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Jun 29, 2011 | Luke Blount

Tropical Storm Arlene a Reminder to Be Prepared

Are you ready2The Atlantic Basin's first named storm of the 2011 hurricane season is Arlene, a slow developing tropical storm headed towards the Mexican coastline. With a hurricane season predicted to be more active than normal, the Diocese of Texas urges families and parishes to take precautions and be prepared for the worst. 

 

Less than three years ago Hurricane Ike struck the coast of Galveston, leaving behind a trail of flooding and wreckage along the Texas coast. Ike was the last hurricane to strike the United States coast. It is very unusual for such a lengthy period of time without a domestic hurricane strike, so chances are 2011 will see a hurricane hit the U.S. 

 

Take precautions now while you have the time. Discuss evacuation options if you live along the coast. Prepare a disaster kit with food, water, flashlights and other emergency items found here

 

Parishes that do not have a disaster plan need to create one immediately. Not only will it help your parish with hurricanes, but also tornadoes, fires, floods and other natural and man-made disasters. Download our Parish Emergency Planning Guide to help your preparedness efforts. Read our Texas Episcopalian readiness insert from 2010. Visit our emergency preparedness webpage for more information, and get prepared this summer. 

 

From a previous report, May 23:

 

Experts are again predicting an active hurricane season as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted at least 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes of category 3, 4 or 5.

 

“The United States was fortunate last year. Winds steered most of the season’s tropical storms and all hurricanes away from our coastlines,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “However we can’t count on luck to get us through this season. We need to be prepared, especially with this above-normal outlook.”

 

2011 has already been a year with high tornado activity, as several severe storm systems have taken their toll on portions of the South, Southeast and Midwest. The sudden and dramatic effects of severe weather underscore the need to be prepared.

 

“The tornadoes that devastated the South and the large amount of flooding we’ve seen this spring should serve as a reminder that disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. As we move into this hurricane season it’s important to remember that FEMA is just part of an emergency management team that includes the entire federal family, state, local and tribal governments, the private sector and most importantly the public,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

 

The Diocese of Texas is just three years removed from Hurricane Ike’s devastating impact on the Texas Coast. Ike was the third costliest hurricane in U.S. history, and populations along the coast are still dealing with the effects from its huge tidal surge and high winds. EDOT oversaw $1 million worth of rebuilding efforts in Galveston after the storm.

 

Preparing for the possibility of another storm is essential for all parishes and families as hurricane season begins. For resources, visit our preparedness page or ready.gov. Or to keep abreast of national Episcopal relief efforts, visit Episcopal Relief and Development’s US Disaster Program website.

 

Resource:  Emergency Readiness