What Exactly is a
Hurricane?
Hurricanes are tropical cyclones – storms that rotate counterclockwise with wind speeds in excess of 74 mph. Most hurricanes form over warm seas near the equator. They are created when the sun heats the ocean surface, causing heated water vapor to rise, condense and form clouds. These clouds begin to spiral as the earth rotates. More air is pulled underneath and a large vortex is formed. On average, six Atlantic hurricanes develop each year. When a hurricane moves toward populated coastal areas it often causes severe damage. Strong winds create storm surges, floods, rip tides and even spawn tornadoes. As the hurricane moves forward, its right front quadrant is typically where the most devastation occurs. Over land, hurricanes lose their strength as the heated water that sustains it is no longer available to support it.
Classifying a Hurricane Cyclones with wind speeds that exceed 74 mph (64 knots) and circulate (counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere) are referred to as hurricanes in the Atlantic, and Eastern and Central Pacific Oceans. The classifications for all tropical cyclones are: Tropical Depression: A low-pressure area that produces some rotary circulation on the ocean’s surface. Tropical depressions have sustain wind speeds of less than 38 mph.
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Tropical Storm: A low-pressure area with a distinct rotary circulation. Tropical storms have sustain wind speeds of 39 to 73 mph.
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Hurricane: A low-pressure area with a pronounced rotary circulation. Hurricanes have sustain wind speeds of 74 mph or higher.
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Major Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the SaffirSimpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
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Many hurricanes measure 300 miles across, but they have been known to span a 600 mile diameter.
Categorizing a Hurricane’s Strength The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is used internationally to determine a hurricane’s strength and predict the amount of damage it might cause. Category 1
Wind speed:
Category 2
Wind speed: 96 – 110 mph
Extensive damage
Category 3
Wind speed: 111 – 129 mph
Devastating damage
Category 4
Wind speed: 130 – 156 mph
Catastrophic damage
Category 5
Wind speed:
Catastrophic damage
74 – 95 mph
157+ mph
Some damage
Understanding Tropical Cyclone
Advisory Notices
Advisories warn us of impending danger from severe weather. Here are the specific advisories to note during hurricane season. Tropical Storm Watch: Wind speeds of 39-73 mph are possible within 48 hours.
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Tropical Storm Warning: Wind speeds of 39-73 mph are expected within 36 hours.
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Hurricane Watch: Wind speeds of 74 mph or higher are possible within 48 hours.
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Hurricane Warning: Wind speeds of 74 mph or higher are expected within 36 hours.
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Extreme Wind Warning: Sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour.
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Evacuation order: An order issued by the local government advising everyone in the area to evacuate. Once the order is issued, immediate evacuation is required by state law.
Your Personal
Plan of Action The hurricane season begins in early summer and lasts through late fall – June through November. It is important for you to know what to do in case of an emergency. Your Personal Plan of Action details who does what, where you go and what you take along. Practice drills will help prepare you in the event you need to implement your plan.
By following the steps provided here, and adapting them to fit your specific situation, you will be better prepared for a disastrous storm. Determine your destination (to a relative, a friend, a motel, a hotel or public shelter) in the event an evacuation order is given.
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On a map, outline the quickest and safest route needed to get to your destination. Remember, bridges and low-lying areas may be unsafe for travel during a storm.
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Review your insurance policies and coverage.
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Take photos and/or video footage of your property. Store this information with your important papers. Make copies of the documents and photographs and leave them with someone you trust.
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Visually inspect your home and property. Make any repairs necessary (check the roof for loose shingles; the gutters and drains to ensure proper drainage; the trees for loose branches; the grounds for debris or items such as lawn furniture that could blow away).
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Purchase plywood, rope, extra nails and tarps for protecting windows and doors.
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Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit.
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EMERGENCY Supply Kit The Emergency Supply Kit is actually two kits: one that you will need if you stay at home during a storm (At-Home Kit), and one needed if you must evacuate (Evacuation Kit).
At-Home Kit: Two flashlights. ■ A battery-operated radio. ■ Six extra sets of batteries. ■ Gel freezer packs to keep food cold. ■ A cooler. ■ Matches and a lighter. ■ A camping stove and/or grill with fuel, canned heat and/or charcoal bricks and starter fluid. ■ Fire extinguisher (and a box of baking soda to extinguish a fire). ■ If anyone in your family is taking prescription medicines, keep a two-week supply on hand. ■ If you have an infant, prepare a two-week supply of diapers, baby formula, bottles, pacifiers, etc. ■ A medicine kit with a first aid book, a two-week supply of over-thecounter medicines: aspirins, stomach antacids, antidiarrhea medicine, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial ointment, bandages, insect repellent, scissors, tape, etc. Check your first aid book for a list of important items. ■
At-Home Kit continued… ■ A tarp. ■ Towels (three per person). ■ Camera and film (video camera and blank video tape). ■ Kitchen utensils, spoons, knives, forks, hand-operated can opener, bottle opener, cooking pans, spatula, etc. ■ A whistle. ■ A cell phone (if possible). ■ Drinking water in plastic containers (minimum one gallon of water per person per day for 14 days). ■ A water purifying kit. ■ Non-perishable food in cans or sealed containers (enough for 14 days). Don’t forget the pets. See section entitled “Ensuring Your Pet’s Safety.” ■ A box of large, plastic trash bags. ■ A box of locking top, sealing plastic bags – one gallon size.
Evacuation Kit: A map and compass. ■ A can of tire sealer in your trunk. ■ Sleeping bags and/or blankets for each member of the family. ■ Air or foam mattresses. ■ Identification for everyone. ■ Important documents. ■ Extra clothes, shoes, etc. ■ Books, games, playing cards, etc., (this may be an extended stay). ■ Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, toilet paper, feminine products, paper towels, etc. ■ Cash. ■
Storing Food Ideally, you should have enough non-perishable food items on hand to sustain your family for two weeks. High energy, high-nutrition foods are best. If the power goes out, eat the foods in the refrigerator first, before eating food in the freezer. Only open the refrigerator and freezer doors when needed – the longer the doors stay closed the longer the food lasts. Non-perishable foods are to be used primarily after the perishable food items from your refrigerator and freezer are consumed. Some non-perishable food sources are: Canned or bottled items: meats, vegetables, fruits, soups, juices, canned or evaporated milk, cooking oil, drinks.
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Bagged or boxed items: soup mixes, sugar, flour, salt, pepper, cereals, crackers.
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Energy boosters: Granola bars, peanut butter, cookies, nuts, dried fruits, trail mix, potato chips, snacks.
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These items are easily stored and most keep without refrigeration. Make sure you have eating utensils (plastic and paper ware). See section entitled “At-Home Kit” for a complete list of utensils.
Generators Keep You Running Depending on their wattage, gas-operated generators can power lights, fans, even run a refrigerator. Generators should be stored in a wellventilated area. To conserve fuel only run the generator when needed. All devices should be connected directly to the generator. Never connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring, and never store fuel near the generator.
Storing Water When a hurricane threatens, it is important to have enough drinking water available to sustain each family member for two weeks – 14 gallons per person. A hurricane often causes severe flooding which enables bacteria such as Salmonella and Shigella to contaminate the local water supply. These and other bacteria can be life threatening for people and pets. Here are some ways to ensure a safe supply of water.
Before the Storm Fill your bathtub(s) and sinks with water. To keep water from leaking, cover the drain with a clean sheet of plastic before filling.
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Fill clean plastic or glass containers with water. Store the bottled water in a cool, dark area.
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Any water you have stored in clean containers before the storm will be safe to drink for at least two weeks.
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If you have a swimming pool, fill it and shock the water with chlorine. Cover the pool tightly with a pool cover.
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After the Storm Vigorous boiling for one minute will kill any disease-causing microorganisms present in water. The flat taste of boiled water can be improved by pouring it back and forth from one container to another, by allowing it to stand for a few hours, or by adding a small pinch of salt for each quart of water boiled.
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Common household bleach contains a chlorine compound that will disinfect water. The procedure to be followed is usually written on the label. When the necessary procedure is not given, add ten drops per gallon of water. The treated water should be mixed thoroughly and allowed to stand for 30 minutes.
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Caring for the Elderly During a Hurricane It can be difficult for the elderly to evacuate their homes quickly – in some cases it is not possible without assistance. The elderly also tend to move slowly and are more prone to cardiac arrest under stressful conditions. Here are some tips to keep seniors safe: When you first move into an area, register with your local Emergency Management Agency. Give them your address and inform them if you will need assistance during evacuation. When the order to evacuate is given, call the agency immediately.
If you are under a physician’s care, tell your doctor where you will be staying during the storm.
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If you require a respirator, oxygen, electronic medical equipment or any special medical device, make arrangements prior to the storm to have extra supplies delivered to your home.
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If the evacuation order is given, bring all your medicines and proper dosage requirements with you.
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Bring any special medical apparatus that you use.
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Don’t forget the Emergency Supply Kits – both the At-Home and Evacuation Kits.
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If you feel you’ll need hospitalization, arrange for that possibility through your personal physician.
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Protecting Your Home
Inspecting and
By following the suggestions below, your home will have a better chance of surviving severe weather. Start at the top: Check for any loose shingles on your roof. Make sure the gutters are tightly hinged and that they drain freely. Check the storm drains for any clogging. Work your way down: Check all windows and doors to ensure they are caulked sufficiently. Properly installing approved hurricane shutters over windows and doors is highly recommended to protect your home against strong winds. If your home is not equipped with hurricane shutters, as last resort, secure 3/4� plywood over windows and doors. Have the plywood sheets pre-cut, marked, labeled, drilled, stored and ready to install quickly when needed. Your garage: Inadequate garage doors or ones left open during a storm are the main entry ports for damaging winds. Make sure your garage door complies with your area’s building code rating for hurricane wind loads, and for the impact of flying debris.
Get Grounded If you have decorative small stone landscaping, either remove it and cover the area with fire-retardant mulch or cover the rocks with a tarp. Secure the tarp firmly to the ground with tent stakes. Remove all lawn items – chairs, trash containers, potted plants, bird feeders, toys, bicycles, etc.
Weathering the Storm at Home If you do not live within the “evacuation area,” do not leave your home (unless you live in a mobile home). Use this checklist as you prepare to stay home during the storm. Secure all windows and doors with plywood.
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Keep updated on the storm’s status by listening to advisory reports on a radio or TV.
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Open your home as a refuge to friends or family members whose homes may not provide adequate protection.
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Remove all loose items from your yard.
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Keep flashlights handy.
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Have your Emergency Supply Kits near at hand.
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Stay away from windows or any glass-covered openings during the storm. Go to the lowest floor of your home. Find a room that is structurally reinforced – a bathroom or closet – and wait there until the storm passes.
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If the power goes out, turn off your water heater, air conditioner and heater to reduce the chance of damage.
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If flooding occurs, turn off all electricity at the main breaker box.
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Do not use your computer or any electrical device during the storm.
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Do not leave your house until it has been confirmed that is safe to do so. It may seem as if the storm has passed, yet you could be in the calm eye of the hurricane.
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Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.
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Withdraw money beforehand – the storm may knock out power to ATMs.
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Have your address clearly marked in the front of your home.
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When the Order is Given to
Evacuate DON’T PANIC. An orderly, but immediate evacuation will help ensure that you arrive safely at your destination. Take your At-Home and Evacuation Kits.
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Gather your important documents: insurance papers with the name and phone number of your agent, medical records, driver’s license, property photos, inventory check list, etc.
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Turn off water, gas and electricity.
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Lock all windows and doors.
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Call someone located at your destination: if it is a hotel or motel, check for vacancy and make or confirm your reservation; if it is a shelter, let them know you are on your way.
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Call friends and relatives to inform them of your destination. When you arrive, call again to let them know you are safe.
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Leave the area, but not the region. Main highways may be congested and the more time spent on the road, the greater your chance of being stranded by the storm.
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Get Mobile
Mobile Home Residents...
Before the storm arrives, make sure your mobile home is well anchored with tie-downs. Turn off all water, electricity and gas. Do not stay in the mobile home. Go to your evacuation destination until it is safe to return.
Keeping Your Boat
Afloat
Water craft are particularly vulnerable to damage during a hurricane because of their light weight and close proximity to the coast. Secure your boat before a hurricane warning is given (after an evacuation order is issued, draw bridges will be closed to boaters).
At the Marina Check all cleats, ropes, chocks and winches for strength. Double the rigging lines fore and aft.
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Ensure lines are high enough on pilings to allow for extreme ebb and flow of the ocean during storm surges.
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Cover ropes where they rub against the boat and tie points with leather or rubber (old inner tubes or garden hoses work well). This will protect your boat and rigging lines.
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Make sure batteries for bilge pumps are fresh.
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Use canvas tape to cover any cracks or openings on the craft.
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Tie old tires around the boat to protect it from being pushed into other docked boats, piers, pilings, etc.
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Loose items should be removed or secured inside the craft.
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Boats Stored on Land Remove and store the outboard motor, battery and electronic units.
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Deflate the trailer tires. Tie down the boat and trailer.
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Small boats may be filled with water to add weight.
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If possible, move the boat to a garage.
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Don’t Let a Hurricane Put Your
Business in the Red Countless businesses have been wiped out, both physically and monetarily, due to hurricanes. Here are some ways to protect your business during the storm: Create an Evacuation Plan.
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Post a copy of the Evacuation Plan on each floor of the building.
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Fax a copy of the Evacuation Plan to clients, customers and vendors.
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Designate a meeting area in the event telephone lines are down.
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Practice evacuation drills annually with employees.
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Have your building inspected annually by a certified building inspector.
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If a hurricane poses an inland threat, secure your windows and doors.
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Back up all data files and store them in another location.
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Make provisions to work without electricity, water, sewage and telephone service for up to two weeks.
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Contact clients, customers and vendors when you return to your place of business after the storm. Update them on your company’s status.
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Have your business appraised every four years.
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Keep a current inventory of all office machines and supplies.
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Photograph all of your office equipment.
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Have copies of your insurance papers handy.
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You may purchase business interruption insurance, accounts receivable insurance, valuable paperwork insurance, even income destruction insurance. Some acts of nature may require separate coverage. Talk to your agent.
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Keep a record of companies that provide disaster recovery services such as cleanup and debris removal.
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Ensuring Your
Pet’s Safety
The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets if you evacuate is to take them with you. If it’s not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it’s not safe for your pets. Because evacuation shelters generally don’t accept pets, except for service animals, you must plan ahead to ensure that your family and pets will have a safe place to stay. Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. It’s a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area – if your pet is lost, you want to provide a number on the tag that will be answered even if you’re out of your home.
Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time ■
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ontact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies C on accepting pets. Ask about restrictions on number, size and species, and if “no pet” policies would be waived in an emergency. Make a list of pet-friendly places and keep it handy. sk if friends or relatives would be able to shelter you and your animals, A or just your animals, if necessary. ake a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might M shelter animals in emergencies; include 24 hour telephone numbers.
Staying at Home During the Storm If your family and pets must wait out the storm at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification. Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your other emergency supplies. If you find that you do need to leave, remember: do not leave your pets behind.
After the Storm Don’t allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations. For a few days, keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost. Try to get your pets back into their normal routine as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioral problems that may result from stress of the situation. Talk with your veterinarian if problems persist.
Supply Checklist for Pets ■
Medications and medical records stored in a watertight container
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Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely
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Current photos and descriptions of your pets
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ood and water for at least 3 days for each pet, bowls, cat litter and F a litter box, and a manual can opener I nformation on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian Pet beds and toys to reduce stress
Heading Back Home
After a Hurricane The hurricane may leave your area without the necessities your family is accustomed to: water, electricity, phone service, trash removal... even food. Be prepared to “rough it” for a few weeks. Live off the food items you had stored, and utilize your Emergency Supply Kits. When you arrive back in your neighborhood, be patient. Re-entry may be controlled by local law officials. Search and rescue units, city engineers, electricians and other emergency personnel may be busy removing fallen trees and debris, repairing power lines, searching for victims and performing other important tasks. It might seem chaotic – curfews may even be enforced. The cleanup process could take several days, and it may be weeks before utilities are functioning regularly again. Below are some things to consider when you return home. Continue to monitor your radio for updates and instructions.
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Keep your identification handy – you may be asked to provide proof of residence.
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Drive only when and where necessary – do not drive just to assess the area.
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Drive with care – there is likely to be debris scattered on roads that can damage your tires.
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Be cautious, the area might be congested with construction traffic, emergency vehicles, residents, etc.
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Stay clear of all downed power lines.
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Visually inspect all fences, buildings or downed trees to ensure no electrical wires are present.
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Take care when removing large debris such as boards, siding or plywood – you could be disturbing the temporary residence of snakes, animals or insects driven there by the storm (particularly after flooding).
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Upon entering your home, open all the doors and windows to help ventilate and dry the area.
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After flooding, do not attempt to turn on your power at the breaker. Call an electrician for assistance.
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Do not light matches or use candles inside until gas lines have been inspected – use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns.
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Keep grills and cooking stoves outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
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Use your telephone as little as possible. Telephone lines are needed for emergency communications and must be kept open. Call one relative and ask that he or she update other family members and friends of your status.
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Before you begin cleaning the area, take photos and video footage of the damage to your home and property. Keep receipts for repairs – you will need these for insurance purposes.
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For removal of large debris, call a professional.
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Wear protective eyewear, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, rubber boots, gloves and a hat when removing debris or repairing your home.
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Don’t pick up anything you can’t identify.
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Never lift anything too heavy or cumbersome without assistance.
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When lifting heavy items use your legs, not your back.
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Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
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Do not burn your trash.
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Adhere to all safety warnings and read directions before using saws and other dangerous machinery.
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Only hire licensed contractors for repairs.
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Make sure you have all required building permits before attempting any repairs.
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Report any suspicious dumping or draining of large quantities of liquids. Many local ordinances do not permit dumping liquids into local canals or ditches as this can strain the sewage system causing back ups.
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