Office of Homeland Security - Emergency Management

2/17/08: NOAA "ALL HAZARDS" RADIO IS THE BEST WAY TO RECEIVE WARNINGS DAY OR NIGHT - 2/17/08: KNOW WHAT HAZARDS COULD AFFECT YOUR FAMILY - 2/17/08: EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE AN "ALL HAZARDS" FAMILY PLAN -

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Cherokee County Hazards

Disaster Prevention

Are You Ready?

Tropical Cyclone

While Cherokee County is located away from the coast, tropical storms and hurricanes have caused great damage within our county.

There are 3 major dangers locally …..

INLAND FLOODING

In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.

Freshwater floods accounted for more than half (59%) of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths over the past 30 years. These floods are why 63% of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths during that period occurred in inland counties. At least 23% of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths occur to people who drown in, or attempting to abandon, their cars. 78% of children killed by tropical cyclones drowned in freshwater floods.

So, the next time you hear hurricane -- think inland flooding!

What can you do?

When you hear hurricane, think inland flooding.
Determine whether you live in a potential flood zone.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.
Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
Do not attempt to cross flowing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Develop a flood emergency action plan.
Have flood insurance. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy

HIGH WINDS

Strong winds can accompany thunderstorms that rotate around a land falling hurricane or tropical storm. These winds can gust to over 75 MPH causing damage to structures and making driving hazardous. Strong winds combined with heavy rain can cause trees to uproot and crush vehicles and homes. The falling trees can make travel very hazardous and close roads for long periods of time.

What can you do?

Monitor NOAA Weather Radio
Store outdoor furniture, trashcans and other items that may become flying missiles.
Be prepared to be without power for extended periods
Follow generator safety rules
Go to your safe room if winds become dangerous.
Be ready to use your family disaster plan.
Do not travel during the times of high winds.

Tornadoes

Severe thunderstorms spawn by hurricanes and tropical storms can produce tornadoes well away from the point of hurricane landfall. In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Several hundred miles eat across Georgia a record outbreak of tornadoes occurred causing major damage, injuries and deaths.

What can you do?

Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for watches & Warnings.
Be ready to move to your safe room if a warning is issued or you site a tornado.
During a tornado, never take cover in a mobile home or automobile. Move to a strong structure or take cover in a ditch or low lying area that is not flooding.
Never take cover under a highway overpass.