Hurricane Sandy : Stay Safe!

We are currently thinking about all of our FirstPoint USA athletes and coaches in New York and along the East Coast area, as Hurricane Sandy approaches.  We have prepared this article to educate our readers about this approaching mega storm, and offer some tips on how to stay safe! Meteorologists are warning that Hurricane Sandy could potentially be one of the worst storms to hit the East Coast of the United States in over 100 years - categorized by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of having the destructive potential of 5.8...on a scale that goes from 0 to 6! This storm has been dubbed as the "The Frankenstorm" and has been reported at being more than 1,000 miles across from one end to another.  It has even been reported that tropical storm-force winds can be felt up to 520 miles away from the centre of this mega storm!Given that a state of emergency has been declared already in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia with many other surrounding states being affected - residents are being warned by public officials to prepare for a "worse case scenario". We would like to remind those in these areas of some safety precautions they can still take to ensure their safety.... 1. Bunker Down Make sure your windows are protected and ride out the storm inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.  Find a safe area - a closet, a lower level bathroom or, if you have a basement, take cover there.  There are also public shelters for those who have no other place to go. 2. Clean up Make sure you clear up your living space in preparation for the storm.  Make sure you clear a pathway to important places, like the kitchen and bathroom.  Ensure there are no piles of clothes, books, toys etc on the floor that could cause you to trip. 3. Let There Be Light There is a very high chance the power will go out for millions of people during Hurricane Sandy...make sure you are prepared, and keep a flashlight nearby! Keep supplies handy such as batteries, snacks, a hand-crank radio, water and any medication you may need. If flooding threatens your home, turn off the electricity at the main breaker. Do not use electrical appliances during a storm, including your computer! 4. Stay Inside It may seem obvious, but do not go outside as soon as there is a period of calm - this could be the eye of the storm.  Wind speeds can pick up rapidly once the eye has passed, and you may be at risk from flying debris.  Remain indoors until an official all clear is given. 5. Take Care After The Storm There are many dangers you should be aware of, even after the storm has passed.  Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind, stay away from puddles that have wires nearby and do not touch any trees or objects that may be in contact with power lines. Call police or utility companies immediately if you need to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains etc. Although this list is very short, we hope this can be of use to our readers in the US who are preparing for Hurricane Sandy. FirstPoint USA would like to let our readers, athletes and coaches in these affected areas know that we are thinking of them and hoping that everyone stays safe!