MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to host hurricane preparedness media availability

[The Patriot]

Who: Representatives from the Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Virginia Beach Life Saving Service.

What: Media availability to speak about hurricane preparedness.

When: Tuesday, May 31 at 10 a.m.

Where: Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, 16th Street, Virginia Beach, Va.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard is urging Hampton Roads mariners and residents to begin planning and preparing for the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, which starts June 1.

Experts from the Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Virginia Beach Life Saving Service will be available to speak with members of the media about hurricane preparedness, the 2011 storm season and the Coast Guard's response measures.

Tropical systems acquire a name when they reach tropical storm strength with sustained winds reaching 39 mph. They become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph and become major hurricanes when winds increase to 111 mph.

As storms approach, the Coast Guard urges people to remember these guidelines:

- Stay informed: The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through newspapers, the internet, and local television and radio stations. Boaters can monitor its progress as well as listen for small craft advisories and warnings on VHF-FM channel 16.

- Evacuate as necessary: Mandatory evacuation orders should be obeyed. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate people in danger during a storm.

- Secure your boats and boating equipment: Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less likely to break free of their moorings or to be otherwise damaged. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those mariners who leave their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, life jackets and tenders.

- Be cautious of hazardous materials: If you have hazardous materials on or near the water, you are responsible for any spills that may occur. Take the necessary precautions to secure these materials prior to any foul weather.

- Stay clear of beaches: Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by storms. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe.

Mariners are reminded that drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed to waterway traffic up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 32 mph or greater and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek early passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Media wishing to attend are requested to contact Lt. Scott McBride at 757-617-7985 or Lt. Jack Smith at 757-434-1858.




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