A Primer For Hurricanes, Tornadoes And Storm Surges

A Primer For Hurricanes, Tornadoes And Storm Surges
Hurricanes
A hurricane is a severe tropical storm, that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes need warm tropical oceans, moisture, and light winds above them. If the right conditions last long enough, a hurricane can produce violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains and floods.
Hurricanes rotate in a counterclockwise direction around an “eye.” Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per hour. There are on average six Atlantic hurricanes each year; over a 3-year period, approximately five hurricanes strike the United States coastline from Texas to Maine. When hurricanes move onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and heavy waves can damage buildings, trees and cars. The heavy waves are called a storm surge. Storm surge is very dangerous and a major reason why you MUST stay away from the ocean during a hurricane warning or hurricane. Tornadoes
When you think about hurricanes you can not ignore tornadoes. Most (70%) landfalling hurricanes spawn at least one
tornado. More than 20 tornadoes were reported during Hurricane David (1979). Most (90%) of the tornadoes that do form, occur on the right front side of the hurricane in the direction of its forward motion. Hurricanes may spawn tornadoes up to three days after landfall, although most of the tornadoes occur on the day of landfall, or on the next day.
Being tornado smart means having a safe place go and having the time to get there. Determine the safest place in your home – an interior room, a hallway, but never in a mobile home. With a NOAA weather radio, you will receive enough warning of any tornado threat. Storm Surge Storm surge is a massive dome of water often 50 miles wide, that sweeps across the coast near the area where the eye of the hurricane makes landfall. The storm surge acts like a bulldozer sweeping away everything in its path. The stronger the hurricane the higher the storm surge will be. For those who live along the coast, storm surge is one of the most dangerous hazards in a hurricane. Hurricane Tips:

BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON:
• Develop or review a
family hurricane safety
plan.
• Learn safe routes
inland.
• Find out where official
shelters are located.
• Ensure that you
have enough nonperishable
food and water on
hand.
IF A HURRICANE
WATCH HAS BEEN
ISSUED:
• Prepare to cover
all windows and doors,
preferably with plywood.
• Prepare disaster
supply kit (see below).
• Move lightweight
objects inside.
• Fuel and service
family vehicles.
• Have extra cash on
hand.
IF A HURRICANE
WARNING HAS
BEEN ISSUED:
• Complete preparation
activities.
• Follow instructions
issued by local officials.
• If told to evacuate,
do so immediately.
• Leave mobile
homes.
• Notify family living
outside the warned area
of your plans.
• Fill the bathtub and
large containers with
water for sanitary purposes.
• Turn off propane
tanks.
• Unplug small appliances.
DURING A STORM:
• Stay inside.
• Stay away from
windows and doors
(even if boarded).
• Move to small interior
room on the first
floor.
AFTER A STORM:
• Wait until an area
is declared safe before
returning.
• Do not drive into
flooded roadways.
• Do not allow children
to play in flooded
areas.
• Use flashlights (not
candles) for emergency
lighting.
• Beware of downed
power lines that may be
electrically charged.
• Use the telephone
only for emergency
calls.
DISASTER SUPPLY
KIT:
• A3-day supply of
water (1 gallon per person
per day).
• Food that won’t
spoil (canned and dried
goods).
• Prescription medicines.
• Toiletries.
• First aid kit.
• Battery-powered
radio.
• Flashlight, extra
batteries.
• Extra set of clothing
and shoes for each
person.
• One blanket or
sleeping bag per person.
• Hand (manual) can
opener.
• Special items for
infants, elderly, or disabled
family members.
In addition, have the
following readily available
and sealed in a
moisture-proof package:
• Identification.
• Valuable papers
(insurance).
• Extra money or a
credit card.