Tropical cyclones (tropical depressions, tropical storms, or hurricanes) are among the most destructive weather phenomena. They are intense circular storms that originate over warm tropical oceans, have maximum sustained wind speeds exceeding 74 miles per hour, and produce heavy rain. To learn how tropical cyclones and hurricanes form, Click HERE.
A hurricane can be up to 600 miles across and have strong winds spiraling inward and upward at speeds of 75 to 200 mph. Each hurricane usually lasts over a week, moving 10-20 miles per hour over the open ocean. In the Northern Hemisphere, these tropical systems rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around a calm "eye" gathering energy; evaporation from the seawater increases their power.
Once a tropical cyclone has formed, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) provides wind speed updates and track forecasts at least every six hours. They give the tropical system a name and assign it a "Category" number on the Saffir-Simpson wind speed scale. The strong winds coupled withheavy rain, large waves, and storm surge can damage buildings, roads, cars, and trees; so, as it approaches land, the NHC issues Watches and Warnings for the areas that are likely to be impacted.
A Watch means that impacts from the system are possible within 48 hours and preparations should be made.
A Warning means you can expect the system to impact the area in less than 36 hours; finish preparations and get to safe shelter.
The primary hazards from tropical cyclonesare powerful winds and tornadoes, heavy rainfall, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, high surf, andstorm surge.
Before
During
After
Be aware that the Atlantic Hurricane Season is six months long, June 1st through November 30th.
Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tropical weather during Hurricane Season.
Sign up for the National Weather Service's Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches and Warningsthrough theAlertNassau notification system.
Make a Plan. Become familiar with your evacuation zone and evacuation routes. Identify safe shelter locations inside and away from your home. (Remember that public shelters are not especially comfortable and have no privacy - the best option is to evacuate out of the area and shelter with a friend or loved one.) Those who plan to go to a public shelter but 1) have no transportation or 2) will take medical equipment that requires power at the shelter, should enroll on the FDOH Special Needs Registry before Hurricane Season each year.
Build a Kit. Whether you plan to evacuate or shelter at home, gather enough supplies for everyone in the household for at least five days. Understand how to store a safe emergency water supply. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medications. Don’t forget the needs of pets!
Keep important documents in a safe place; take photos of them and store digital copies.
Protect all of your property. Trim back branches that are near the house. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in the plumbing system to prevent backups. Determine the need for hurricane shutters. Prepare your vehicles and vessels.
Get Financially Prepared. Review your homeowner's policy and consider getting flood insurance. Develop a continuity plan for your business. Take photographs inside and out before any damage occurs in case a claim needs to be filed.
Encourage loved ones and neighbors to prepare for tropical weather.
Take free First Aid and CPR training from the Medical Reserve Corpsand learn about emergency wound care after a natural disaster.
When a Hurricane Watch is issued, it is time to complete pre-storm preparations.
"Hide from the wind; Run from the water." Nine out of 10 direct hurricane deaths are related to storm surge and flood water.
If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Let friends and loved ones know where you are going. If you live in a mobile home, get to a safe, site-built structure for shelter. Do not drive around barricades.
Stay on high ground. Whensheltering in place during high winds, go to a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor.
As the storm approaches, fill the bathtub with water to be used for toilet flushing during a loss of power.
If the power does go out:
use flashlights; avoid using open flames.
turn off fans and other electrical appliances; unplug computers and televisions - power sometimes comes back in surges, which can damage sensitive electronics; circuits could overload when power returns if all your electrical items are on
do not unplug refrigerators and freezers; keep their doors closed as much as possible
check to see if elderly neighbors are able to navigate when the lights aren’t on, and if they want or need your help.
If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building; but do not climb into an enclosed attic - you can easily become trapped by rising flood water.
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down (or at least, very busy) during and after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Listen to authorities for information and special instructions. Stay somewhere safe. Don't try to return to evacuated areas until officials announce that it is safe to do so.
Refrain from sight-seeing. Many people are injured or killed walking or driving around after the storm. Live power lines, gas leaks, dangling tree branches, flooding, damaged roadways, and dangerous wildlife (e.g. snakes, alligators) can be life-threatening.
Turn Around. Don’t Drown. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock down an adult, and one foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Floodwater can hide large holes,sharp objects, downed power lines that can electrify the water, and contaminants
(chemicals, human and animal waste.)
It also chases wild and stray animals, rodents, reptiles, and insects such as fire ants out of their normal habitats, and provides a breeding ground for mosquitos.Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else. One third of indirect hurricane fatalities are from heart failure, when people overexert themselves. Other indirect fatalities are related to car accidents, electrocution, and fires.
Only use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors and well away from open windows. Take special safeguards while using a chainsaw.
If your well is flooded or damaged by the hurricane, assume that it is contaminated and do not use it until it has been flushed, disinfected, tested, and found clear of bacteria.
Make sure food and water supplies are safe to consume. Wash your hands well with soap and water, especially if you touch floodwater. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer that will kill bacteria and viruses.
Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance agent for assistance with claims.
How to Prepare Your Property for a Hurricane
Prepare Pre-Hurricane
