Tropical Storm Centre: Hurricane Preparedness

Tropical Storm Centre: Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness

FloodingThe threats to life and property can be varied when you are faced with a tropical storm or hurricane. Storm surge, flooding, high winds, tornadoes and other weather threats can all cause serious damage, injuries and death. It's important that people living in areas where tropical storms and hurricanes are possible be aware of these threats and know what actions they can take to protect their safety.

Storm Surge

The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge. Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 4.5 metres or more. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the normal high tides.

Storm surge safety actions:


  • Minimize the distance you must travel to reach a safe location; the further you drive the higher the likelihood of encountering traffic congestion and other problems on the roadways.
  • Select the nearest possible evacuation destination, preferably within your local area, and map out your route. Do not get on the road without a planned route, or a place to go.
  • Choose the home of the closest friend or relative outside a designated evacuation zone and discuss your plan with them before hurricane season.
  • You may also choose a hotel/motel outside of the vulnerable area.
  • If neither of these options is available, consider the closest possible public shelter, preferably within your local area.
  • Use the evacuation routes designated by authorities and, if possible, become familiar with your route by driving it before an evacuation order is issued.
  • Contact your local emergency management office to register or get information regarding anyone in your household who may require special assistance in order to evacuate.
  • Prepare a separate pet plan, most public shelters do not accept pets.
  • Prepare your home prior to leaving by boarding up doors and windows, securing or moving indoors all yard objects, and turning off all utilities.
  • Before leaving, fill your car with gas and withdraw extra money from the ATM.
  • Take all prescription medicines and special medical items, such as glasses and diapers.
  • If your family evacuation plan includes an RV, boat or trailer, leave early. Do not wait until the evacuation order or exodus is well underway to start your trip.
  • If you live in an evacuation zone and are ordered to evacuate by provincial, state or local officials, do so as quickly as possible. Do not wait or delay your departure, to do so will only increase your chances of being stuck in traffic, or even worse, not being able to get out at all.
  • Expect traffic congestion and delays during evacuations. Expect and plan for significantly longer travel times than normal to reach your family's intended destination.
  • Stay tuned to a local radio or television station and listen carefully for any advisories or specific instructions.

Flooding

In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States. Inland flooding can be a major threat to communities hundreds of kilometres from the coast as intense rain falls from these huge tropical air masses.

Flooding safety actions:


  • When you hear hurricane, think inland flooding.
  • Learn your vulnerability to flooding by determining the elevation of your property.
  • Evaluate your insurance coverage; as construction grows around areas, floodplains change. If you are in a flood area, consider what mitigation measure you can do in advance.
  • In highly flood-prone areas, keep materials on hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves. Call your local emergency management agency to learn how to construct proper protective measures around your home.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood, so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off.
  • Avoid driving into water of unknown depth. Moving water can quickly sweep your vehicle away.
  • Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
  • Test drinking water for potability; wells should be pumped out and the water tested before drinking.
  • Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with floodwaters. Wash canned goods that come in contact with floodwaters with soap and hot water.
  • Stay away from downed power lines.

High Winds

A Category 4 hurricane on average causes 100 times more damage than a Category 1 hurricane. However, the winds of both hurricanes can be deadly.

High winds safety actions:


  • Find out if your home meets current building code requirements for high winds. Experts agree that structures built to meet or exceed current building code high wind provisions have a much better chance of surviving violent windstorms.
  • Protect all windows by installing commercial shutters or preparing plywood panels.
  • Garage doors are frequently the first feature in a home to fail. Reinforce all garage doors so that they are able to withstand high winds.
  • If you do not live in an evacuation zone or a mobile home, designate an interior room with no windows or external doors as a "Safe Room."
  • Before hurricane season, assess your property to ensure that landscaping and trees do not become a wind hazard.
    — Trim dead wood and weak/overhanging branches from all trees.
    — Certain trees and bushes are vulnerable to high winds and any dead tree near a home is a hazard.
    — Consider landscaping materials other than gravel/rock.

Tornadoes

Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Historically, more than half of landfalling hurricanes produce at least one tornado. The combination of tornado winds and hurricane winds can produce substantial damage.

Tornado safety actions:


  • When a tornado watch is issued, be prepared to take action.
  • When a tornado warning is issued, or a tornado is imminent, move to a small interior room away from windows.
  • Consider constructing a tornado safe room in or adjacent to your home.
  • If you live in a mobile or manufactured home park, get together with other residents and the park owner/manager to designate safe shelter areas in the park or community.
  • If you are at work, take shelter in an interior hallway on a lower floor, closet or small room. As a last resort, get under heavy furniture, away from windows.

Safety actions courtesy of the National Hurricane Center.


More Hurricane Info






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