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Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have reached a constant speed of 74 mph or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a center called the eye. The eye is generally 20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward up to 400 miles. As a hurricane approaches, the skies will begin to darken and winds will begin grow in intensity. As a hurricane nears land, it can bring torrential rains, high winds and storm surges. A storm surge is the result of high water pushed toward the shore by the force of swirling winds. An advancing storm surge combines with a normal tide to create a hurricane storm tide. A single hurricane can last for more than 2 weeks over open waters and can travel the entire length of the eastern seaboard. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30 with August and September considered peak months.

The experts may tell you that the 2005 hurricane season has spawned only an average number of storms, but the 2005 season is exceptional because so many of the storms have made deadly and damaging landfalls with relatively little recovery time in between. While many of us watched and listened to the forecasts and news, it’s unlikely that more than a few of us are familiar with the Tropical Prediction Center (TPC), the organization responsible for issuing these important safety announcements.

The TPC is part of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Its mission is to save lives, mitigate property loss and improve economic efficiency by issuing watches, warnings, forecasts and analyses of tropical weather and by increasing general understanding of weather hazards. The TPC is responsible for generating and coordinating tropical cyclone analysis and forecasts for 24 countries in North and South America and the Caribbean, and for waters of the North Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern North Pacific.

The TPC has three branches: the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB) and the Technical Support Branch (TSB). The NHC maintains a continuous watch on tropical cyclones from May 15 in the eastern Pacific and June 1 in the Atlantic, through to November 30 in both. NHC prepares and issues forecasts, watches and warnings within text advisories and graphical products. Although many countries issue their own warnings, they generally do so after direct discussions with, and with guidance from, the NHC.

Everyone in a hurricane-prone area must take initiative now to prepare for the next hurricane. Know that it can happen where you live and affect your family. Practice the three simple steps of disaster preparedness: make a plan, make a kit and get informed. Make a plan so you know what you will do if you need to evacuate -- where to go, what to do with your pets and how to meet up with your family members if you need to leave quickly. Every home should also have a disaster supply kit.

Before hurricane season starts:

• Plan an evacuation route; contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan which should include information of safe evacuation routes and local shelters. Learn safe inland routes and be ready to drive approximately 20 to 50 miles to arrive at a safe location.
• Have disaster supplies available, such as: flashlights, a portable battery-powered radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, emergency food and water, non-electric can opener, essential medicines, cash and credit cards.
• Make arrangements for pets, since pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters. Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.
• Make sure that all family members know how to respond before and after a hurricane. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police or fire department and which radio station to tune into for emergency information. In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
• Protect your windows by installing permanent shutters or making temporary panels with 1/2" marine grade plywood and predrilling screw holes every 18 inches apart. Trim back dead or weak tree branches.

A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. During a hurricane watch:

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check emergency supplies and fuel your car.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Store drinking water in bottles and jugs or have a stocked supply of bottled water available.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.

A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions such as winds of 74 mph or greater or dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less. During a hurricane warning:

• Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions. If in a mobile home, check tie downs and evacuate immediately. If at home:
• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored. If officials indicate a mandatory evacuation:
• Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
• Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
• Tell someone outside of the storm area or your “family contact person” where you are going.
• If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.
• Take pre-assembled emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to the shelter.
• Lock up home and leave.

Sources For More Information

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm

www.ready.gov

www.noaa.gov

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