Familiarize yourself with these terms; they will help you identify the dangers of the hurricane:
Tropical Depression
A tropical depression is an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 MPH (33 knots) or less. Sustained winds are defined as a 1-minute average wind measured at about 33 feet (10 meters) above the surface.
Tropical Storm
An organized system of strong storms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 MPH (34-63 knots)
Hurricane
An intense tropical weather with a strong thunderstorm system, well defined in the surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 MPH (64 knots) or more.
Storm Surge
A dome of water driven ashore by the hurricane and tropical storm winds. Storm surges can reach a height of 25 feet and be 50-100 miles wide.
Cyclonic Surge
A combination of the storm surge and a regular tide (i.e. a 15 foot storm surge combined with a normal, 2 foot, high tide at the mean sea level, creating a 17 foot storm surge).
Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning
Possible hurricane or tropical storm conditions are expected in the area, usually within 36 hours. Tune into the NOAA Weather Radio station and radio or television spots to gather information.
Hurricane or Tropical Storm Alert
Hurricane or tropical storm conditions are expected in the area, usually within 24 hours.
Short Term Warnings and Alerts
These warnings provide detailed information about specific threats brought by the hurricane, such as flash floods and tornadoes.
What you should know
Important information for hurricane preparedness
Hurricane preparedness
If hurricane warnings or alerts have been issued, you can adopt these basic measures to prepare for the storm:
• Learn about emergency plans in your community, warning signals, evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations.
• Identify any possible dangers and protect your home prior to the arrival of the hurricane. Be prepared to shut down electrical power in case of stagnant water, downed power lines, or before evacuating. Shut off gas and water feeds before evacuating. Secure construction materials that may affect structure stability.
• Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows its location and how to use it.
• Locate your important documents such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, bonds and store them in a safe place.
• Write down emergency phone numbers and place a copy next to each telephone device.
• Inform local authorities about any special needs, such as elderly, bedridden or handicapped people.
Essential emergency supplies
Stock up your home with any necessary supplies for an emergency period. Supplies should include at least:
• Several clean containers large enough to store water for 3 to 5 days (about seven gallons per person).
• A supply of non-perishable food for 3 to 5 days.
• A first aid kit and first aid manual.
• A portable radio and flashlights, both battery operated, and spare batteries.
• Sleeping bags or additional blankets.
• Water purifiers, such as chlorine or iodine tablets, or normal, domestic use chlorine-based bleach, unscented.
• Prescription medication and other special medical supplies.
• Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers and other baby supplies.
• Disposable cleaning cloths, such as baby wipes for the whole family in case there are no facilities available for personal hygiene.
• Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary pads, etc.
• An emergency overnight bag for your car stocked with food, emergency lights, jumper cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
Evacuation preparation
Plan for the possibility of evacuations and be prepared for such an event. The National Weather service will issue a hurricane warning when a hurricane risk in coastal areas is present within 24 to 36 hours.
When a hurricane warning is issued you should:
• Fill the gas tank in your vehicle.
• If you do not have a vehicle available, coordinate transportation with friends or family.
• Fill the clean water containers.
• Examine emergency plans and supplies; verify that no items are missing.
• Keep track of radio or television spots for last minute weather information.
• Pay attention to alarm sirens and warning signals.
• Prepare an emergency pack for the car; stock it with food, emergency lights, jump cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
• Secure any element that could harm the home during a storm; such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.
• Reinforce the windows and doors with plywood or boards, or place large strips of masking tape or duct tape on the windows, to reduce the risk of cracks and flying glass.
• Take livestock, pets and other animals to a safe place. Due to food and health related requirements; emergency shelters are not able to accept animals.
• Place vehicles indoors, whenever possible.
• Fill the sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra washing supply.
• Adjust refrigerator and freezer thermostats to the coldest temperature possible.
If ordered to evacuate
Due to the destructive power of a hurricane, never ignore an evacuation order. Surely, the authorities will instruct you to abandon the site if you are in a low-lying area or within the path of the storm’s greatest potential. If a hurricane warning is issued in your area or if authorities instruct you to evacuate the zone:
• Carry only the essential items.
• Leave the pets indoors, in a safe and sheltered place, with enough water and food.
• If you have enough time, shut off gas, power and water supplies.
• Unplug appliances to reduce the possibility of electric shock when the power comes back on
• Make sure you have your emergency overnight bag ready in your car.
• Follow designated evacuation routes – other routes may be blocked – and plan for heavy traffic.
If ordered NOT to evacuate
Most injuries suffered during a hurricane are caused by flying glass or rubble. Other common injuries are penetration injuries due to exposed nails, metal or glass, as well as bone fractures. To ride out the storm as safe as possible:
• If possible, listen to weather conditions in the radio or on television. Stay indoors until authorities declare that the storm has passed.
• Do not go outdoors; even when the storm seems to be calm, the “eye” of the storm can pass quickly, leaving you unprotected when the winds reappear.
• Stay away from windows and doors leading outside; try taking shelter in a bathroom or basement. Bathtubs can serve as refuge if covered with plywood or other materials.
• Prepare to go to a shelter or neighbor’s home if your house has been damaged, or if instructed to do so by the emergency personnel.
