Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. With 40% of the population living within 100 kilometers of the coast line, this is a topic that could impact many.
A hurricane is a type of tropical
cyclone or severe tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean,
Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific
Ocean. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in
the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the
earth’s surface.
All Atlantic and Gulf
of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes. Parts of the
Southwest United States and the Pacific
Coast also experience heavy rains and
floods each year from hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The Atlantic hurricane
season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to
late October. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends
November 30.
Hurricanes can cause catastrophic
damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Hurricane can produce
winds exceeding 155 miles per hour as well as tornadoes and mircrobursts.
Additionally, hurricanes can create storm surges along the coast and cause
extensive damage from heavy rainfall. Floods and flying debris from the
excessive winds are often the deadly and destructive results of these weather
events. Slow moving hurricanes traveling into mountainous regions tend to
produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud
slides. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall.
Before a Hurricane
To prepare for a hurricane, you
should take the following measures:
- To
begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family
communications plan.
- Know
your surroundings.
- Learn
the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone.
This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm
surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
- Identify
levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to
you.
- Learn
community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground.
Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to
evacuate.
Make plans to secure your
property:
- Cover
all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best
protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8”
marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent
windows from breaking.
- Install
straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame
structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Be
sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more
wind resistant.
- Clear
loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Reinforce
your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and
expensive structural damage.
- Plan
to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything
else that is not tied down.
- Determine
how and where to secure your boat.
- Install
a generator or solar panels for power outages.
- If
in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th
floor.
Hurricanes cause heavy rains that
can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at
risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the
only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To
learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your
business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web
site, www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.
The
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes into five categories
based on their sustained wind speed at the indicated time. The Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale provides information on wind impacts only. The scale does
not address the potential for other hurricane-related impacts, such as storm
surge, rainfall-induced floods, and tornadoes.
Hurricanes
reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their
potential for significant loss of life and property. Category 1 and 2 storms
are still dangerous, however, and require preventive measures.
Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale Summary
|
Scale Number
(Category)
|
Sustained
Winds (MPH)
|
Damage
|
1
|
74-95
|
Very dangerous
winds will produce some damage
·
Minor damage to exterior of homes
·
Toppled tree branches, uprooting of smaller trees
·
Extensive damage to power lines, power outages
|
2
|
96-110
|
Extremely
dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
·
Major damage to exterior of homes
·
Uprooting of small trees and many roads blocked
·
Guaranteed power outages for long periods of time – days
to weeks
|
3
|
111-129
|
Devastating
damage will occur
·
Extensive damage to exterior of homes
·
Many trees uprooted and many roads blocked
·
Extremely limited availability of water and electricity
|
4
|
130-156
|
Catastrophic
damage will occur
·
Loss of roof structure and/or some exterior walls
·
Most trees uprooted and most power lines down
·
Isolated residential due to debris pile up
·
Power outages lasting for weeks to months
|
5
|
157 or higher
|
Catastrophic
damage will occur
·
A high percentage of homes will be destroyed
·
Fallen trees and power lines isolate residential areas
·
Power outages lasting for weeks to months
·
Most areas will be uninhabitable
|
Storm Surge
The greatest potential for loss of
life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge!
Storm surge is simply water that
is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm.
This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane
storm tide, which can increase the mean water level to heights impacting roads,
homes and other critical infrastructure. In addition, wind driven waves are
superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe
flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the
normal high tides. Because much of the United
States' densely populated Atlantic and Gulf Coast
coastlines lie less than 10 feet above mean sea level, the danger from storm
tides is tremendous.
The storm surge combined with wave
action can cause extensive damage, severely erode beaches and coastal highways.
With major storms like Katrina, Camille and Hugo, complete devastation of
coastal communities occurred. Many buildings withstand hurricane force winds
until their foundations, undermined by erosion, are weakened and fail.
During a Hurricane
If a hurricane is likely in your
area, you should:
- Listen
to the radio or TV for information. See solar powered battery chargers
- Secure
your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them
indoors.
- Turn
off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator
thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Turn
off propane tanks
- Avoid
using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
- Moor
your boat if time permits.
- Ensure
a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing
toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
- Find
out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.
You should evacuate under the
following conditions:
- If
you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their
instructions.
- If
you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter are
particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the
ground.
- If
you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher
elevations.
- If
you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island
waterway.
Read more about evacuating
yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe
room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
- Stay
indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
- Close
all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
- Keep
curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could
be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
- Take
refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
- Lie
on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
- Avoid
elevators.
After a Hurricane
- Continue
listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest
updates.
- Stay
alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the
hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
- If
you have become separated from your family, use your family communications
plan or contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS/1-800-733-2767
or visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well site: www.safeandwell.org
◦The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family.
Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for
information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.
- If
you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
- If
you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER +
your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area
(example: shelter 12345).
- For
those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of
assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their
homes and find replacement housing. Apply for assistance or search for
information about housing rental resources
- Drive
only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed¬ out bridges. Stay
off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed
electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
- Keep
away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the
power company.
- Walk
carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines,
gas leaks and structural damage before entering.
- Stay
out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the
building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not
declared it safe.
- Inspect
your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and
its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety,
have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or
structural engineer before entering.
- Use
battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The
flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may
produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
- Watch
your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for
wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through
debris.
- Avoid
drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not
contaminated.
- Check
refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Wear
protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
- Use
the telephone only for emergency calls.
- NEVER
use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar
areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation.
Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and
can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
The
Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is part of the Department of Homeland
Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). EMI offers a free
Independent Study Program (ISP) to train the nation’s emergency management
network and to help educate the general public in disaster preparedness.
Suggested
emergency management courses to prepare for the hurricane season:
For additional information see the following
links:
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