In just a span of 2 weeks, 2 category 4 hurricanes, Hurricane Helene and Milton, reached the shores of the U.S. southeast. More than half of the 200+ deaths accounted for in the aftermath of the first hurricane, Helene, were in North Carolina. The citizens of North Carolina were not prepared to be hit so devastatingly, the internet and other basic necessities still hard to procure after 3 weeks. They thought it wasn’t likely they’d be affected but with the increase of ocean temperatures, states close to the ocean, and even states in the mid-east, are bound to see a spike in hurricane intensity. Rhode Island is quite literally next to the ocean so it’s vital we know what a hurricane would most likely look like and how to be prepared for it.
Rhode Island is no stranger to hurricanes but if a hurricane like Helene or Milton were to hit RI, places close to the coast like Conanicut Island and Goat Island in Newport would be destroyed. If a hurricane does befall RI, the best thing you can do, if you are in the direct path of it, is to evacuate to a friends/family, a hotel/motel, or an emergency shelter. It’s also imperative that you keep up to date with the happenings of the hurricane during the time of by listening in on the radio or TV because they will inform you of where those shelters will be located and tell you how to be prepared.
If you do evacuate to a shelter, be sure to pack the following because they might not have an adequate amount of supplies for everyone coming in:
- Non-perishable food
- Water
- Bedding (pillows, blankets, etc)
- Hygiene supplies
- Flashlight and Batteries
- Fully Powered Portable Charger/Charger
- Battery Powered Radio
- First Aid Kit
- Legal Documents
- Prescription Medication
- Entertainment (books, games, etc)
If you are not in the direct path of the hurricane, it is still important for you to be aware and prepared for the hurricane. Make a kit with all the items listed above and figure out a “safe room” on the first floor of your residence that’s away from windows and doors. If we know about the approaching hurricane even a week before it hits, doing things like cutting off tree branches and boarding up your windows is essential to reduce damage and be safer.
Being in the know is the most important thing to do in a natural disaster so for more in depth information visit RI.gov.
