Hurricanes are feared for their lashing winds, torrential rains, and storm surges. These are some of the strongest and most dangerous natural calamities on Earth because they can leave great damage.
Hurricanes are part of the tropical family. They usually occur in the North Atlantic Ocean and in the easternmost parts of the Northeast and South Pacific Oceans. If you live near coastal areas, you’d most likely be affected by hurricanes since they pose the greatest threat to residents living in that area.
Understanding and responding to emergency alerts and warnings can often be the difference between safety and disaster. This article delves into the importance of these critical communication tools, how they function, and how they can be best utilized to protect oneself and loved ones during emergencies. Whether you’re new to the concept or seeking a refresher, we’re here to guide you through the maze of emergency alerts and warnings, ensuring you’re well-equipped to respond when these alarms sound.
What are Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs)?
WEAs can be given by state and local public safety officials, the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and the President of the United States. They are often used and issued for five categories: extreme weather and hydrologic warnings, evacuation or immediate action, AMBER alerts, Blue alerts, and presidential alerts.
- WEAs look like text messages but are uniquely created to get your attention and give you alertness with distinctive sound and vibration.
- WEAs have a length of no more than 90 characters on 3G and earlier networks, and no more than 360 characters on 4G LTE networks and beyond. Messages include the type and time of the alert and any given action that should be taken.
- There will be no charges for mobile users and a subscription is not needed.
- Check with your service provider to ensure that your device is WEAs-capable.
Check these Frequently Asked Questions about WEAs and real stories about how WEA has saved lives across the United States.
Emergency Alert System
- The Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System or IPAWS is a modernization and integration of the nation’s existing and future alert warning systems, infrastructure, and technology.
- The EAS or Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system that demands broadcasters and other digital audio services to give the President the capability to address the people of America within 10 minutes during a national emergency.
- It can also be used by state and local authorities to bring important emergency information like weather threats, AMBER alerts, and local incident information targeted to some areas.
The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, also known as NWR, is a comprehensive network of radio stations that operate across the nation, providing ongoing weather details from the closest National Weather Service office. This invaluable service delivers up-to-the-minute warnings, weather forecasts, and a variety of other hazard information around the clock, every day of the week.
In addition to weather-related announcements, the Emergency Alert System enables NWR to communicate alerts about non-weather emergencies. These include public safety, national security, and environmental issues that may affect the nation at large.
How to Prepare for the Hurricane Season
- Store an adequate supply of food and clean water. These are most needed when a hurricane arrives because we don’t know when it will stop. Supplying enough food and clean water will help you survive. Prepare ready-to-eat food; this includes canned food. Learn how to prepare an emergency kit.
- Keep flashlights, candles, and battery-powered radios. Preparing them will give you light and a means of receiving warnings and communication from the authorities during emergencies.
- Check your house and repair weak and unstable parts.
- Be updated with the latest weather report.
- If you have pets, secure them in a safe space.
- If you are living near a coastal area, keep your boats in a safe place.
- If you need to evacuate, prepare lots of clothes, a first aid kit, candles/ flashlights, battery-operated radios, food, etc.
- Check this blog for a comprehensive guide to hurricane preparation.
Public safety officials use prompt and dependable systems to give you alertness in the event of natural disasters like hurricanes. During an emergency, vigilant and punctual officials give the public life-saving information quickly. Through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) infrastructure, WEAs are made available. A Wireless Emergency Alert is one of the ways that public officials can give fast responses to alerts and warnings to the public about serious emergencies.
Hurricanes and other natural disasters do not give you enough time to prepare. They cause serious damages that can baffle any homeowner or establishment. When disasters strike, the experienced team at ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief can assist you with detailed restoration services in Oldsmar, FL.
Get Dependable Storm Damage Restoration Services in Pinellas County, FL, after a Hurricane
The challenges of hurricane damage cleanup can be overwhelming for any property owner. That’s why ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief is here. We understand how important it is to bring life back to normal quickly after a disaster. Our professional solutions to hurricane damage in Oldsmar, FL result in a speedy recovery, giving our clients peace of mind.
Visit our website to learn more about our storm damage restoration process. Contact our Emergency Response Team at (813) 295-7797 or message us online to schedule an appointment. Join countless customers in Pinellas County, FL who were satisfied with the ServiceMaster experience!
If you’re looking for experience, expertise, and professionalism, look no further! Get in touch with our friendly staff today. We are available to answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
