WDRM E-Team Newsletter

Monday, August 29th, 2005
Hurricane Katrina Update

HURRICANE KATRINA

102.1 WDRM - COVERING KATRINA
When Hurricane Dennis threatened your family earlier this year, 102.1 WDRM was here for you, providing up to the minute updates.

Throughout Katrina and the 2005 Hurricane season count on us to keep you updated on the latest severe weather affecting the Valley.

With help from the National Weather Service, WAFF live Doppler Radar, Meteorologist Jerral Miller we keep you updated on the latest developments as soon as they become available.

When severe weather breaks we'll break in to bring you the latest coverage on 102.1 WDRM.


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NEW ONLINE STORM CENTER
Our new storm center has the latest severe weather tools you need to keep your family safe in severe weather. Log on to access the latest maps, radar images, local closings and local and national news.
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IMPORTANT HURRICANE INFORMATION

  • WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
  • WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
  • Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
  • Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Take these items with you when evacuating:
    • Prescription medications and medical supplies;
    • Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
    • Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
    • Car keys and maps
    • Documents, including driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
  • First aid kit and essential medications.
  • Canned food and can opener.
  • At least three gallons of water per person.
  • Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
  • Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2' outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
  • Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
  • Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
  • Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
  • Fill your car's gas tank.
  • Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
  • Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
  • Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
  • Complete preparation activities.
  • If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
  • Be aware that the calm 'eye' is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
  • Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
  • Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.
  • Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
  • If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
  • Inspect your home for damage.
  • Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.