October 25, 2012 - Preparedness for Potential Hurricane from the Office of Risk Management*

Office of Risk Management
RISK ALERT
No. 2012 - 07
RE: Preparedness for Potential Hurricane   October 25, 2012

1:30 pm.  Last night, Hurricane Sandy was upgraded to a Category 2 storm as it moved through the Caribbean. Forecasters are predicting that Sandy will head up the east coast, but the exact path it will take is not yet certain. Some models show Sandy making landfall in New England by Tuesday morning. According to a report in today's Boston Globe online edition, towns such as Plymouth, Scituate, Hull and Newburyport are assessing their level of preparedness. The Globe reports that the town of Plymouth, for example, is already lining up volunteers to serve at shelters in the event the hurricane is severe enough to warrant evacuation orders.

Preparedness is critical. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that the number of people injured as a result of hurricane activity has reduced greatly over the years due to improvements in forecasting and emergency preparedness efforts put in place prior to a storm. At this time, the Office of Risk Management urges you to make the following preliminary preparations:

• Be prepared for potential power outages as a result of downed power lines caused by storm activity. Create an emergency supply kit including water, flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit and non-perishable food.
• Have a battery-operated radio on hand.
• Advise custodians to check all drains, grates and basins to ensure they are free of leaves and debris.
• Check to see if sump pumps are working.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage to people/property.
• Remove dead or rotting branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• Have window shutters/plywood covers accessible in the event windows need to be protected.  
• Be sure sacramental registers and other important documents are in a secure location.  
• Have evacuation plan in place, including (for priests) a plan for the Blessed Sacrament.

For more information, please download our Hurricane Preparedness Guide, from our website: http://www.rcabrisk.org/hurricane-preparation

The Office of Risk Management will continue to monitor the situation and will send risk alerts as the situation warrants. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 617-746-5742.