B2 •
Sunday, May 31, 2015
hurric ane guide
alice Echo-news Journal
hurric ane guide
alice Echo-news Journal
Sunday, May 31, 2015
• B3
Coastal Bend prepares By Jacob Flores
jflores@aliceechonews.com
ROBSTOWN — The Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds was host to the 2015 Hurricane Conference. First responders from all over the Coastal Bend gathered to prepare themselves for the fast approaching hurricane season. With about 700 first responders in attendance for this year’s conference Judge Lloyd Neal began the conference thanking everyone for attending. “We thank you, because you are here to make sure we are prepared for this region, this community, and this city for any eventuality,” Neal said. “We want to learn who each other are and what we are going to be doing together. We need to pay attention to what is going on here today because this may be the year we have to do those things that we have been trained to do so well.” Robstown former Mayor Rodrigo Ramon Jr. was also on hand for the conference where he offered condolences to the Simpson family in the wake of the tragic death of Corpus Christi Chief of Police Floyd Simpson. Ramon noted that the area and surrounding cities need to be prepared for severe weather at a moment’s notice. “The Coastal Bend is a very key area in what we do everyday.” Ramon said. “With that in mind we have a great conference ahead of us this year.” Fire Departments from Alice, Robstown, and Corpus Christi were all on hand to take part in the discussions that laid ahead in the conference. “There was a lot of good information for severe weather and bad weather in general,” said Armando Tunchez of the Alice Fire Department.
Robstown students lead the conference in the Pledge of Allegiance
Photo by Jacob Flores
“I have been to a few conferences and there is always a lot of good information for us.” A hurricane happening in Corpus Christi is not unheard of which is why these conferences are now taking place. Looking back on Hurricane Celia and the damage it left behind serves as a reminder that everyone should always be prepared and as our local fire departments note, have a plan.
Photo by Jacob Flores
A local Student, Danielle Rodriguez Performed the National Anthem for the participants of the conference
Photo by Jacob Flores
see PRePAReS, B6 Amazing Grace was played in memory of Chief Floyd Simpson
Photo by Jacob Flores
Rodrigo Ramon Jr. expresses the importance of readiness for the Coastal Bend
Photo by Jacob Flores
Photo by Jacob Flores
Judge Lloyd Neal welcomed first responders to the conference.
Photo by Jacob Flores
Maclovio Perez gives the opening address at the 2015 Hurricane Photo by Jacob Flores Conference
B4 •
Sunday, May 31, 2015
hurric ane guide
alice Echo-news Journal
alice Echo-news Journal
hurric ane guide
Sunday, May 31, 2015
• B5
B6 •
hurric ane guide
Sunday, May 31, 2015
alice Echo-news Journal
Understanding city/county Outdoor Warning System by staff
Hurricane season is here and it’s a good idea to reacquaint yourself with the Outdoor Warning Sirens and make a plan in case of emergency. The City of Alice and Jim Wells County operate seven Outdoor Warning Sirens strategically located throughout the City and one in the Ben Bolt-Green Acres area. The purpose of these sirens is to alert citizens when the possibility of danger is approaching due to severe weather or chemical accidents. The sirens are located on 45’ poles and operate on A/C power with a battery back up. The sirens are activated and monitored from a computerized system in the city’s 911-Communications Center. The sirens are located at Texas Blvd and Main Street, County Road 344 at Airport Entrance, South Cameron and Old Kingsville Road, Apple and Cherry Streets, North Johnson and County Road 110, Anderson Park and U.S. 281 South near County Road 474 Ben Bolt – Green Acres. When the sirens are activated, it is a signal for everyone to move indoors and tune into local radio or television for further information. During severe weather, seek
PRePAReS continued from B3
“Have a plan for yourself and have supplies because it may not be a major hurricane but you still have to
shelter in a sturdy room with a battery-powered radio. Tune to radio station KUKA 105.9 FM or KOPY 1070 AM and 92.1 FM for local information. The National Weather Service (NWS) will also issue warnings over radio, television and weather radios. It is recommended all individuals and businesses purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with a battery back up and tone-alert. Weather
For a chemical spill the siren will give a fast wail for three minutes. In this case, everyone should close all radios should include the windows and doors, shut Specific Area Message Encod- off the air conditioning and ing (S.A.M.E.) feature, which bring in your children and allows for warnings in Jim pets. Evacuate if advised by Wells County only. emergency workers, radio For a tornado warning, the announcements or television siren will give off a wail tone announcements. which will allow the sound to A siren signaling that danslowly rises to its loudest vol- ger has passed will sound as a ume and declines to its lowest steady tone for three minutes. volume repeatedly for three This siren means it is safe to minutes. In this case everyone exit your home. If you spot a should seek shelter in a sturdy tornado please call 9-1-1. room in their house. Stay away Each month on the first from windows and doors until Wednesday at noon the citythe danger has passed. county Outdoor Warning
System is tested. The severe weather wail tone will be activated for one minute. At this time, KUKA 105.9 FM and KOPY 1070 AM and 92.1 FM will announce the tone sounding is only a test and no action is necessary. Should severe weather be in the area during the time of the monthly test, the test will be postponed until the following month. This test will run for one minute. Each Saturday at 6 p.m., the system will perform a self-test or quiet test. This test will cause the siren head to rotate and the unit will make some noise as if it were
activating. If you are outside and near a siren, you will hear it. The test will only be a short event so the unit can detect operation then shut down. You do not need to take any action if you hear this test. In order to prepare for an emergency it is best to discuss the Outdoor Warning Sirens with children in the home so they can take proper action should it be necessary. It is important for every business and household to have an emergency plan in place prior to an actual emergency.
have a plan and the right supplies if you plan on riding the storm out” Tunchez said. The Emergency Management Coordinator of the Corpus Christi Fire Department Billy Delgado said the table top meeting at this
year’s conference was very informative for everyone. “Preparedness is always the key when it comes to hurricane season,” he said. “With the seawall we do have some protection from the flooding associated with
food, pet supplies, medicines and cash as credit card machines may be down.” The conference lasted two days and emergency service representatives discussed and explained the importance of readiness for both the public
as well as first responders. “It is important to have a game plan in place and make sure that everyone is ready to play their part as first responders,” Tunchez said.
hurricanes but we still have concern for North Beach and Flour Bluff should a hurricane come our way,” Delgado said. “It is important to have supply kits in the event of severe storms, put together important documents, water,
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hurric ane guide
alice Echo-news Journal
Sunday, May 31, 2015
• B7
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term “super typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.
Category: 1 Sustained Winds: 74-95 mph (64-82 kt) 119-153 km/h
Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds — Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Category: 2 Sustained Winds: 96-110 mph (83-95 kt) 154-177 km/h Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds — Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive
damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Category: 3 (major) Sustained Winds: 111-129 mph (96-112 kt) 178-208 km/h Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds — Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking nu-
merous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Category: 4 (major) Sustained Winds: 130-156 mph (113-136 kt) 209-251 km/h Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds — Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be
uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Category: 5 (major) Sustained Winds: 157 mph or higher (137 kt or higher) 252 km/h or higher Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds — Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Source: National Weather Service, Hurricane Center
B8 •
Sunday, May 31, 2015
hurric ane guide
alice Echo-news Journal