Although most people regard August as the beginning of summer's end, August also marks the beginning of peak hurricane season in the Atlantic. Hurricanes are deadly forces of nature whose actions are unpredictable and destruction devastating. Their winds can reach speeds of 155 miles per hour, and they can cause flooding, storm surges and tornadoes. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you and your family familiarize yourselves with hurricane safety procedures and take all the necessary precautions in order to ensure that if a storm does hit, you will be ready.

Developing a family preparedness plan is the first step in hurricane safety. Before a storm threatens your neighborhood, sit down with your family and select several places in other towns, such as a friend's home, motel or shelter, where you can go if you are forced to evacuate. As you do so, form a list of the phone numbers and addresses for these locations. Once you have compiled a list, store it with a road map in a safe but handy location. If a storm hits, you will need to be able to access these materials instantly and have a means of finding alternate routes to your destinations should roads be closed or blocked. Additionally, you should check with your veterinarian or local American Red Cross Chapter for information regarding where to shelter your pets in the event that you must evacuate your home, as pets are not permitted inside Red Cross shelters.

Creating a Home Survival Kit is also extremely important. Although a hurricane may hit your neighborhood, you may not receive instructions to evacuate your home. Therefore, it is vital that you create a Home Survival Kit in advance. Make sure your kit contains a three- to seven-day supply of drinking water and non-perishable food, cash, prescription medication and other prescribed medical supplies, first aid kit, manual can opener, portable radio and extra batteries, flashlights for each member of the family and extra batteries, one change of clothing and shoes per person, charcoal, ice, cooler, toilet paper, paper towels, moist towelettes, camera and film, clean-up supplies, emergency tools, a non-electric telephone and infant supplies. Having these supplies on hand can make all the difference in the event of a storm.

If you believe a storm is approaching your area, continue to listen for weather updates on your local news, organize your emergency supplies and prepare for potential evacuation. If you hear that your area is on "Hurricane Watch," hurricane conditions are possible, usually within 36 hours. If your area is put on "Hurricane Warning," hurricane conditions are expected, usually within 24 hours.

As soon as you hear that a storm is approaching your area, close and board all windows and doors and open an indoor trap to the attic. Clear your yard of any loose objects, and anchor all other objects that are too heavy to move, lower water levels in your pool to accommodate for heavy rains and secure your boat and trailer to something sturdy in the ground. Additionally, fill your car's gas tank, check oil and water levels and take any other actions necessary to ensure that your automobile is ready should you have to evacuate. Continue to listen to your local news for an evacuation order, which may come from local officials and/or the governor. If you are given an evacuation order, turn off all electricity, water and gas in your home, unplug major appliances and leave immediately. If you are not advised to evacuate, remain indoors.

By taking all the necessary precautions before a storm approaches, you help to ensure the safety and protection of yourself and your loved ones should a hurricane hit. I advise you to remain ready for a potential storm until the end of November, when the Atlantic hurricane season ends. If you would like more information about hurricane preparedness and safety, visit Hempstead Town's website, www.TOH.LI.