Hurricane Safety Tips

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"Defining a Hurricane"

Views of hurricanes from satellites located thousands of miles above the earth show how unique these powerful, tightly-coiled weather systems are.

A hurricane is a type tropical cyclone-the general term for all circulating weather systems (counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere) over tropical waters. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

  1. Tropical Depression-- An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
  2. Tropical Storm-- An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).
  3. Hurricane -- An intense tropical weather system with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. In the western Pacific, hurricanes are called "typhoons," and similar storms in the Indian Ocean are called "cyclones."

Hurricanes are products of the tropical ocean and atmosphere. Powered by heat from the sea, they are steered by the easterly trade winds and the temperate westerlies as well as by their own ferocious energy. Around their core, winds grow with great velocity, generating violent seas. Moving ashore, they sweep the ocean inward while spawning tornadoes and producing torrential rains and floods.

Each year on average, ten tropical storms (of which six become hurricanes) develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico. Many of these remain over the ocean. However, about five hurricanes strike the United States coastline every three years. Of these five, two will be major hurricanes (category 3 or greater on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale).

 

TERMS TO KNOW

Hurricane Watch

Hurricane conditions are a real possibility for an area.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane is expected within 24 hours.

BEGIN PRECAUTIONARY ACTION AT ONCE.

 

PREPARATION

  1. Develop a family plan for survival and property protection.
  2. If your residence is in a potential flood zone, be prepared to evacuate when officials recommend it.
  3. Make arrangements now for elderly and others with special needs such as those who depend on electrical life support.
  4. Identify a friend or family member, from a non-threatened area, that you will keep informed about your family's plans.
  5. Plan what you will do with your pet.
  6. Inventory personal property; safely secure all records and valuable documents in a watertight place.
  7. Have materials available to protect your doors and windows.
  8. Have emergency cash or traveler's checks saved.
  9. If your job requires you to work during a storm, make sure now that at least one adult will be with the children, elderly or those with special needs.
  10. Put together a family hurricane evacuation kit.

 

HURRICANE WARNING

  1. Listen for weather updates and stay informed.
  2. Keep a portable radio and flashlight on hand, with fresh batteries.
  3. Re-check all emergency supplies and equipment.
  4. Clear your yard of all loose objects.
  5. Moor your boat securely.
  6. Store drinking water in clean containers.
  7. Shutter, board or tape all windows.
  8. Plan a flood-free evacuation route, and know where to go.
  9. If ordered to evacuate, COMPLY IMMEDIATELY! Take your HURRICANE EVACUATION KIT. Let your friends, family know where you are going.

NO SMOKING, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, WEAPONS OR PETS ARE ALLOWED IN PUBLIC SHELTERS.

 

HURRICANE EVACUATION KIT

Keep kit ready to go within hours. Include battery-operated radio and flashlight, plus the following:

  • First Aid Kit
  • Two-week supply of medicine
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Extra clothing, infant necessities
  • Personal items including books and toys
  • Important papers (valid ID)
  • Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

 

AFTER THE STORM

DO NOT ENTER EVACUATED AREAS UNTIL YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE ISSUED AN ALL-CLEAR.

  1. Stay away from disaster areas. Do not sight-see!
  2. Obey all curfews and emergency orders which are issued.
  3. If you must drive, use caution. Be aware of road and bridge washouts, and storm debris on roadways.
  4. Advise interested parties that you are safe.
  5. Use caution when using food from your refrigerator or ice chest. Check for spoilage.
  6. Avoid all downed power lines. Assume that all have live electricity.
  7. Take extra precautions to prevent fire. Lowered pressure in water mains may make firefighting extremely difficult.
  8. Have your electric, gas, and water connections checked before turning them back on.
  9. Use your emergency supply or boil water before using until there is official word that the water is safe.