KNOW YOUR RISK FOR HURRICANES
Hurricane
hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to
have a plan that includes all of these hazards.
Storm Surge
Storm
surge, a lesser-known but very dangerous by-product from the power of
hurricanes, is simply water that is pushed toward the
shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm.
What
makes storm surge so dangerous is that it combines with the tides and creates a
rise in the water level that
can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide
coincides with the normal high tides. Visit the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration’s website at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ssurge/index.shtml
for more information on storm surge.
High
Winds and Tornadoes
While
hurricane-force winds often make the news, there’s no such thing as “just a
tropical storm.” Hurricane- and tropical
storm-force winds can send debris through the air, causing damage to homes and
businesses.
It’s
important to know basic hurricane-related terms such as:
Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed
is 38 mph or less.
Tropical Storm:
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed ranges from 39 mph to 73 mph.
Hurricane: A
tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 74 mph or more.
Storm Surge:
An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm,
and whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea
surface and the level that
would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Storm surge is usually
estimated by subtracting the normal or astronomic high tide from the observed
storm tide. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span
hundreds of miles of coastline.
Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the
specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once
winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in
advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified
area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds
reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance
of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained
winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within
36 hours.
Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39
to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
Also,
hurricanes can also produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive
power, so it’s important to get prepared for the high winds of severe tropical
weather.
Flooding
Flooding
is one of these hazards and the most common and costly natural disaster to
affect every state across the country. Flood risks associated with
hurricane season extend far beyond the coastlines.
The
largest amounts of rainfall from hurricanes are often produced by slow moving
storms that stall out miles from a shoreline as did Tropical Storm Lee in
2011. In addition, last year Hurricane Irene caused major flooding over
much of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast when it moved inland, with high winds
and torrential rains.
While
preparing for flooding, FEMA is urging residents to purchase flood insurance
now. Flood insurance is available through more than 85 insurance
companies in nearly 22,000 participating communities nationwide. Most
everyone can purchase flood insurance – including renters, business owners, and
homeowners.
To
learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your
business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) website,
www.floodsmart.gov
or call 1-800-427-2419.
Don’t
put yourself at risk; follow the instructions of local officials – and if told
to evacuate, then do so. Everyone should
get familiar with the terms that are used to identify a flooding hazard and
discuss with your family what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued.
Terms used to describe a flooding hazard include the following:
Flood Watch:
Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground;
listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flood Warning:
Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, immediately do
so.
Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; immediately seek higher ground on foot.
Remember,
turn around, don’t drown. The reason that so many people drown during
flooding is because few of them
realize the incredible power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood
water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry
away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs.
It’s
important to follow the instructions of state and local officials, and listen
to local radio or TV
stations for updated emergency information. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio
and their local news to monitor for updates and information
provided by their local officials.
Source: FEMA “Hurricane Preparedness Week” Toolkit
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