Hurricane Access Pass!
Do you remember into which drawer you flung your red Hurricane Access Pass? You will need to take it with you in the event of an emergency hurricane evacuation. You will also be required to show it in order to regain access to SH in the aftermath. Keep it handy!

While we cannot control natural disasters, emergencies or unexpected attacks, we can be prepared, and we can protect ourselves and our families.

Our hurricane season, the Atlantic hurricane season, begins June 1 and ends November 30.

There are on average six Atlantic hurricanes each year; over a three-year period, approximately five hurricanes strike the United States coastline from Texas to Maine.

Weather for Westerly, RI
<a href="http://www.superpages.com/cities/weatherforecast.html"><img src="http://img.superpages.com/cities/weathericons/console.gif" border=0 alt="SuperPages.com Weather for Westerly RI" /><br /> Weather Forecasts</a>

Hurricane Terms to Know

Tropical Storm Watch
- A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical storm conditions (winds between 39 - 73 mph) are possible within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning
- Is issued when tropical storm conditions (winds between 39 - 73 mph) are expected in the warning area within 24 hours or less.
Hurricane Watch
- Is issued when hurricane conditions (winds greater then 74 mph) threaten the watch area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning
- A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are expected in the warning area within 24 hours or less.

Rating Hurricanes: The Saffir-Simpson Scale

Category 1
- Winds of 74 - 95 mph: Damage is primarily to shrubbery, trees, mobile homes, and poorly constructed signs. Some low-lying coastal roads may be flooded.
Category 2
- Winds of 96 - 110 mph: Moderate damage to trees and shrubbery. Substantial damage to exposed mobile homes and street signs. Minor structural damage to doors, windows, roofs, and local piers. Low-lying areas usually flooded.
Category 3
- Winds of 111 - 130 mph: Signs and large trees are blown down. Major damage to mobile homes and piers. Serious flooding of low-lying areas will leave a substantial number of structures in those areas destroyed.
Category 4
- Winds of 131 - 155 mph: Trees, shrubs, and signs are blown down. Major damage to roofs, doors, and windows. Major flooding as far as six miles inland, resulting in major beach erosion and leaving most structures in the flood zone either heavily damaged or completely destroyed.
Category 5
- Winds greater then 155 mph: Catastrophic damage to most coastal areas as well as major damage to areas further inland. Low-lying cities completely destroyed.

As always, know your area. Have a place to go. Are you going to the "home of a family member or friend, motel or shelter in case you are asked to evacuate your home or your community?"

Click on map to view and print Westerly's Emergency
Evacuation Route (PDF Format)

Create an Emergency Communication Plan.

Identify safe places in your home in case you must SHELTER IN PLACE.
Identify two different routes to get out of the house in case you must EVACUATE.
Identify a place for your family to meet in case you are separated at the time of a disaster or emergency.
Choose a place in your neighborhood that can be a meeting point for your family.
Choose a place outside of your neighborhood that can be a meeting point for your family. Identify two contacts (one local, one out-of-state) that the members of your family can contact in case of separation.
Include information to keep your pets safe in the event of a disaster or emergency. Remember that not all shelters allow pets.
Know how to turn off electricity, gas, and water within your home.

Create An Emergency Supply Kit.

A disaster of any kind may interfere with normal supplies of food, water, heat and day-to-day necessities. It is important to keep a stock of emergency supplies on hand sufficient to meet your family's needs for a three-day period. Although you may not be in an area directly impacted by a disaster, utilities and other services may be affected. This kit may be used if you are advised to stay at home during an emergency or advised to evacuate.

If An Emergency Has Been Declared.... What Should I Do???

Remain calm and be patient.
Follow the advice of state and local emergency officials.
Check for injuries and get help for seriously injured people.
Use 9-1-1 ONLY for life-threatening situations. It is very important to keep this line open for others who need it.
Secure your pets.
Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again, unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.