The Shoreline
November, 1999
^PREEXISTING MEDICAL NEEDS?
During the last two hurricanes we received several calls
from residents asking about the severity of the storm and
the length of time the bridge might be closed. Further
inquiry disclosed that there was a preexisting medical
problem in the family that might require medical attention.
Please remember, when a voluntary or mandatory
evacuation is ordered the likelihood of the bridge being
closed is very good which means there is no way to reach
the hospital. Even if the bridge were open it might be
impossible to reach you due to downed trees, power lines
etc.
While they can generally predict when the storm will move
out, no one can predict the extent of damage, damage that
could keep the bridges closed for hours or days. We
strongly suggest that anyone with a preexisting medical
condition seek shelter off the island prior to the arrival of
the storm. Should you need assistance, contact the PINE
KNOLL SHORES EMS through their non-emergency number
247-4353 extension 26 PRIOR to an evacuation order.
^ Submitted by: Dick Stevens, Emergency Management Director
SOME HURRICANE HINTS
YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF
As well as getting cash and a full tank of gas for your car.
Be sure you have plenty of gas for your outdoor grill. With
an iron skillet and a non-electric wok, you can cook just
about anything.
Check your bathtubs to be sure they will hold water. If not
you can tape the drain closed with duct tape or vinyl tape
- or buy flat rubber stoppers at a hardware store. Why fill
them with water? - When the power goes out the water is
often turned off. From the filled tub you can have water to
wash with and to flush toilets with!
If you have a boat, pull out the battery and put it on a
charger at home. Everything works on 12 volts. Terminal
clips that lead to a "cigarette lighter" are only about $4.00,
and a splitter that allows you to plug in three or four things
is about the same.
Turn your air conditioner to as low a temperature as you
can. Your house will stay cool and dry a little longer when
^he power goes out. Be sure you own at least one "plug-in"
telephone. Remember that your cordless phone will not
work when the electricity goes out.
Hurricane Tips Submitted by: Evan and Carolyn Roderick
What are Flood Hazard Zones
and what do they mean?
The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) shows areas
within the 100-year flood boundary, which are
termed "Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA)." A
100-year flood does not refer to a flood that occurs
once every 100 years, but refers to a flood level with
a one-percent chance or greater chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year. The SFHA
may be further subdivided into Insurance risk rate
zones. Areas between the 100-year and 500-year
flood boundaries are termed "moderate flood hazard
areas." The remaining areas are above the 500-year
flood level and are termed 'minimal flood hazard
areas."
Historically, about one-third of claims paid by the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are for
flood damage in areas identified as having only
'moderate" and "minimal" risk of flood. Flooding in
these areas often is the result of inadequate local
drainage problems. These areas are generally not
identified on FIRMs. The SFHAs within PKS are
subdivided into flood hazard zones (insurance risk
rate zones) according to the following criteria:
Zone VE: SFHAs along coasts (typically near the
oceanfront) subject to inundation by the 100-year flood
with additional hazards due to velocity wave action. Base
flood elevations are derived from detailed hydraulic
analyses are shown within these zones. Mandatory flood
insurance purchase requirements apply (if mortgage is
being financed by a federally insured lending institution.)
Zone AE: SFHAs subject to inundation by the 100-year
flood determined in a Flood Insurance Study by detailed
methods. Base flood elevations are shown within these
areas. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements
apply (if mortgage is being financed by a federally insured
lending institution.)
Zone X: These areas have been identified in the
community flood insurance study as areas of moderate or
minimal hazard from the principal source of flood in the
community. The principal sources of flooding in PKS are
from tidal surge associated with hurricanes, northeasters,
and lunar tides. However, buildings in these zones could
be flooded by severe, concentrated rainfall coupled with
inadequate local drainage problems. Flood insurance is
available but is not required by regulation in these zones.
The purchase of flood insurance on a voluntary basis is
prudent even outside of SFHAs.