The hurricane season has just begun and it has come at us with tremendous force. Accompanying the hurricanes are violent tornadoes that form further inland, as the hurricane becomes an inland storm. The impact is felt over many miles.
The hurricane season is proving the Weather Company's forecast to be true. They said:
"Increases in tropical Atlantic sea-surface temperatures and a quick start to the season have compelled us to move our forecast numbers up from 15/8/3 to 17/9/4 in this month's update," said Dr. Todd Crawford, chief meteorologist at The Weather Company.
Emergency response teams have been well prepared for these severe weather conditions. As we stated in our previous post, volunteer emergency response teams have been practicing all summer.
Emergency response organizations often use summer charity events to ensure precision execution of their processes and procedures.
The emergency response teams include government agencies. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Amateur Radio Operators (HAM) to name just a few.
However, in this hurricane season, we see, more than ever, neighbor helping neighbor. The reason is the devastation has been so great that these communities could not rely merely on trained and practiced organizations. Each and every citizen has been given the opportunity to become a 'first responder'.
There are several factors that cause this situation during major catastrophic events. One main issue is that the typical first responders cannot get into the areas that need the most assistance. Roads are closed off and the situation has become so dire that it is too dangerous to enter these areas that need the most help. But already within the devastated area are individuals with skills and physical capabilities that can assist those that are not as fortunate.
In these recent extreme weather events, human nature has been at its finest.
Volunteers put themselves into danger to assist those in need. Each volunteer needs the equipment to help them stay safe. Below are some devices that any citizen can have on hand and available, if they are called into action. These devices help keeping the volunteer safe and adds to their capability to provide assistance.
Vacuum Mount Light
The Star Contour™ is made to “contour-fit” to the roof of your vehicle. The injection-molded polycarbonate base combines with a rubber-coated vacuum magnet to “custom” mount onto your vehicle. The result is a perfect fit with no scratches to your paint. It is Extremely low profile with a full 360° LED light output and a super bright M-Tech® LED technology that provides superior warning light image.
D-Beacon
The D-Beacon LED flashing light with a viewing distance of up to one mile, can easily be mounted on any vehicle using its’ magnetic base, and instantly convert any normal car or truck into an emergency vehicle without wiring or mounting
The D-Beacon can also be adjusted for Dusk to Dawn operation only with a flick of a switch, making it truly the only economical alternative
Electronic Safety Baton
The Electronic Safety Baton is the most common light used to direct traffic. This is a LED baton 20" total length - the red portion of wand 13" in length. It has 2 Functions: Red flashing and Red steady.
Be Prepared
If you are interested in proper equipment, such as emergency lights, and safety apparel that help these volunteers do their job, contact Traffic Safety Direct. We love to help, answer questions, and share our experience.