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The Smithfield Emergency Management Agency is providing the following
information to help our residents get ready for the possible impact of
Hurricane Earl.
LATEST
STORM INFORMATION FROM NOAA
For the latest storm location and forecasts, please
click to the
National Weather Service
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
National Weather Service – Taunton Office
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/
National Hurricane Center – Miami, Florida
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
WHAT
IS A HURRICANE?
Hurricanes and tropical storms are cyclones with
tropical origins (tropical cyclones). When the winds of a tropical storm
(winds 39 to 73 miles per hour) reach a constant speed of 74 miles per
hour or more, it is called a hurricane. Hurricane winds blow in a large
spiral around a relatively calm center known as the "eye." The "eye" is
generally 20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may have a diameter of 400
miles across. As a hurricane approaches, the skies will begin to darken
and winds will grow in strength. A hurricane can bring torrential rains,
high winds, and storm surge as it nears land. A single hurricane can last
for more than two weeks over open waters and can run a path across the
entire length of the eastern seaboard.
American
Red Cross
HURRICANE WATCHES AND WARNINGS
WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in
the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in
the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
American Red Cross
SOME IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS FROM EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AND THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
PREPARE A PERSONAL
EVACUATION PLAN:
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Identify ahead of time where you could go if you
are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another
town, a motel, or a shelter.
-
Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as
well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or
unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
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Listen to
NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation
instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLIES
KIT INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
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First aid kit and essential medications.
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Canned food and can opener.
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At least three gallons of water per person.
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Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or
sleeping bags.
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Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra
batteries.
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Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled
family members.
PREPARE FOR HIGH WINDS
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Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2"
outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for
the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up
quickly.
-
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased
and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can
blow through.
KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN A
HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED
-
Listen to
NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date
storm information.
-
Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor
decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else
that can be picked up by the wind.
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Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping
windows is not recommended.
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Fill your car's gas tank.
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Ensure that campers,
recreational vehicles and boats have been properly secured in your yard
or driveway.
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Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first
aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
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Have extra fuel forces for your outdoor grille.
Use grilles only outdoors.
KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN A
HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED
-
Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave
if they tell you to do so.
-
Complete preparation activities.
-
If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors,
away from windows.
-
Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the
storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye
passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees,
shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be
broken or destroyed by the second winds.
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Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during
a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of
your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
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Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a
flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a
flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the
car and climb to higher ground.
KNOW WHAT TO DO AFTER A
HURRICANE IS OVER
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Keep listening to
NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
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If you evacuated, return home when local officials
tell you it is safe to do so.
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Inspect your home for damage.
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Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles
under any circumstances!
American Red Cross
SHELTERS IN
SMITHFIELD
Information on when the Smithfield High School Emergency Shelter is open
will be posted on Channels 6, 10, and 12. Information will also be
posted here on
www.smithfieldri.com and Cox
Channel 17 and local media outlets.
Shelter locations are the Smithfield High School at
90 Pleasant View Avenue.
Click here for a map & driving directions. Other shelters may be opened as needed. Stay tuned
to the above information sources for the latest information. Directions to Smithfield High School – Smithfield High School is located
at 90 Pleasant View Avenue. From Routes 44 and 5 (Putnam Pike and Cedar
Swamp Road at Apple Valley Mall) turn north onto Rte. 5 and follow until
you reach Rte 116 (Pleasant View Avenue). Turn left onto Rte.116.
Smithfield High School is located at 90 Pleasant View Avenue on the right
side of the street.
ALCOHOL, PETS AND WEAPONS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN
SHELTERS!
SOME
ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU IF YOU MUST GO TO A SHELTER:
SPECIAL ITEMS
BABY
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Formula
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Diapers
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Bottles
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Powdered milk
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Medications
ADULT
ENTERTAINMENT
BRING A
SLEEPING BAG OR COMFORTABLE FOLDING CHAIR
GETTING
EMERGENCY HELP
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DIAL 9-1-1 IN
CASE OF EMERGENCY
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Smithfield Fire/Rescue 949-1233
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Smithfield Police
231-2500
For
assistance and questions regarding hurricane response and preparedness,
contact the
Smithfield Emergency Management Agency at 233-1033.
The Smithfield Emergency Management Agency will return your call promptly.
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