Hurricane Preparedness
Friday June 08, 2007, Diocesan
BEFORE THE STORM
Every year, prior to hurricane season, your family should review your hurricane plan and make changes as necessary. It should include if you plan to evacuate, where you will go, the route you will take to get there, when you will leave and what supplies you will take. If you plan to stay, make sure you have all of the supplies necessary to be on your own for at least 72 hours. If you are planning to go to an evacuation shelter, have your shelter supplies kit packed and ready. Make sure you have all the materials on hand to protect your home. You should also trim dead wood from trees. Don’t forget to make arrangements for pets. Print and save this page for future reference. You may not have power if a storm is approaching. If the storm is threatening the area you should listen to local media for information and actions to be taken. In addition you should:
• Fuel your car. You will need it to evacuate and pumps don’t work without electricity.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
• Install your storm shutters or cover windows with plywood and secure all doors. If you don’t cover our windows, remove your screens so they won’t blow away and you can reinstall them after the storm to keep mosquitos at bay.
• Prepare boats as appropriate.
• Turn refrigerators and freezers to the highest settings. Freeze plastic bottles of water (leave room for expansion).
• Turn off small appliances that are not needed.
• Turn off LP tanks.
• Call an out-of-town friend or relative to let them know of your plans. Then instruct other family members to call that person for information about your family after the storm.
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water. Check them for slow leaks.
• Get an extra supply of cash. Banks and ATMs may not be operational immediately after the storm.
TRACKING A STORM
Those of us who live along the Florida Gulf Coast should track every Atlantic hurricane or tropical storm. Many times, we will need to begin making preparations before the storm ever enters the Gulf of Mexico. When tracking a storm, remember that a hurricane is not just a point on a maUsually the coordinates of the center of the storm are given so that you can track it on your map, however, hurricanes can have tropical storm force winds over 200 miles from that center and even hurricane force winds over 75 or 100 miles from the center. We must remember that hurricane forecasting is not an exact science and they don’t always go where predicted.
Tropical Storm Watch
Issued when tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified watch area, usually within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning
Issued when tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified warning area, usually within 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch
Issued when hurricane conditions are possible in the specified watch area, usually within 36 hours. During a hurricane watch, be prepared to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a hurricane warning is issued.
Hurricane Warning
Issued when hurricane conditions are expected in the specified warning area, usually within 24 hours. Storm preparations should be completed and evacuation under way.
Note: Due to the amount of time required for evacuation in Escambia County, evacuation orders may be issued before a hurricane watch or warning have been issued by the National Hurricane Center.
DISASTER SUPPLIES
If you plan to stay at home during a hurricane, you should have the following items on hand. It is a good idea to get these items at the begining of the hurricane season because as a storm approaches, stores become very busy and stock is depleted quickly.
Water
Water should be stored in plastic containers – avoid using glass. Store one gallon of water per person per day – and plan on at least five days of need. Save your empty 2-liter bottles during hurricane season to fill with water the night before a storm may hit. Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for sanitation use. Check them for leaks before the storm, and if water is draining out, place a sheet of plastic wrap over the drain. Washing machines can also be filled with water to use for washing hands. Water purification agents such as bleach should also be on hand.
Food
Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. Think about what kind of food you would take camping – those are the types of foods that you need on hand after a storm. Many good foods come in ready-to-eat, non-refrigerated packaging. Small packages are a good choice because you won’t have refrigeration for leftovers. Make sure you have a good stock of Sterno, a full tank of propane for your grill, or plenty of charcoal. Never use propane or charcoal indoors.
First Aid Kit
It is a good idea to have two first aid kits. One for your home and the other for your car. Your kit should include things like bandages, scissors, tweezers, soap, latex gloves, lubricant, assorted size safety pins and any non-prescription drugs deemed necessary. Stock plenty of mosquito repellant and “bug bite sticks” for relieving the itch of insect bites and stings.
Tools and Other Supplies
You should have a basic tool kit with items you feel are necessary to make temporary repairs after the storm. Basics include: plastic sheeting, paper plates and plastic utensils, flashlights and a battery-operated radio with plenty of spare batteries (or better yet – a hand-crank radio), non-electric can opener, fire extinguisher (because of the candles), tent, matches, aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, plastic garbage bags, small shovel and insect repellent. A corded phone (not cordless – they require electricity) will help if you have phone lines but no power. Small, portable antennas will give you access to local television stations if you have power but no cable. Small televisions often have adapters for use in automobiles.
Clothing and Bedding
Clothing and beddings items should be protected by covering them with plastic dropcloths, placing them in waterproof boxes, plastic bags or other suitable containers. Be sure to have available: work boots and gloves, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, lots of towels, hats and sunglasses.
Special Items
Always remember family members with special needs. For children you should have plenty of necessary baby formula, diapers, bottles and medications. Adults with medications such as insulin or other prescription drugs should have their presciptions filled before the storm. Don’t forget any denture needs and eye glasses or contacts. You may also consider asking your vet about a mild sedative for your pets if they are anxious during storms. You should also have some form of entertainment for everyone including books for adults. Keep all important family documents safe and in a waterproof container. Items for consideration to keep safe are wills, insurance policies, bank account numbers, credit cards, your address book and a household inventory complete with serial numbers and pictures or video.
ABOUT SHELTERS
If you go to a public shelter, you will need to take the following items:
• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
• Toiletries and personal items
• Blankets or sleeping bags and pillows
• Identification and any important papers
• Games or toys for children
• books for adults
• Special items for infants or elderly family members
• Any special dietary needs and non-perishable foods for snacks
• Battery operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries
• Prescription medications or any over-the-counter medications you normally take
Special Needs Shelters:
This is a shelter of last resort for those people that need more medical supervision than a general Red Cross shelter can provide and have special medical needs, but do not require hospitalization.
Should you have no other place to go, you must pre-register with the Department of Public Safety. Find out now if you qualify before an emergency impacts our community. The shelter does not take reservations, so plan to arrive early once it has been determined that the shelter will be opened for a particular emergency situation. The registration form is required to be completed.
Once received, the form will be forwarded to the Health Department where the applications will be screened for eligibility. You will be notified by mail if you qualify for admittance into the special needs shelter or not, and if there may be additional information required for individual determinations, a Health Department nurse will contact you directly. Please update your information with us each year.
• If you are a home healthcare company client, find out what the home healthcare company disaster plans are to continue providing services to you so you can plan your actions appropriately.
• Licensed healthcare facilities (nursing homes, adult living facilities, etc.) are required to manage their own facilities and have plans for the safety and well being of their clients and staff. Clients are not allowed to be dropped off at the Special Needs Shelter.
• Dialysis is not provided at the Special Needs Shelter. Please coordinate with your healthcare provider as to the options available to meet your needs.
• Being disabled will not necessarily qualify you for the special needs shelter.
• The Special Needs shelter does not routinely admit pediatric (children) special needs clients. The facility and the staff are not equipped nor have the specialty training to manage pediatric special needs clients.
• The Special Needs Shelter will admit mental health clients as necessary. Each mental health client will be required to have a caregiver 24 hours a day for as long as the client remains in the shelter or that shelter operations remain open. There will be no or minimally trained mental health professionals available.
• The Special Needs Shelter will admit service animals only. No other animals and pets will be allowed.
SHELTER LOCATIONS
ESCAMBIA COUNTY SHELTERS
Bellview Elementary
Building 5 Classrooms
4425 Bellview Avenue
Pensacola, Florida 32506
Longleaf Elementary
Bldg. 2
2600 Longleaf Drive
Pensacola, Florida 32526
Blue Angel Elementary
1551 Dog Track Road
Pensacola, FL 32506
Molino Park Elementary
Building 1
899 Highway 97
Molino, FL 32577
Carver Century K-8
Building 7
440 East Hecker Road
Century, FL 32535
Tate High
Cafeteria/Gym
1771 Tate Road
Pensacola, FL 32560
Ferry Pass Elementary
Building 5
8310 North Davis Highway
Pensacola, FL 32514
University of West Florida
Building 13
11000 University Pkwy
Pensacola, FL 32514
Ferry Pass Middle
8355 Yancey Avenue
Pensacola, FL 32514
Workman Middle
Building 7
6299 Lanier Drive
Pensacola, Florida 32504
Lipscomb Elementary
10200 Ashton Brosnaham Road
Pensacola, FL 32534
SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER
West Florida High School
Buildings 25 & 26
2400 Longleaf Drive
Pensacola, FL 32526
SANTA ROSA COUNTY SHELTERS
Milton Community Center
5629 Byrom St
S.S. Dixon Intermediate School
5540 Education Dr
Avalon Middle School
5445 King Arthur’s Way
Special Needs Shelter
Sims Middle School
5500 Education Dr
OKALOOSA COUNTY SHELTERS
Antioch Elementary School
Antioch Road
Crestview, FL
Baker School
1369 14th Street
Baker, FL
(Access off of Rte. 4 in Baker – look for signs on right side of road when you get into Baker. If you miss the sign, turn right at the caution light in Baker, then right again.)
Davidson Middle School
6261 Old Bethel Road
Crestview, FL
Kenwood Elementary School
15 NE Eagle ST
Fort Walton Beach, FL
LEON COUNTY SHELTERS
Florida High School
3000 School House Rd – Tallahassee
Lawton Chiles High School
7200 Thomasville Rd – Tallahassee
Oak Ridge Elementary School
4350 Shelfer Rd – Tallahassee
Springwood Elementary School
3801 Fred George Rd – Tallahassee
GADSDEN COUNTY SHELTERS
East Gadsden High School
27001 Blue Star Memorial Hwy – Midway
JEFFERSON COUNTY SHELTERS
Jefferson County High School
50 David Rd – Monticello
LIBERTY COUNTY SHELTERS
Toler Elementary School
14745 NW Ct Rd 12 – Bristol
MADISON COUNTY SHELTERS
Madison Central School
2093 W US Hwy 90 – Madison
TAYLOR COUNTY SHELTERS
Taylor County Elementary School
1600 E Green St – Perry
WAKULLA COUNTY SHELTERS
Crawfordville Elementary School
69 Arran Rd – Crawfordville
DURING THE STORM
If you stay at home during a hurricane you should take the following precautions in addition to those mentioned on the before the storm page as the storm approaches:
• Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, hallway or basement if available. If you live in a two story home, choose a room on the first floor.
• Close all interior doors and brace exterior doors if possible.
• Lie on the floor under a table, or another sturdy object. Some protection is afforded by covering with a mattress during the height of the storm.
• If the eye of the storm passes over, it will be calm for a short period of time. REMAIN INDOORS! As soon as the eye passes over, winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force from the opposite direction.
• Remain calm. It may take several hours for the storm to pass.
AFTER THE STORM
• Keep listening to your local radio or TV stations for information.
• If you evacuated, return home only when authorities advise that it is safe. Make sure you have plenty of gas, and bring any supplies you may need (batteries, water, non-perishable food).
• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. Immediately following the passage of the storm, debris and downed power lines may be covering roadways making them impassible. Emergency crews will be working to clear roadways but it may take hours or even days to clear them all. Avoid sightseeing. Roads may be closed for your protection so if you encounter a barricade, turn around and go another way.
• Do not drive in flooded areas. Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roadways. If water is touching the span of the bridge, do not cross over.
• Stay on firm ground. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from downed power lines.
• Beware of downed power lines. Lines may be charged and dangerous.
• Beware of snakes, insects or animals driven to higher ground by flood waters.
• Enter your home with extreme caution. Beware of fallen objects or damaged roof and wall sections.
• Remove shutters or plywood and open windows and doors to ventilate or dry your home if necessary. Replace screens if you removed them prior to the storm.
• Check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage. Do not attempt to repair damaged gas or electrical lines. Call a professional.
• Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated.
• Avoid using candles or other open flames indoors. The fire department may not be able to respond if you have a fire. Use a flashlight, glow sticks or battery-powered lighting.
• Use the telephone to report emergencies only. This includes cellular phones. An older “corded” phone can be used if your power is out but you phone lines are up.
• Be especially cautious when using a chainsaw to cut fallen trees. Ambulances may have difficulty esponding to accidents, and roads to hospitals might be impassable.
• Never connect portable generators to your house. Use them only to run necessary appliances and plug the appliance into the generator.
• Gulf Power Company has information that may help you determine if power is back in your area.
Above information gathered from http://bereadyescambia.com/
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Very Active 2007 Hurricane Season Predicted
Science Daily — The U.S. Atlantic basin will likely experience a very active hurricane season, the Colorado State University forecast team announced today, increasing its earlier prediction for the 2007 hurricane season.
The team’s forecast now anticipates 17 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin between June 1 and Nov. 30. Nine of the 17 storms are predicted to become hurricanes, and of those nine, five are expected to develop into intense or major hurricanes (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5) with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.
No hurricanes made landfall along the U.S. coastline in 2006. The 2006 season witnessed a total of 10 named storms, 5 hurricanes and two major hurricanes. The 2005 season, considered unusual by the Colorado State forecast team, witnessed 27 named storms, 15 hurricanes and seven intense hurricanes. Long-term averages are 9.6 named storms, 5.9 hurricanes and 2.3 intense hurricanes per year.
“We are calling for a very active hurricane season this year, but not as active as the 2004 and 2005 seasons,” said Phil Klotzbach of the Colorado State hurricane forecast team. "Based on our latest forecast, the probability of a major hurricane making landfall along the U.S. coastline is 74 percent compared with the last-century average of 52 percent.
“In December and January, we had a weak to moderate El Nino event in the tropical Pacific Ocean. When you have El Nino conditions during the hurricane season, it increases vertical wind shear across the tropical Atlantic and typically results in a weaker tropical cyclone season,” Klotzbach said. “However, we’ve seen El Nino conditions dissipate quite rapidly late this winter, so we do not think that’s going to be an inhibiting factor this year. Also, we have warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures this year which we’ve seen just about every year since 1995.”
The hurricane forecast team predicts tropical cyclone activity in 2007 will be 185 percent of the average season. By comparison, 2005 witnessed tropical cyclone activity that was about 275 percent of the average season.
The hurricane forecast team reiterated its probabilities for a major hurricane making landfall on U.S. soil:
• A 74 percent chance that at least one major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. coastline in 2007 (the long-term average probability is 52 percent).
• A 50 percent chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. East Coast, including the Florida Peninsula (the long-term average is 31 percent)
• A 49 percent chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle west to Brownsville (the long-term average is 30 percent).
The team also predicted above-average major hurricane landfall risk in the Caribbean.
“We were quite fortunate last year in that we had no hurricane landfalls,” Klotzbach said. “The 2006 season was only the 12th year since 1945 that the United States witnessed no hurricane landfalls. Since then, we have had only two consecutive-year periods where there were no hurricane landfalls – 1981-1982 and 2000-2001.”
The Colorado State hurricane forecast team has cautioned against reading too much into the hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005 when Florida and the Gulf Coast were ravaged by four landfalling hurricanes each year. Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne caused devastating damage in 2004 followed by Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005.
“The activity of these two years was unusual, but within the natural bounds of hurricane variation,” said William Gray, who began forecasting hurricane seasons at Colorado State 24 years ago. "Following the two very active seasons of 2004 and 2005, 2006 experienced slightly below-average activity with no landfalling hurricanes.
“We’ve had an upturn of major storms since 1995,” Gray said. “We think this upturn of major storms will continue for another 15 or 20 years.”
Probabilities of tropical storm-force, hurricane-force and intense hurricane-force winds occurring at specific locations along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts within a variety of time periods are listed on the forecast team’s Landfall Probability Web site. The site provides U.S. landfall probabilities for 11 regions, 55 sub-regions and 205 individual counties along the U.S. coastline from Brownsville, Texas, to Eastport, Maine. The Web site, available to the public at http://www.e-transit.org/hurricane, is the first publicly accessible Internet tool that adjusts landfall probabilities for regions, sub-regions and counties based on the current climate and its projected effects on the upcoming hurricane season. Klotzbach and Gray update the site regularly with assistance from the GeoGraphics Laboratory at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts.
The hurricane team’s forecasts are based on the premise that global oceanic and atmospheric conditions – such as El Niño, sea surface temperatures and sea level pressures – that preceded active or inactive hurricane seasons in the past provide meaningful information about similar trends in future seasons.
For 2007, Gray and the hurricane forecast team expect continued warm tropical and north Atlantic sea-surface temperatures, prevalent in most years since 1995, as well as neutral or weak La Nina conditions – a recipe for greatly enhanced Atlantic basin hurricane activity. These factors are similar to conditions that occurred during the 1952, 1964, 1966, 1995 and 2003 seasons. The average of these five seasons had well above-average activity, and Klotzbach and Gray predict the 2007 season will have activity in line with the average of these five years.
Gray does not attribute changes in recent and projected Atlantic hurricane activity to human-induced global warming.
“Although global surface temperatures have increased over the last century and over the last 30 years, there is no reliable data available to indicate increased hurricane frequency or intensity in any of the globe’s seven tropical cyclone basins, except for the Atlantic over the past 12 years,” Gray said. “Meteorologists who study tropical cyclones have no valid physical theory as to why hurricane frequency or intensity would necessarily be altered significantly by small amounts of global mean temperature change.”
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Colorado State University. April 3, 2007. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070403172305.htm
ADDITIONAL LINKS
http://www.floridadisaster.org/
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml
http://redcross.tallytown.com/floridaprepares/
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/
http://apd.myflorida.com/hurricane/
http://www.co.pinellas.fl.us/BCC/hurrprep.htm
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm
http://bereadyescambia.com/