe Thomas, the Director Of Emergency Services, in Sussex County explained that the damages suffered could’ve been much worse, saying:
“We were supposed to get significant flooding, wind damage.” and “We were spared that quite frankly, the storm made a turn at the last minute before it made landfall.”
Rehoboth Beach suffered significant beach erosion, inland flooding, and downed power lines from high winds.
All considered minor damage compared to other areas.
With another hurricane season starting in June lasting until November, Delmarva Power and Sussex County Emergency Services are warning citizens about the potential dangers.
“With a hurricane or even a severe Nor Easter you could look a an extended power outages in the wake of a hurricane.” Said Jim Smith of Delmarva Power.
“Any kind of coastal storm is a significant threat to these coastal communities. Particularly this is how they make their living, the tourist industry, people coming to the beach spending time.”
Experts are predicting a 70% below normal season anticipating 6-11 named storms.
Even a weak season could deliver a strong storm like Hurricane Andrew in 1992 which crushed Florida and the Gulf Coast causing $26.5 billion in damages.
Predictions aside, you should have an emergency kit on hand packed with provisions to get you through several days without power.
“Number one thing to prepare is to long before a storm arrives, have an emergency kit available and stowed away so that if there is a power outage, you can sustain for a few days in your residence.” Said Smith.
Some recommendations for your emergency kit, a flashlight, clock and radio, batteries, non-perishable food, a can opener, bottled water, and a list of important phone numbers.
Smart 9-1-1, a mobile application recommended by Sussex County Emergency Services, helps families save time in the event that an emergency arises. Click here for more information.
For details on Delmarva Power’s storm preparation suggestions, click here.
