The East Coast is preparing for Hurricane Earl, the Category 4 has battered northeastern Caribbean Islands. It caused flooding in low lying areas, toppled power lines, damaged homes, and caused many flights and cruise ships to either divert or cancel trips. In Puerto Rico, 187,000 people have lost their power and 60,000 are without water.
Earl is forecast to hit New England and parts of Canada Thursday or Friday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned residents from North Carolina to Maine to watch this hurricane closely. The Hurricane Center said it was too early to know what damage the east coast could suffer but major rip currents are expected. Already a surfer in Florida was killed and a swimmer in Maryland has been missing since Saturday due to waves caused by Hurricane Danielle which weakened to a tropical storm on Monday.
Here are a few tips FEMA suggests for those of us on hunkering on the eastern seaboard.
- Coastal communities to make a sound plan in case they are advised to evacuate.
- Stay informed. Monitor local radio and news channels for latest developments
- Get an Emergency Supply Kit that includes non-perishable food, water, a battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights and batteries, medical supplies, copies of prescription medications, bedding, clothing, sleeping bags and pillows. You may also want to carry copies of important documents such as your driver's license, Social Security card, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
- Visit FEMA's Are You Ready Guide to learn more about how to prepare for a hurricane
