Based upon the weather forecasts, the potential continues for a very dangerous autumn storm system to affect the region early next week. The storm will be associated with what is currently Hurricane Sandy. The potential is there for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, coastal and inland flooding to affect our region. Preparing for emergencies is important! If you have not done so already, it is important to ensure you: · Check your family’s emergency supply kit – review and update your emergency supply kit. You should have at least a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food, water, medications, and other necessities to sustain you, your family and family pets (remember a kit for your car and work). Find a complete list of items to include in your kit at http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit · Review and update your emergency plan. Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. Find a list of simple and practical steps at http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan · Have an adequate communications plan – be sure friends and family know how to contact you. Teach family members how to use text messaging as text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call can’t get through · Follow the directions of local officials – evacuation orders may be issued by officials, so follow their guidance. · Stay informed; Monitor local weather forecasts and news reports for our area. Remember to have spare batteries for your radio in case of a power outage. · Remember food safety – power outages and flooding may happen as a result of a tropical storm or hurricane, so have a plan for keeping food safe. Have a cooler on hand to keep food cold, and group food together in the freezer so it stays cold longer. We urge residents to be familiar with flood and flash flood terminology and safety tips: · Driving through any flooded areas – it takes only six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult and two feet to move a vehicle. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! · Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. · Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if local official give notice to evacuate, do so immediately. · Flash Flood Watch: Rapid rises on streams and rivers are possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. · Flash Flood Warning; Rapid rises on stream and rivers are occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. More information about what to do before, during and after a disaster can also be found by visiting ready.gov or listo.gov or by calling the Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency at (610) 782-4600.