Ala. Preps for Hurricane Dennis

As the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents (AIIA) noted, it looks like Alabama is not going to catch any breaks this year when it comes to hurricanes.

AIIA wants to help its members and their customers prepare for the coming of Hurricane Dennis, as of Friday a category 4 hurricane with sustained winds at 150 mph, and the inclement weather associated with this storm that will impact the state. Dennis is expected to be as strong as, if not stronger, than Hurricane Ivan. Although Dennis is slowing across Cuba, it is expected to intensify over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Weather Service in Calera said that Hurricane Ivan was a “practice run” for Dennis. The official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track forecast predicts Dennis will come ashore with significant speed and force between Mobile and Panama City Sunday afternoon. Friday at noon, Gov. Bob Riley held a press conference to encourage residents of Mobile and Baldwin counties to voluntarily evacuate today.

Once inland, Dennis will still have considerable strength and speed. Even with days two left until landfall, the NHC model predicts that Hurricane Dennis will reach as far as the Northwest and Northeast corners of the state. All of Alabama should expect, and prepare for, high winds, heavy rain (estimated 5 – 10 inches), possible tornados and flash flooding in some areas. As part of a special edition of the NEWSLINE, AIIA has prepared a guide on Hurricane Preparation and what to do during this storm to stay safe. The guidelines are helpful for both one’s agencies and homes.

Here is a quick checklist:

* Start implementing your preparedness plan today;
* Review your pre- and post-storm procedures with family and employees;
* Secure your office today before leaving;
* Keep helpful contact numbers close by;
* Check on pets and the elderly relatives and neighbors;
* Check your yard and remove any dead trees or tree limbs that could damage your home;
* Review lose items from your yard such as plants, deck furniture;
* Stock up on batteries, bread, canned food and water;
* Stay informed by any means. Whether by TV, radio or computer – you need to know what path Hurricane Dennis will take and what the weather will bring into your area.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Alabama Hurricane