Preparedness tips and latest predictions for Tropical Storm Jose

From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program:

Here are some hurricane preparedness tips, as well as the latest predictions from the National Hurricane Center, as Tropical Storm Jose looks like it will bring high winds and large amounts of rain to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic between Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening.

Please stay safe!

Here are some important safety measures to remember:

• Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.
• Secure vessels. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, life jackets and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
• Secure items on your property. Movable items (e.g. lawn furniture, trash/recycle bins) should be put away in a secure, enclosed location like a garage or building.
• Stay in a safe location. Be sure you and your family stay in a safe place during the storm. You could be severely injured by falling trees and other debris, or by sudden flooding.
• Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe.
• Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s webpage.
• Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
• Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate or rescue those in danger during the storm.

http://marinedebris.noaa.gov