2009 Hurricane Awareness Week

• Hurricane History
  

Here is a list of tropical systems that have affected Alabama:  http://bit.ly/2lXAAM

• Storm Surge

Storm surge does not affect Etowah County directly.  However, you should educate yourself to the dangers, in case you vacation at or near the beach.  Storm surge represents the largest potential for loss of life from a hurricane.  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/storm_surge.shtml

• High Winds & Tornadoes

High winds and tornadoes, along with floods, represent the greatest threat to Etowah County from tropical systems.  Hurricanes Katrina (2005), Dennis (2005), Ivan (2005), and Opal (1995) all caused winds of between 50-90 mph in Central Alabama.  

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/high_winds.shtml

Hurricane Rita caused Central Alabama's second largest single day tornado outbreak (21) on September 25, 2005.  Tornadoes spawned by tropical systems tend to not be accompanied by lightning, thunder, or hail.  They are usually spawned very quickly, and can be hundreds of miles away from the center of a tropical system.  Basic tornado safety is essential to protecting you and your family.

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html

• Inland Flooding

Inland flooding represents the other big threat to Etowah County from tropical systems.  Even weak systems can produce copious amounts of rain.  This often creates river flooding, and flash flooding.  You should be aware of flood safety tips, regardless of the season. 

1. DETERMINE WHETHER YOU LIVE IN A FLOOD ZONE.
   
2. IF ADVISED TO EVACUATE, DO SO IMMEDIATELY.
3. KEEP ABREAST OF ROAD CONDITIONS.
4. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS A FLOODED ROADWAY. Turn around, don't drown.

http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/trop.shtml

• Forecast Process

Familiarize yourself with the watches, warning, and advisories that are issued by the National Hurricane Center.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/forecast_process.shtml

• Be Prepared

Having a plan is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family.  Not only if threatened by a tropical system, but for any emergency.  Do you have a plan?  Do you have an emergency preparedness kit?  Have you accounted for your pet?

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/family_plan.shtml

http://www.adph.org/get10/

• Take action

Educate yourself on hurricanes, and the hazards that come along with them.  By doing so, you will help improve you and your family's safety if a tropical system threatens.  Now is the time to plan and educate yourself...not when a storm is imminent.  You are the most important part of your family's safety plan.   

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/action.shtml

Etowah County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Meeting

            A meeting of the Etowah County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ECVOAD) will take place at 3 p.m. on Tuesday May 19^th at the Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency.  The ECVOAD consists of representatives from various local governments, municipalities, and social service organizations which volunteer assistance and resources in times of need.

            All ECVOAD members and those organizations wishing to join are invited to attend.   The Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency is located in the basement of the police building at Gadsden City Hall.  For more information, contact the Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency at (256)549-4575.

Tone Alert Radio Recycling Program Begins

           

            A recycling program for Tone Alert Radio disposal is set to begin today.  Individuals and organizations who have a Tone Alert Radio are asked to drop off all components of the radio in the red recycling box at one of the following locations:

• Attalla Water Board
• Gadsden Municipal Amphitheatre
• Glencoe Fire Department
• Hokes Bluff Fire Department
• Rainbow City Fire Department
• Southside Fire Department

            Tone Alert Radios were issued to schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, and special needs individuals as part of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) to provide emergency alerts.  Service for the Tone Alert Radios was discontinued in Etowah County on April 30^th.

            Due to battery disposal, people are requested not to throw away their units.  The Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency have created a recycling plan for the battery and other materials in the Tone Alert Radio. 

            For more information, contact the Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency at 549-4575.