HURRICANES

Hurricanes are deadly. Many people do not realize that, especially the ones who have no experienced them. People who live along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast are all at risk for a direct hit. Many miles inland will also be affected. The best way to see just how deadly a hurricane can be is to take it apart and tell you exactly what damage they can cause.

What is a hurricane, typhoon, or tropical cyclone?

The terms "hurricane" and "typhoon" are regionally specific names for a strong "tropical cyclone". A tropical cyclone is the generic term for a non-frontal synoptic scale low-pressure system over tropical or sub- tropical waters with organized convection (i.e. thunderstorm activity) and definite cyclonic surface wind circulation (Holland 1993).
Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface winds of less than 17 m/s (34 kt) are called "tropical depressions". (This is not to be confused with the condition mid-latitude people get during a long, cold and grey winter wishing they could be closer to the equator ;-)) Once the tropical cyclone reaches winds of at least 17 m/s they are typically called a "tropical storm" and assigned a name. If winds reach 33 m/s (64 kt), then they are called: a "hurricane" (the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or the South Pacific Ocean east of 160E); a "typhoon" (the Northwest Pacific Ocean west of the dateline); a "severe tropical cyclone" (the Southwest Pacific Ocean west of 160E or Southeast Indian Ocean east of 90E); a "severe cyclonic storm" (the North Indian Ocean); and a "tropical cyclone" (the Southwest Indian Ocean) (Neumann 1993).

How do hurricanes form?

The Anatomy of a Hurricane

How is a hurricane's strength measured?

What is storm surge?

What do I do during a hurricane watch?

A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.

DURING A HURRICANE WATCH:

•Turn on a battery-operated radio to get the latest emergency information.
•Fuel car.
•Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
•Close all storm shutters or cover all windows with plywood panels.
•Secure garage and entry doors.
•Review your evacuation plan.
•Moor your boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Check with the Coast Guard regarding specifics on boat safety.
•Use rope or chain to secure the boat to the trailer. Use tie-downs to anchor the trailer to the ground or the house.

DURING A HURRICANE WARNING:

•Listen constantly to the radio or television for official instructions.
•If in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately.
•Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container in the highest possible spot in your house.
•Stay out of elevators.
•If staying at home (not told to evacuate):
•Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
•Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.
•Keep flashlights and battery-operated lanterns handy.
•If electricity is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored.
•If evacuating:
•If possible, leave during daylight.
•If instructed to do so by officials, turn off electricity, gas appliances and water. If not, do not shut off your utilities.
•If going to an evacuation shelter, take blankets and sleeping bags.
•Take pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm, protective clothing. •If time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding. •Call an out-of-town friend or relative to let them know you are leaving and where you are going.
•Lock up your home, and leave.

AFTER THE STORM:

•Return home only when authorities advise it is safe to do so.
•Stay tuned to the radio for information about available emergency assistance.
•Drive only if absolutely necessary. Avoid sightseeing.
•Enter your home with caution.
•Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry the home.
•If utilities were turned off before evacuation, always have utilities turned back on by a professional.
•Inspect utilities:
•Check the gas, electrical and water lines for damage. Wear heavy shoes or boots for protection.
•Check for fires.
•Check utility lines and appliances for damage. If electrical wiring appears to be shorting out, close the switch at the main meter box or disconnect the main fuse.
•Open windows and leave the building if gas appears to be leaking. Call the fire department or gas company.
•Plug bathtub and sink drains to prevent backup.
•If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company. Do not use water from the tap. Obtain emergency water from hot water tanks, toilet tank (not bowls) and melted ice cubes.

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