How To Prepare For Hurricane Joaquin In Montgomery County

Hurricane Joaquin has strengthened to a Category 4 storm, packing 120 mph winds, and forecasters say the “major” storm is expected to make landfall by Monday and have a sizable impact on the Philadelphia region.

State officials say they are monitoring the storm. Whether or not it makes landfall near Eastern Pennsylvania, there is a high probability of heavy rains and flooding in the region.

“We are several days away from any impact from Hurricane Joaquin, but we’re expecting more rain this weekend so if you live in a flood prone area, get ready,” said Richard D. Flinn, Jr., director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

Flinn is urging residents to be prepared and aware of the risks.

“People tend to underestimate the force of water,” Flinn said. “Six inches of fast-moving water can knock over a person and 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a small car. It is never safe to drive through or walk into flood waters.”

Flinn said parts of the state could also see strong winds over the weekend. Therefore, residents should secure or store outdoor furniture, decorations or other items that could damage buildings or cars and injure others.

Families should take the time to create an emergency plan and build an emergency kit for their homes and cars using resources available online at www.ReadyPA.org, officials said.

Here is a checklist of steps to complete ahead of the potential storm:

• Make sure you have necessary supplies: at least 3-day supply of water, with one gallon of water per person per day; nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food; flashlights; a battery-powered or hand-crank radio; extra batteries; a first aid kit; a 7-day supply of medication and medical items; sanitation and personal hygiene items; copies of documents; cell phone with chargers; baby food and supplies; pet food and supplies.
• Gather important documents -- birth certificates, passports, homeowner’s insurance, vehicle titles, deeds -- in one place and keep it with you to ensure you have them if needed after the storm.
• Create an evacuation plan with members of your family to minimize confusion.
• If you have family members with special medical needs, be sure authorities are aware as you or they may need extra assistance.
• If you have pets, be sure to make plans for their care. Remember that shelters may not allow pets.

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