Newspapers / The Shore Line (Pine … / Aug. 1, 2011, edition 1 / Page 12
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I hope you are having a great summer. I would like to use this months article to get us all thinking about preparation for storms. 1. Register for help during hur ricanes. If you or anyone you know in Pine Knoll Shores might require evacuation to a facility for medi cal reasons (oxygen, assistance with meds, etc.) during an emergency, enroll in the Carteret County Special Needs Program. The program generally works like this: • An application is submitted through our Public Safety Department. • A medical professional at Carteret Home Health (CHH) reviews the application. • CHH will determine ahead of time if a person is to be assigned to one of several pre-designated sites during a storm. • In the event of an evacuation order, the individual will go to his/her a signed site based on the special care required. Transportation may be provided if required. For more information, please see Ms. Pat Forbes in our Public Safety Department or call her at 247-2268. 2. Receive real-time emergency notifications. Please consider registering with the Carteret County “Code Red” emergency notification system. This system calls 60,000-1- county homes with a pre-recorded phone message that provides infor mation on any anticipated emergency- service related event. The following Web site provides further information on Code Red and allows you to register phone number(s): https://cne.coderedweb.com Or, you may go to the County Web site at www.carteretcountygovorg and click on the Code Red banner at the top of the page. Direct all questions to the Carteret County Emergency Services Department at 728-8470. 3. Hurricane Reentry Passes issued on Saturdays in August. Reentry passes are issued at the PKS Public Safety Building, 314 Salter Path Road. In addition to normal working hours on weekdays (8 a.m-4 p.m.), reentry passes will be issued on three Saturdays this month to capture weekenders and folks who work. Re-entry passes will be issued on the following Saturdays: August 13, 20, and 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. Your contact is Ms. Pat Forbes at 247-2268.1 suggest you call ahead to be sure you bring what she needs to issue a pass. If you’re here and do not have your pass, please try to get one now. The two to three days prior to a storm are hectic. 4. PKS Radio provides real-time updates during storms. Pine Knoll Shores has a town radio station at 1610 AM. Public Safety Director Bill Matthias makes good use of this during emergencies by broadcasting updates on storm conditions, evacuation status, curfew status, etc. We recommend all citizens consider having a battery-powered radio. When the power goes out, our generators will keep the radio broadcast up, and this may be one of the best means to stay informed. • During normal periods the radio station broadcasts the following: • Dates and times of Board meetings, public hearings, and meetings of the Planning • Board of Adjustment, the Parks & Recreation Committee, and the Community Appearance Committee • Deadlines for filing articles in The Shoreline • The garbage, recycling, and yard debris collection schedule • Information pertaining to the water system • Public Safety Department messages “ Pine Knoll Shores’ Web site updates 5. Sign up for town e-mails for storm alerts. We send e-mail alerts during all storm emergencies. This is a good way to keep apprised of all things storm related. Send an e-mail to manager@townofpks.com if you wish to be on the list. Hurricane Season Preparations Director of Emergency Services Bill Matthias reminds us that August through November is peak hurricane season. So be prepared and keep an eye on the Weather Channel. Following are some reminders: Locate your re-entry pass. If you cant find it, go to the Public Safety Building to obtain one. Renters need to be mindful of the necessity of a re-entry pass to get back onto the island after evacuating. If you will need special assis tance during an evacuation, go to the Public Safety Building to sign up now. • Identify where you will go when you have to evacuate. • Prepare a “grab & go” box with your important papers, insurance poli- • cies, house inventory and other documentation in the event your house is damaged. • Test your generator and be sure to have fuel for it. • Prepare a disaster supply kit for seven days. • Allow one gallon of drinking water per person per day. DO NOT REUSE • MILK OR JUICE JUGS TO STORE WATER. ® Take your medications, extra glasses and extra batteries for any devices that you use. If you use oxygen, be sure of an adequate supply. • Stock up on high-energy, non-perishable food and include a manual can opener. • Make up a sanitation kit consisting of toilet paper, alcohol wipes, anti bacterial hand cleanser, bleach, soap, rubber gloves and trash bags. • Have a portable radio tuned to PKS Community Radio 1610AM and include extra batteries. • Have blankets or sleeping bags. • Take your cell phone and charger. • Identify a person as a contact so you can communicate your whereabouts and status. • Before you leave, secure your home and remove any loose items outdoors that might turn into a projectile in the wind. • Turn ofF/remove and secure your propane tank for your gas grill. • If you have pets, have proper identification including immunization and rabies records. Use a carrier cage, collar with identification and a leash for each animal. Pack a supply kit for pets as well with an ample supply of food and water plus dishes. Include any medications. Take old news papers, litter box & kitty litter and trash bags for cleanup. (Pets are not allowed in public shelters and most hotels/motels do not allow pets, so check ahead.) Next question is whether to stay or go. If in doubt, go. If the town’s emer gency services announce they are leaving the island, that is a good indication the storm is bad. Other things to factor into your decision: Do you use medical equipment that requires power? Are you in an area prone to flooding? Is your place structurally strong? Do you have hurricane shutters? If you are not comfort able with being isolated without electricity, water and/or emergency services for several days, then you must leave. Other things to do: Fill up your vehicles gas tank and get cash. The bridges do not close to traffic going OFF the island but travel at your own risk if you do not evacuate when the order is issued. Heed the curfew warnings because they are imposed for your safety. Do not attempt to return to your home until the all-clear is issued. 12 TheShwefine I August 20t1
The Shore Line (Pine Knoll Shores, N.C.)
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Aug. 1, 2011, edition 1
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