TROPICAL STORMS and HURRICANES http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html Tropical Storms – form in the Atlantic Ocean near the equator just off the western coast of Africa. These storms are an area of low barometric pressure called a tropical depression with circulating winds and associated thunderstorms. When these winds become greater than 35 mph the storm is then upgraded to a tropical storm and is named. What is a hurricane? A hurricane is a tropical storm whose winds reach sustained wind speeds of >73 mph. Hurricanes produce violent winds, torrential rains, incredible waves, and floods. A hurricane may be over 400 miles in diameter. Hurricanes may last a few days or several weeks. Storm season runs from June through November with peak months August and September. Hurricanes consist of winds exceeding 74 miles per hour, accompanied by intense rain, dangerously high tides and possible flooding. Side effects of a hurricane include severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding. These can occur before, during, and after a hurricane passes over a given location. Storm Surge: The rotating winds and forward movement of the storm create a wave in front of the hurricane that can reach incredible heights. As the storm makes landfall, this wave is pushed inland and causes a majority of the damage and flooding to coastal areas. If the hurricane makes landfall at high tide, this effect is increased. The angle at which the storm hits the coast and the geography of the shoreline, affect the storm surge height. Eye of the Hurricane: Winds and rain rotate around a central area of the storm called the “Eye.” This area is relatively calm and is roughly 20 - 50 miles wide. If the storm center passes over your area, the wind will calm down for a period lasting for a few minutes to half an hour or more. Do not be fooled into thinking the hurricane has passed. Many people lose their lives by making this mistake. When the winds begin again, they rapidly increase to hurricane force, and they come from the opposite direction. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane's intensity at the indicated time. The scale provides examples of the type of damage and impacts in the United States associated with winds of the indicated intensity. In general, damage rises by about a factor of four for every category increase1. The maximum sustained surface wind speed (peak 1-minute wind at the standard meteorological observation height of 10 m [33 ft] over unobstructed exposure) associated with the cyclone, is the determining factor in the scale. (Note that sustained winds can be stronger in hilly or mountainous terrain – such as the over the Appalachians or over much of Puerto Rico – compared with that experienced over flat terrain2.) Categories: Category One Hurricane (Sustained winds 74-95 mph [119-153 km/hr]). Very dangerous winds will produce some damage Category Two Hurricane (Sustained winds 96-110 mph [154-177 km/hr]). Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage Category Three Hurricane (Sustained winds 111-130 mph [178-209 km/hr]). Devastating damage will occur Category Four Hurricane (Sustained winds 131-155 mph [210-249 km/hr]). Catastrophic damage will occur Category Five Hurricane (Sustained winds greater than 155 mph [249 km/hr]). Catastrophic damage will occur http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/sshws.shtml Hurricane Safety Rules (during preparation phase): - Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture and toys. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. - Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting and only open when absolutely necessary and close quickly. - Review evacuation plan and assemble your disaster supply kit. - If you own a boat - secure it or move it to a safe place. Use rope or tie downs to secure boat to trailer. Use tie downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house. - Store drinking water in clean, closed containers (i.e., jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils; you may also use your disinfected bathtub, sinks, etc.). Your town’s water supply may be contaminated by flooding or damaged by the hurricane. - Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters and turn off the main gas valve at the meter and leave the house immediately (if directed to evacuate). - Make a record of your personal property. Take photos or video tape of the exterior and interior of your home, including your personal belongings. Store these documents in a safe place and bring them with you if you are directed to evacuate. Hurricane Safety Rules (during a Hurricane): - Listen to radio (battery operated or hand held crank type) or television for progress. (Refer to emergency radio stations listed in introduction, page 1) - Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway in your residence. If in a multi-story building, go to the first or second floor and stay in an interior room away from windows. - Stay inside away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. - Keep curtains and blinds closed. - Do not go outside when the eye passes over. The storm is not over. Winds and rain will soon resume. Hurricane Safety Rules (after a Hurricane): - Stay in safe location until directed by local authorities it is safe to leave. - Stay tuned to local radio stations for information on medical care, how to apply for assistance. - Do not drink or prepare food from tap water until notified it is safe to do so. - Talk to your children about what happened and what they can do to help. - Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities request volunteers. - Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company. - If able, open your windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home. - Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges. - Do not re-enter the house until it is safe to do so. For more Information on Preparedness Visit Delaware’s Emergency Management Website http://dema.delaware.gov/ Family Disaster Plan http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html for more information • This checklist is designed to help you prepare for potential disasters. Relief workers may not be able to reach you immediately during or after a disaster. You should try to be prepared to survive on your own. • This checklist applies to all disaster situations, although all actions may or may not be required. Use this as a basic guide to prepare your family for the worst possible scenario. Pre-Disaster Preparation: ? Prepare a home survival plan and review it with the entire family. ? Know the elevation of your home above sea level and how safe it is from flooding. ? Pre-plan routes to safety if you have to evacuate, if evacuation routes are not pre-determined. ? Gather/inventory supplies for your Family Disaster Survival Kit. ? Place your survival kit in an accessible location that all family members know about. Keep the items you would most likely need in case of an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffel bag. ? If you own a boat, have a plan to secure it if high winds are expected. ? Trim back any dead wood from trees around your home. ? If you live in a mobile home, check your tie-downs. When a Disaster "Watch" is issued: ? Test your transistor radio, flashlights, lanterns, etc. ? Inventory your Family Survival Kit. ? Keep automobile fully fueled. ? Collect water storage containers. ? Ready materials for protecting windows and for making emergency repairs (i.e. plywood, plastic sheeting, etc.). ? Moor or move boat to safety. ? Secure lawn furniture and other outdoor items that may be blown around by high winds. These items can become missiles of destruction. ? Check supplies of special medicines. ? Check/inventory first aid kit and fire extinguishers. ? Notify relatives or close friends of your evacuation route. ? Monitor the radio and TV. When a Disaster “Warning” is issued: ? Stay tuned to radio, local television and base channel 24, and/or emergency radio stations. ? Stay home if it is sturdy and on high ground. (Unless ordered to evacuate) ? Fill water containers, bathtubs, cooking pots, etc. (with water) ? Set refrigerator/freezer to highest settings. ? Move valuables upstairs or off the floor. ? Bring in pets. ? Only use the telephone for emergency. ? If high winds are expected, tape up windows and wedge sliding doors. ? Secure boats on trailer close to house. ? Be prepared for emergency evacuation. ? Leave mobile homes and go to a designated shelter. ? Leave any areas that might be affected by storm tide/flooding. When Evacuation Order is given: ? Shut off water, gas, and electricity at mains and then leave immediately. (See Atch 6). ? Travel light. (i.e., important papers, small valuables, emergency supplies.). ? Bring your pets in crates with food and water. ? Exercise extreme caution when driving to shelter. During the Storm: ? Stay indoors on the downwind side of the building and away from windows. ? Keep monitoring local radio, TV, and weather radio broadcasts. Remain calm but ready to move as necessary. When "All Clear" has been given: ? Stay indoors unless emergency repairs are necessary. There may still be great danger from fallen power lines, etc. ? Stay in shelters until released. ? Don't go sightseeing; you'll only hamper emergency/rescue response personnel and you might endanger yourself. ? If you must travel, do so with extreme caution. Watch for heavy debris, road washouts, downed power lines, etc. ? Take extra precautions against fire. ? Report broken or damaged water, gas and electrical lines. ? Follow all instructions of emergency response personnel. ? Monitor local radio and TV for official bulletins and recovery information. Location of Important Papers It is extremely important to have valuable papers stored in a safe location. Listing the location of these items will help you or a relative find them if necessary: ? Birth Certificates ? Marriage License ? Wills ? Medical Insurance Policies ? Life Insurance Policies ? Auto Insurance Policies ? Home Insurance Policies ? Mortgage Papers ? Property Deeds ? Tax Records ? Military Papers ? Savings Account ? Checking Account ? IRA, Credit Cards, etc. ? Other Papers and Small Valuables Family Emergency Supplies Checklist Stocking up on emergency supplies can add to your safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store enough supplies for at least 72 hours. Asterisk (*) items are suggestions for evacuation. Water & Non-Perishable Food: ? Water - 1 gallon per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation.* ? Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. ? Canned juice, milk, and soup.* ? Sugar, salt, and pepper. ? High-energy foods, like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix.* ? Vitamins. ? Comfort/stress foods - cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, and tea.* First Aid/Medical Supplies: ? Prescription drugs. ? First aid kit.* ? Pain relievers. ? Anti-diarrhea medication. ? Antacid & Laxative. ? Emetic (to induce vomiting if advised by Poison Control Center). ? Rubbing alcohol. ? Antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide Tools and Supplies: ? Portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries (or hand cranked).* ? Fire extinguisher -- A-B-C type. ? Tool kit including a screwdriver, pliers, and a hammer. ? Axe, shovel & broom. ? Adjustable wrench for turning off gas. ? Can opener (non-electric).* ? Knife & scissors. ? Cash and change.* ? Paper plates, cups & plastic utensils.* ? Heavy-duty aluminum foil. ? Camping stove for outdoor cooking (caution: before using fire to cook, make sure there are no gas leaks; never use charcoal indoors). ? City map.* ? Paper & pencil.* ? Candles and waterproof matches.* ? Large plastic trash bags for waste; tarps and rain ponchos. ? Large trash cans. Sanitation Supplies: ? Paper towels. ? Toilet paper.* ? Baby wipes.* ? Shampoo.* ? Toothpaste and toothbrushes.* ? Feminine hygiene supplies.* ? Personal hygiene items.* ? Household bleach. Clothing and Bedding: ? Sturdy shoes or work boots.* ? Heavy gloves for clearing debris.* ? Blankets or sleeping bags.* ? Change of clothing.* ? Cold weather gear Special Items: ? Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food, and juices* ? Food, water, and restraint (leash or carrier) for pets. ? Remember family members with special needs; such as elderly or disabled individuals. ? Entertainment - Games & books Important Family Documentation: ? Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container. ? Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds. ? Passports, social security cards, immunization records. ? Bank account numbers ? Credit card account numbers and companies. ? Inventory of valuable household property. ? Family records. (birth, marriage, death certificates) Emergency Car Kit Include: ? Battery powered radio, flashlight ? Extra batteries ? Blanket ? Booster cables ? Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type) ? First aid kit and manual ? Bottled water and non-perishable ? High energy foods such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter ? Maps, shovel, flares ? Tire repair kit and pump Emergency Contact Numbers Statewide Emergencies: Dial 911 Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA): Web Site: www.state.de.us/dema (302) 659-DEMA (3362) (877) SAY-DEMA (877-729-3362) Delaware only, Fax (302) 659-6855 New Castle County Office of Emergency Preparedness: 302) 573-2855, Fax (302) 573-2866 City of Wilmington Emergency Management Office (302) 571-4430, Fax (302) 571-5491 Kent County Division of Emergency Preparedness Liaison Office (302)735-2200, Fax (302)735-2186 Sussex County Emergency Operations Center: (302) 855-7801, Fax (302) 855-7800 Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): (410) 517-3600 Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM): (804) 897-6500 American Red on Cross Dover AFB (ARC): (302) 677-2855, After Hours (302) 677-3000