June 2006
Knowing what to do means understanding the terms used in the hurricane warning process. When a tropical storm or hurricane threatens, the National Hurricane Center will issue advisories based on the projected time until landfall of the storm.
Tropical Storm Watch A tropical storm or hurricane watch means that tropical storm or hurricane conditions pose a possible threat in a specified coastal region within 36 hours. You should begin preliminary preparations to protect life and property.
Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warnings This is the time people within the warning area should take action to protect life and property. A tropical storm or hurricane warning means that tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal region within 24 hours. All preparations should be completed. Stay tuned to your local television, radio or weather radio stations for evacuation and additional instructions.
Storm Development:
Stage 1- Tropical Disturbance A cluster of thunderstorms poorly organized, usually no closed surface circulation.
Stage 2- Tropical Depression A cluster of thunderstorms organized around a central circulation with surface winds of 38 mph or less.
Stage 3- Tropical Storm A cluster of thunderstorms with a substantial rotary circulation and sustained surface winds of 39-73 mph. At this point, a name is given to each storm.
Stage 4- Hurricane Nature's most powerful storm with sustained winds of 74 mph or more.
Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale Dr. Robert H. Simpson, former Director of the National Hurricane Center, and Herbert Saffir a Dade County, Florida Consulting Engineer, combined their talents and expertise to develop this scale. The scale is not a forecast but an assessment of a storm's strength at a particular time. It gives public safety officials basis on which to plan evacuation and property protection measures. The five categories of the scale are:
Category One Minimal Damage No real damage to building structures; most damage to unanchored mobile homes, trees and signs. Coastal road flooding and minor pier damage can be expected. Some small craft in exposed anchorage torn from moorings. Winds: 74-95 mph Surge: 4-5 ft.
Category Two Moderate Damage Some damage to roofing materials, doors and windows, considerable damage to mobile homes, trees, signs, piers and small boats. Some coastal evacuation routes flooded 2 to 4 hours prior to arrival of the hurricane's center. Winds: 96-110 mph Surge: 6-8 ft.
Category Three Extensive Damage Structural Damage to some buildings; mobile homes are destroyed. Floating debris damages coastal structures. Substantial regional flooding extends along rivers and sounds. Low-lying escape routes cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before arrival of the hurricane's center. Winds: 111-130 mph Surge: 9-12 ft.
Category Four Extreme Damage Extensive structural damage with some complete roof failures. Major damage to the lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 feet above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residences as much as 6 miles inland. Winds: 131-155 mph Surge: 13-18 ft.
Category Five Catastrophic Damage Complete roof failures on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures. Major damage to all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level. Massive evacuation of all residents within 10 miles of the shoreline required. Winds: 155+mph Surge: 18+ ft.
The best defense against a hurricane is to be prepared. Start now to devise a complete plan of action for your family in the event a hurricane threatens. It is important that everyone in your family has a role in your plan. Review your plan at the beginning of every hurricane season and then rehearse it to assure that everyone knows what will be expected of him or her and how long it will take to accomplish each task. Don't forget to add time for deteriorating weather conditions and increased traffic. If you have elderly friends who will be staying with you during a hurricane be sure to include them in your plan. Who will pick them up? Keep a list of their prescribed medications and include them in your food and water storage plans. If you live alone you may want to consider teaming up with a friend or neighbor. There's safety in numbers. Also, determine if you live in an evacuation zone. If so, determine where you and your family will "ride-out" the storm. If you live on a barrier island, in a mobile home, in an area known to be subject to severe flooding resulting from heavy rain or in substandard housing, be prepared to evacuate for even a minimal hurricane. If you will be evacuating your home decide where you will go.
Most importantly, talk with your children about hurricanes, what a hurricane is and how you are preparing for one. Give the children responsibilities during hurricane preparations and make sure that at least one parent, relative or very close adult friend will be with the children at all times. Check with your employer to see if you will have any special job responsibilities of a hurricane threatens.
Assign an emergency meeting place in case your family gets separated. Designate an out of town family member or friend as an emergency contact.
Lastly, write down the important points in your plan so it's clear who will handle each task and you won't forget anything in the heat of the moment. Don't be sorry, because you were caught unprepared!