March 29, 2024

The Rehoboth Emergency Management Agency Hurricane Safety Tips

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The Rehoboth Emergency Management Agency recommends the following Hurricane safety tips to be prepared.

What Are Hurricanes?
Hurricanes and tropical storms form over warm ocean waters and sometimes strike land. While a storm with winds above 74 mph is officially a hurricane, even tropical storms (with winds above 39 mph) can have deadly storm surge and cause significant damage.

Why Prepare?
Hurricanes have the power to cause widespread devastation and can affect both coastal and inland areas. Threats from hurricanes include storm surge, high winds, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, tornadoes, and rip currents. Although the Atlantic hurricane season is officially June 1 through November 30, the most active time for these storms in Massachusetts is late August through September.
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The National Weather Service issues tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings to alert the public of potential hazardous conditions. It is important to understand the difference between a watch and a warning so you know what to do to stay safe.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Watch
Hurricane Watch — Hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Watch — Tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Warning
Hurricane Warning — Sustained winds ≥ 74 mph associated with a hurricane are expected to affect a specified area within 24 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning — Sustained winds of 39–73 mph associated with a tropical storm are expected to affect a specified area within 24 hours.


Before a Hurricane
•Be informed by receiving alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies. Download the Massachusetts Alerts App.
•Know Your Zone. Learn if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.
•Find out whether your property is in a flood-prone or high-risk area. Explore the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) flood maps.
•Create and review your family emergency plan.
oIf you live or work in a flood zone, hurricane evacuation zone, or an area that is prone to flooding, you should be prepared to evacuate.
oIf you receive medical treatment or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home or have to evacuate during.
•Assemble an emergency kit.
•Follow instructions from public safety officials.
•Prepare for possible power outages.
oEnsure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
oConsider purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to use it safely before an outage.
oIf you have life-support devices or other medical equipment or supplies which depend on electricity, notify your utility and work with your medical provider to prepare for power outages.
•Make a record of your personal property by taking photos or videos of your belongings. Store these records in a safe place.

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