29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com ASSEMBLE DISASTER SUPPLIES • If sheltering-in-place, have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days. • Keep a battery-powered radio and flashlights on hand, as electricity could be out for weeks. RELY ON AND UNDERSTAND FORECAST INFORMATION • Stay up to date from the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service office. • Know your alerts and the difference between a watch and a warning. GET MOVING WHEN A STORM THREATENS • Cover windows, and secure doors and loose items. • Have medical supplies, charge your phone, pack bags and have your vehicle ready to go. Other NOAA advice includes staying protected during storms and using caution after storms, such as returning home only when directed. “One recurring issue I have observed is the tendency of individuals to disregard evacuation warnings, which can lead to dangerous situations such as being stranded on roads or having to seek shelter at home during the storm,” said Whitehead. Cangialosi added that in the past several years, more people have died in the preparation and recovery stage than in the storm itself. “Electrocutions, vehicle accidents, carbon monoxide poisoning and falls have unfortunately been too common before and after these events,” Cangialosi said. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 44.4 million people live in the Atlantic coastline region. This area comprises 14 states and more than 160 counties – making it the most populous of all the nation’s coastline regions. Cangialosi said that while some fatalities are inevitable, most needless deaths occur because “people either didn’t prepare or they ignored the warnings.” “Using your own common sense will also best serve all preparations,” Cangialosi said, “especially if you find yourself in a spot you didn’t plan for.” Such was the case with Ian Moore, a former College of Charleston student who was in Charleston during the fall of 2016 when Hurricane Matthew hit. Heavy rains from the storm flooded Moore out of the home where he was staying and with his chance of our town Full-Service Roofing and Storm Damage Restoration 5starsroofing.com | info@5starsroofing.com | 843-300-8400 2024 ®
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