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Hurricane
Hurricane in PDF Format
-- 70 KB
Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition:
American Red Cross, FEMA, IAEM, IBHS, NFPA, NWS, USDA/CSREES, and
USGS.
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Why Talk About Hurricanes?
There are no other storms like hurricanes on Earth. Views of hurricanes
from satellites located thousands of miles above the Earth show how these
powerful, tightly coiled weather systems are unique. Each year, on average,
10 tropical storms (of which six become hurricanes) develop over the Atlantic
Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico. Many of these storms remain over
the ocean. However, an average of five hurricanes strike the United States
coastline every three years. Of these five, two will be major hurricanes,
which are storms of category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale,
which corresponds to hurricanes with winds at or above 111 miles per hour.
Timely warnings have greatly diminished hurricane fatalities in the
United States. In spite of this, property damage continues to mount. There
is little we can do about the hurricanes themselves. However, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Tropical Prediction
Center and National Weather
Service (NWS) field offices team up with other federal, state, and
local agencies; rescue and relief organizations; the private sector; and
the news media in a huge warning and preparedness effort.
An average of five hurricanes strike the United
States coastline every three years. Of these five, two will be major hurricanes...
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What Are Hurricanes, and What Causes Them?
Hurricanes and tropical storms are cyclones with tropical origins (tropical
cyclones). When the winds of a tropical storm (winds 39 to 73 miles per
hour) reach a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or more, it is called
a hurricane. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a relatively
calm center known as the "eye." The "eye" is generally 20 to 30 miles
wide, and the storm may have a diameter of 400 miles across. As a hurricane
approaches, the skies will begin to darken and winds will grow in strength.
A hurricane can bring torrential rains, high winds, and storm surge as
it nears land. A single hurricane can last more than two weeks over open
waters and can run a path across the entire length of the eastern seaboard.
More dangerous than the high winds of a hurricane is the storm surge
- a dome of ocean water that can be 20 feet high at its peak and 50 to
100 miles wide. The surge can devastate coastal communities as it sweeps
ashore. In recent years, the fatalities associated with storm surge have
been greatly reduced as a result of better warning and preparedness within
coastal communities.
Most deaths due to tropical cyclones are flood-related. Inland flooding
is a common occurrence with hurricanes and tropical storms. Torrential
rains from decaying hurricanes and tropical storms can produce extensive
urban and river flooding. Winds from these storms located offshore can
drive ocean water up the mouth of rivers, compounding the severity of
inland flooding. Inland streams and rivers can flood and trigger landslides.
Mudslides can occur in mountainous regions. In addition, hurricanes can
spawn tornadoes, which add to the destructiveness of the storm.
Learn about hurricane risk in your community by contacting your local
emergency management office, National Weather Service office, or American
Red Cross chapter.
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Awareness Information
- A National Weather Service WATCH is a message indicating that conditions
favor the occurrence of a certain type of hazardous weather. For example,
a severe thunderstorm watch means that a severe thunderstorm is expected
in the next six hours or so within an area approximately 120 to 150
miles wide and 300 to 400 miles long (36,000 to 60,000 square miles).
The NWS Storm Prediction Center issues such watches. Local NWS forecast
offices issue other watches (flash flood, winter weather, etc.) 12
to 36 hours in advance of a possible hazardous-weather or flooding
event. Each local forecast office usually covers a state or a portion
of a state.
- An NWS WARNING indicates that a hazardous event is occurring or is
imminent in about 30 minutes to an hour. Local NWS forecast offices
issue warnings on a county-by-county basis.
- A hurricane WATCH is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions
within 24 to 36 hours.
- A hurricane WARNING is issued when hurricane conditions are expected
in 24 hours or less.
Many people do not realize the threat of hurricanes as each one is
different. Over the past several years, U.S. hurricane warning systems
have provided adequate time for people on barrier islands and the immediate
coastline to move inland when hurricanes threaten. However, due to rapid
population growth, it is becoming more difficult to evacuate people from
the barrier islands and other coastal areas because roads have not kept
pace with the expansion. The problem is further compounded by the fact
that 80 to 90 percent of the population now living in hurricane-prone
areas have never experienced the core of a "major" hurricane. Many of
these people have been through weaker storms. The result is a false impression
of a hurricane's damage potential. This often leads to complacency and
delayed actions, which could result in the loss of many lives.
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Plan for a Hurricane
Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see
the "Family Disaster Plan" section for general
family planning information. Hurricane-specific planning should include
the following:
- Learn about your community's risk from hurricanes. Contact
your local emergency management office, local National Weather Service
office, or local chapter of the American Red Cross for more information
on hurricanes and how to prepare for them.
- If your community is at risk from hurricanes, contact the local
emergency management office or planning and zoning office to find
out if you live in an area that could flood during a hurricane or
heavy rains. If you live in a risk area, learn what types of supplies
should be stored to protect your home from flood waters. Knowing the
elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and dams
will let you know if forecasted flood levels will affect your home.
If you are at risk from hurricanes:
- Talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners' policies do not
cover flooding from hurricanes. Ask about the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP).
- Ask about your community's hurricane preparedness plan. The
local emergency management office or local chapter of the American
Red Cross should be able to provide you with details of this plan,
including information on the safest evacuation routes, nearby shelters,
advice on when schools would be closed and what conditions are necessary
for recommended evacuation of certain areas.
- Develop an evacuation plan. (See
"Evacuation" in the "Family Disaster Plan" section.) Everyone
in your family should know where to go if they have to leave. Trying
to make plans at the last minute can be upsetting and create confusion.
- Determine where to move your boat in an emergency. Marinas
and other storage facilities may fill up quickly. Some locations may
have less risk of damage than others. You may be required to secure
your boat well in advance of approaching hurricanes.
- Discuss hurricanes with your family. Everyone should know
what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing
hurricanes ahead of time will help reduce fear and anxiety, and lets
everyone know how to respond. Review flood safety and preparedness
measures with your family.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
Please see the section "Disaster Supplies Kit"
for general supplies kit information. Hurricane-specific supplies should
include the following:
- A week's supply of food and water (to be kept at home in addition
to the recommended three-day supply for your evacuation kit).
- Disaster Suplies Kit basics.
- Evacuation Supplies Kit.
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How to Protect Your Property
- Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm.
A list will help you remember anything that can be broken or picked
up by strong winds. Hurricane winds, often in excess of 100 miles
per hour, can turn unanchored items into deadly missiles, causing
damage or injury when they hit.
- Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Make trees more wind resistant
by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically remove branches
so that wind can blow through. Hurricane winds frequently break weak
limbs and hurl them at great speed, causing great damage when they
hit property. Debris collection services may not be operating just
before a storm, so it is best to do this well in advance of approaching
storms.
- Remove any debris or loose items in your yard. Hurricane winds
can pick up anything unsecured, creating damage to property when the
debris hits.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Hurricanes
often bring long periods of heavy rain. Providing clear drainage will
help prevent misdirected flooding.
- Install permanent hurricane shutters. Hurricane shutters provide
the best protection for your windows and doors. Taping windows could
take critical time from more effective preparedness measures. All
tape does is help prevent glass from broken windows from scattering
all over inside. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Cover
the outside of windows with shutters or plywood.
- If you do not have permanent hurricane shutters, install anchors
for plywood (marine plywood is best) and predrill holes in precut
half-inch outdoor plywood boards so that you can cover the windows
of your home quickly. Mark which board fits which window. Note:
Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is
not recommended. Most homes destroyed during recent hurricanes had
no window protection. When wind enters a home through broken windows,
the pressure builds against the walls and can lift roofs, followed
by collapsing walls.
- Install protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors.
Glass doors are as vulnerable as windows to breakage by wind-driven
objects.
- Well ahead of time, buy any other items needed to board up windows
and protect your home. When a hurricane threatens, supplies are
quickly sold out at many stores. Stock may not be replenished until
after the storm.
- Strengthen garage doors. Many houses are destroyed by hurricane
winds that enter through damaged garage doors, lifting roofs, and
destroying the remainder of the house.
- Have an engineer check your home and advise about ways to make
it more resistant to hurricane winds. There are a variety of ways
to protect your home. Professionals can advise you of engineering
requirements, building permits or requirements of local planning and
zoning departments to provide the most effective protection.
- Elevate coastal homes. Raising houses to a certain height
will make them more resistant to hurricane-driven waters. There may
be many local codes affecting how and where homes can be elevated.
Meet with your emergency manager or planning and zoning official for
a description of the process to have your home elevated. There may
also be community funds available for such measures.
- If you live in a flood plain or are prone to flooding, also follow
flood preparedness precautions. Hurricanes can bring great amounts
of rain and frequently cause floods. Some hurricanes have dropped
more than 10 inches of rain in just a few hours.
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Media and Community Education Ideas
- Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency
information on hurricanes. Localize the information by printing the
phone number of local emergency services offices, the American Red
Cross chapter, and the nearest hospitals.
- Provide hurricane tracking charts to local schools.
- Work with local emergency services and American
Red Cross officials to prepare special reports to people with
mobility impairments on what to do if an evacuation is ordered.
- At the beginning of each hurricane season, encourage the emergency
response organizations to review community hurricane disaster plans.
- Publicize and promote a hurricane awareness week.
- Stage a simulated evacuation to show your community what can happen.
- Periodically inform your community of local public warning systems.
- Publish emergency evacuation routes.
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What to Do During a Hurricane WATCH
- Continue listening regularly
to a NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television stations for updated
information. Hurricanes can change direction, intensity, and
speed very suddenly. What was a minor threat several hours ago can quickly
escalate to a major threat.
- Listen to the advice of local
officials, and evacuate if they tell you to do so. Avoid flooded
roads and watch for washed-out bridges. Leaving an area that may be
affected will help keep your family safe. Local officials may call for
evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community. Following
the advice of local authorities is your safest protection. Local officials
may close down certain roads, especially near the coast, when the outer
effects of increasing wind and rain from a hurricane reach the coast.
- Prepare your property for high
winds. Hurricane winds can blow large, heavy objects and send
them crashing into homes. Anything not secured may become a deadly or
damaging projectile.
- Bring lawn furniture inside, as well as outdoor
decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, or anything
else that can be picked up by the wind.
- Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased
and damaged limbs, then strategically remove branches so that wind
can blow through.
- Secure building by closing and boarding up each
window of your home. Remove outside antennas.
- Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe
place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tie-downs
to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
- Fill your car's gas tank.
If advised to evacuate, you may have to travel long distances or be
caught in traffic, idling for long periods of time. Gas stations along
the route may be closed.
- Stock up on prescription medications.
Stores and pharmacies may be closed after the storm.
- Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
Manufactured homes may not be as affected by strong winds if they are
tied down according to the manufacturer's instructions. Properly tied
down homes are more likely to stay fixed to their foundations.
- Check your Disaster Supplies
Kit. Some supplies may need to be replaced or restocked.
- Turn refrigerator and freezer
to coldest setting. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
Keeping the coldest air in will help perishables last much longer in
the event of a power failure.
- Store valuables and personal
papers in a safety deposit box in a waterproof container on the highest
level of your home. Hurricanes leave much water damage inside
homes. Historically, it is shown that protecting valuables in this manner
will provide the best security.
- Turn off utilities if told to
do so by authorities. Authorities may ask you to turn off water
or electric utilities to prevent damage to your home or within the community.
Most of the time they will tell you to leave the gas on because a professional
is required to turn your gas back on, and it may be several weeks before
you receive service.
- Turn off propane tanks.
Propane tanks may be damaged or dislodged by strong winds or water.
Turning them off reduces the fire potential if they are damaged by the
storm.
- Unplug small appliances.
Small appliances may be affected by electrical power surges that may
occur as the storm approaches. Unplugging them reduces potential damage.
- Review evacuation plan.
Make sure your planned route is the same as the currently recommended
route. Sometimes roads may be closed or blocked, requiring a different
route.
- Stay away from flood waters.
If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. When
you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around
you, if you can do so safely, get out of your vehicle and climb to higher
ground. Most hurricane-related deaths are caused by floods, and most
flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.
The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed
out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. Rapidly rising
water may stall the engine, engulf the vehicle and its occupants, and
sweep them away. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.
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What to Do During a Hurricane WARNING
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio, or portable, battery- powered
radio or television for updated information and official instructions.
Hurricanes can change direction, intensity, and speed very suddenly.
Continue listening for local information.
- If officials announce a hurricane warning, they may ask you to
leave your home as soon as possible to be safe. Take your Disaster
Supplies Kit and go to a shelter or your family contact's home. Call
your check-in contact so someone will know where you are going.
Local officials advise leaving only if they truly believe your location
is in danger. It is important to follow their instructions as soon
as possible. Roads may become blocked and the storm can worsen, preventing
safe escape. Having your disaster supplies will make you more comfortable
while you are away from home.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, on the first
floor away from windows, skylights and glass doors, even if they are
covered. Stay on the floor least likely to be affected by strong
winds and flood waters. A small interior room without windows on the
first floor is usually the safest place. Have as many walls between
you and the outside winds as possible. Sometimes strong winds and
projectiles may tear hurricane shutters off, so stay away from windows
even if they are covered. Lie on the floor under a table or other
sturdy object. Being under a sturdy object will offer greater protection
from falling objects.
- Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
Closed doors will help prevent damaging hurricane winds from entering
additional rooms.
- Have a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid
using open flames (candles and kerosene lamps) as a source of light.
Flashlights provide the safest emergency lighting source. Between
1984 and 1998, candle-related deaths from home fires following hurricanes
were three times greater than the number of deaths related to the
direct impact of the hurricane. Kerosene lamps require a great deal
of ventilation and are not designed for indoor use.
- Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, sinks, plastic bottles,
and cooking utensils. Public water supplies and wells may become
contaminated, or electric pumps may be inoperative if power is lost.
Survivors of community-wide disasters have said the individual's greatest
need following the disaster is water.
- If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce the power
"surge" when electricity is restored. When electricity is restored,
the surge from many major appliances starting at the same time may
cause damage or destroy the appliances. Turning off or unplugging
major appliances will allow you to decide when it is best to turn
them back on.
- If in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately.
Historically, manufactured homes suffer the greatest amount of damage
during hurricanes. Prior to 1994, most manufactured homes were not
designed to withstand even moderate winds.
- Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over.
The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and
the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings,
and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed
by the second winds. The opposing winds begin suddenly, and have surprised
and injured many people who ventured out during the eye.
- Watch out for flooding. Hurricanes and tropical storms often
drop large amounts of rainfall and cause severe flooding, even when
they are weakening or are no longer a named storm. "Weak" tropical
storms are just as capable of producing heavy rainfall and flooding
as major hurricanes.
- Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during and after
a hurricane passes over. Remain indoors on a lower level, in the center
of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows. Going below
ground, such as to a basement or storm cellar, increases your risk
from flood.
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What to Do if Evacuation Is Necessary
- Leave as soon as possible (if
possible, in daylight). Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out
bridges. Roads and bridges frequently become crowded and traffic moves
slow. Evacuation will probably take longer than expected. Give yourself
plenty of time.
- Secure your home by unplugging
appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
This will reduce potential damage to your appliances (from power surges)
and to your home.
- Tell someone outside of the storm
area where you are going. Relatives and friends will be concerned
about your safety. Letting someone know your travel plans will help
relieve their fear and anxiety.
- If time permits, and you live
in an identified surge zone or area prone to flooding, move furniture
to a higher floor. Moving valuable furnishings helps reduce potential
damage.
- Bring preassembled emergency
supplies and warm protective clothing. People frequently arrive
at shelters or hotels with nothing. Having these items will make you
more comfortable in other locations.
- While shelters provide a safe place to stay and food,
specialty items for infants and individuals on restricted diets may
not be available. It may take several days until permission is given
by local authorities to re-enter an evacuated area. Bring
these items with you to a shelter:
- First aid kit, manual, and prescription medications.
- Baby food and diapers.
- Cards, games, books.
- Toiletries.
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
- Flashlight (one per person) and extra batteries.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- Identification.
- Valuable papers (copies of insurance papers, passports,
and other essential documents).
- Lock up your home and leave.
There may be individuals evacuating after you, or returning before you.
Police may be busy with hurricane-related emergencies and not able to
patrol neighborhoods as usual. Lock your property as you normally would
when leaving home.
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What to Do After a Hurricane
- Continue listening to local radio
or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for information and instructions.
Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be
blocked.
- If you evacuated, return home
when local officials tell you it is safe. Local officials on
the scene are your best source of information on accessible areas and
passable roads.
- Stay alert for extended rainfall
and subsequent flooding, even after the hurricane or tropical storm
has weakened. Hurricanes may stall or change direction when they
make landfall, or they may bring a lot of rain upriver, causing additional
flood hazards for hours or days after the storm.
- Stay away from flood waters.
Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out
bridges. Continue to follow all flood safety messages. Flood waters
may last for days following a hurricane. If you come upon a flooded
road, turn around and go another way. When you are caught on a flooded
road and waters are rising rapidly around you, if you can safely get
out of the car, do so immediately and climb to higher ground. Never
try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. Most flood fatalities
are caused by people attempting to drive through water or people playing
in high water. If it is moving swiftly, even water six inches deep can
sweep you off your feet, and two feet can carry away most automobiles.
- If you come upon a barricade,
follow detour signs or turn around and go another way. Barricades
are put up by local officials to protect people from unsafe roads. Driving
around them can be a serious risk.
- Stay on firm ground. Moving
water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water
may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Help injured or trapped persons.
Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons
unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
- Help a neighbor who may require
special assistance - infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.
Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance.
People who care for them or who have large families may need additional
assistance in emergency situations.
- Avoid disaster areas.
Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations, and
put you at further risk from the residual effects of floods, such as
contaminated waters, crumbled roads, landslides, mudflows, and other
hazards.
- Avoid loose or dangling power
lines; immediately report them to the power company, police, or fire
department. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities
turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
- Electrical equipment should be
checked and dried before being returned to service. Call an electrician
for advice before using electricity, which may have received water damage.
- Stay out of the building if water
remains around the building. Flood waters often undermine foundations,
causing buildings to sink, floors to crack, or walls to collapse.
- When entering buildings, use
extreme caution. Hurricane- driven flood waters may have damaged
buildings where you least expect it. Carefully watch every step you
take.
- Wear sturdy shoes.
The most common injury following a disaster is cut feet.
- Use battery-powered lanterns
or flashlights when examining buildings. Battery-powered
lighting is the safest and easiest, preventing fire hazard for the
user, occupants, and building.
- Examine walls, floors, doors,
staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in
danger of collapsing.
- Inspect foundations for cracks
or other damage. Cracks and damage to a foundation can render
a building uninhabitable.
- Look for fire hazards.
There may be broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits,
or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. Flammable or explosive
materials may come from upstream. Fire is the most frequent hazard
following floods.
- Check for gas leaks.
If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window
and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas, using the outside
main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor's
home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned
back on by a professional.
- Look for electrical system
damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if
you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main
fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get
to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for
advice. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before
being returned to service.
- Check for sewage and water
line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid
using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged,
contact the water company, and avoid using water from the tap. You
can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by melting
ice cubes.
- Watch out for animals, especially
poisonous snakes, that may have come into buildings with the flood
waters. Use a stick to poke through debris. Flood waters
flush many animals and snakes out of their homes.
- Watch for loose plaster,
drywall, and ceilings that could fall.
- Take pictures of the damage,
both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate
and dry your home.
- Check refrigerated food for spoilage.
If power was lost, some foods may be spoiled.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food
with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated.
Hurricane-driven flood waters may have contaminated public water supplies
or wells. Local officials should advise you on the safety of the drinking
water. Undamaged water heaters or melted ice cubes can provide good
sources of fresh drinking water.
- Pump out flooded basements gradually
(about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.
If the water is pumped out completely in a short period of time, pressure
from water on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
- Service damaged septic tanks,
cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged
sewage systems are health hazards.
- Use the telephone only for emergency
calls. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster
situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.
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