Complete Hurricane Survival Guide -- PRINT VERSION

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InfoCenter: Complete Hurricane Survival Guide -- PRINT VERSION

Hurricane WATCH

Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

• What to do: Listen to local radio for up-to-date information. Bring inside any lawn furniture, trash cans, and anything else that the wind can pick up. Be prepared to place 1/2" precut plywood pieces over windows (taping is not recommended). Fill your car's gas tank and stock up on bottled water, canned foods, medical supplies, etc. See Hurricane Survival Guide Below

Hurricane WARNING

Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

• What to do: Listen to local officials and evacuate if told to do so. Otherwise, stay indoors away from windows. Be aware that the calm "eye" of the storm is deceptive; the worst part of the storm is yet to come. Be aware of tornadoes that may occur during or after the hurricane passes -- stay in the center of the house in a closet or bathroom without windows. Avoid flooded areas, especially with your car and seek higher ground.

Hurricane Survival Guide --

See Details Below.

Preparing for Hurricanes

(based on suggestions from the US Navy & the Red Cross)

US NAVY GUIDELINES

Prepare a personal evacuation plan:

• Identify ahead of time a place to seek safety: a friend’s house in a nearby town, motel, shelter, etc. Be sure to keep their telephone numbers handy.

• Take a map -- In case of flooding or downed trees, you may need to take unfamiliar roads.

• Tune to local television or radio news stations for emergency information.

• Make sure car is fueled and and pre-loaded with as many items as necessary

• If told to evacuate, bring your kit of prepared items. (SEE BELOW)

Put together a disaster supplies kit:

First aid kit and essential medications

Plenty of Canned food and can opener

At least three (3) gallons of water per person. More if possible

Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags

Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members

Important documents, including: driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on)

Preparation (at home) To Do List

Put together a disaster supplies kit (as listed above)

Fill bathtubs or other large containers with water for flushing toilets or boiling for drinking

If possible have camping stove and appropriate fuel available in a secure location for cooking during utility outtages

Fuel your car

If the phones in your house are portable and/or electronic, buy a regular phone that doesn't require electricity to operate

Recharge all electronic communication devices: phones, cell phones, pager, beepers and any other means of communication

Prepare for high winds:

• Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install appropriate anchors (example concrete anchors for cinder block homes) for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly

• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

• Bring indoors any loose outdoor items that will become deadly projectiles in a high wind situation. This includes removing items that are fastened loosily.

• Install any braces (as appropriate) for garage doors and other areas so equipped.

• Anticipate areas in your homes away from windows where you may retreat to if not asked to evacuate.

stay in the center of the house in a closet or bathroom without windows. Avoid flooded areas, especially with your car and seek higher ground.

Follow the Hurricane WATCH or Hurricane WARNING alerts as issued by Radio or TV.

Category One- A Minimal Hurricane

• Winds: 74-95 mph

• Minimum surface pressure: higher than 980 mbar

• Storm surge: 3-5 ft

• Example: Hurricane Jerry (1989)

Category Two- A Moderate Hurricane

• Winds: 96-110 mph

• Minimum surface pressure: 979-965 mbar

• Storm surge: 6-8 ft.

• Example: Hurricane Bob (1991)

Category Three- An Extensive Hurricane

• Winds: 111-130 mph

• Minimum surface pressure: 964-945 mbar

• Storm surge: 9-12 ft

• Example: Hurricane Gloria (1985)

Category Four- An Extreme Hurricane

• Winds 131-155 mph

• Minimum surface pressure: 944-920 mbar

• Storm surge: 13-18 ft.

• Example: Hurricane Andrew (1992)

Category Five- A Catastrophic Hurricane

• Winds: greater than 155 mph

• Minimum surface pressure: lower than 920 mbar

• Storm surge: higher than 18 ft.

• Example: Hurricane Camille (1969)

See Resources / Credits page for credits

another a.einstein@scientist.com website

LIST of ADDITIONAL ITEMS (My additions)

LIST HERE ANY ITEMS YOU FEEL ARE NECESSARY (Power inverters for converting car current to A/C, fuel for generators, favorite drinks, prescriptions, etc.)