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Ready PA Monthly - May 2022
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Hurricane Preparedness in PA
What can we expect this year?
NOAA will issue its initial seasonal outlook for the 2022 hurricane season in late May. NOAA maintains data that defines what an average season looks like, but the number of storms only, not their impacts. Last year, the average annual count for tropical systems was updated to reflect the most recent 30 years of hurricane data from 1991 to 2020. The 30-year average for the Atlantic basin yields:
- 14 named storms
- Seven hurricanes
- Three major hurricanes
The hurricane season has shown a more active trend of both hurricanes and tropical storms over the past few decades.
Continue reading to learn more about hurricane hazards in PA and how you can be ready.
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What Goes Into A Name?
Hurricane season begins June 1 and we already know the names that will be used. Here’s how:
The practice of naming storms (tropical cyclones) began in the 1950s to be able to quickly identify storms in warning messages, since names are far easier to remember than numbers and technical terms. Since 1953, Atlantic storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center. They are now maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization.
The names are repeated every six years, unless a storm is so deadly that the name is retired – as in the case of Ida. The name, “Imani” will instead be used instead. 94 names have been retired since 1953.
More about hurricane names:
- Separate lists of names are developed for the Atlantic Basin (Gulf and East Coast Hurricanes) and the Eastern North-Pacific (Pacific Island and West Coast).
- Names are listed alphabetically and alternate male and female.
- None of the names listed begin with the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z.
- Six lists are used in rotation, so the 2016 list will be used in 2022.
- If more storms occur in one season than there are names on the list, a supplemental list has been developed.
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Wildfires in PA
Did you know 99 percent of wildfires in Pennsylvania are caused by people? One of the major causes of wildfires is debris burning in backyards. The fire can easily spread through dead grass and leaves into bordering woodlands.
A careless person burning trash or yard waste can be responsible for causing wildfires that burn thousands of acres of valuable Pennsylvania forests. Check with your local government for local ordinances on debris burning.
It is also important to take extra safety precautions outside the home:
- Remove dead leaves and other flammable debris from around foundations and from under decks, porches or stairs.
- Outdoor work areas such as garages and tool sheds should be kept organized, and flammable materials should be stored in fire-rated containers away from children
- Before use, check grills for rust, insects, grease and other debris.
- Replace worn gas hoses.
- Never grill indoors, in a garage, breezeway, or carport. Grills should only be used 10 feet away from your house or any building.
For more information on fire prevention and fire safety, visit here.
For more information on wildfires in PA, visit here.
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Dam Safety
Low-head dams may be an enticing challenge for kayakers, canoeists and tubers, but they are unpredictable and not safe. The reverse current traps the victim, making it impossible to escape.
Tragically, there was a recent death of a kayaker on the Swatara Creek in Lebanon County, at a lowhead dam. Just days later, four others were rescued from the same low-head dam.
There are five things you can do to keep yourself and your families safe.
- Use caution if swimming or fishing near low-head dams. Know the area. Check maps or speak with locals to get information about hazards on that waterway. If kayaking, canoeing, tubing or boating, always carry them around the structure or turn around well before reaching the dam to avoid being pulled over.
- Read the signs. Obey all posted signage and barriers in the area, including flood warnings, restricted access signs, portage signs, or other posted signs.
- Dress for danger. Wear a personal floatation device (such as a life jacket) if boating, fishing, swimming, or otherwise recreating in or around a waterway
- Tell someone your plans. Let someone know, such as a friend or family member, when and where you are heading, and let them know when you return so they know you are safe.
- If you see someone in trouble, do not enter. Never enter the water yourself to try and help someone. Instead, call 911 and use a remote assistive device, such as a rope or throw bag, to try and pull them back to safety.
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