Village of Lancaster

Office of Emergency Management

Scott M. Kuhlmey, Director of Emergency Management

 

 

Hurricane Preparedness

 

 

"Defining a Hurricane"

A Hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone – the general term for all circulating weather systems (counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere) over tropical waters. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

  1. Tropical Depression -- An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.  
  2. Tropical Storm -- An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).  
  3. Hurricane -- An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. In the western Pacific, hurricanes are called "typhoons," and similar storms in the Indian Ocean are called "cyclones."  

Hurricanes are products of the tropical ocean and atmosphere. Powered by heat from the sea, they are steered by the easterly trade winds and the temperate westerlies as well as by their own ferocious energy. Around their core, winds grow with great velocity, generating violent seas. Moving ashore, they sweep the ocean inward while spawning tornadoes and producing torrential rains and floods.

Each year on average, ten tropical storms (of which six become hurricanes) develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico. Many of these remain over the ocean. However, about five hurricanes strike the United States coastline every three years. Of these five, two will be major hurricanes (category 3 or greater on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale).  

Source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE , NOAA, National Weather Service

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"Terms to Know"

By international agreement, tropical cyclone is the general term for all cyclone circulations originating over tropical waters, classified by form and intensity as follows:

·         Tropical disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms in the Tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more. A common phenomenon in the tropics.

·         Tropical depression: Rotary circulation at surface, highest constant wind speed 38 miles per hour (33 knots).

·         Tropical storm: Distinct rotary circulation, constant wind speed ranges 39-73 miles per hour (34-63 knots).

·         Hurricane: Pronounced rotary circulation, constant wind speed of 74 miles per hours (64 knots) or more.

·         Small craft cautionary statements. When a tropical cyclone threatens a coastal area, small craft operators are advised to remain in port or not to venture into the open sea.

·         Gale Warnings may be issued when winds of 39-54 miles an hour (34-47 knots) are expected.

·         Storm Warnings may be issued when winds of 55-73 miles an hour (48-63 knots) are expected. If a hurricane is expected to strike a coastal area, gale or storm warnings will not usually precede hurricane warnings.

·         A Hurricane Watch is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

·         A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles an hour (64 knots) and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued.

·         Flash Flood Watch means a flash flood is possible in the area; stay alert. Flash Flood Warning means a flash flood is imminent; take immediate action.

·         Tornadoes spawned by hurricanes sometimes produce severe damage and casualties. If a tornado is reported in your area, a warning will be issued.

Source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE , NOAA, National Weather Service

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"Hurricane Scale"

All Hurricanes are dangerous, but some are more so than others. The way storm surge, wind and other factors combine determines a hurricane’s destructive power.

To make comparisons easier and to make the predicted hazards of approaching hurricanes clearer to emergency forces, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s hurricane forecasters use a disaster-potential scale which assigns storms to five categories. This can be used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast with a hurricane

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Category

Definition

Effects

One

Winds
74-95 mph

No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

Two

Winds
96-110 mph

Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.

Three

Winds
111-130 mph

Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 feet above sea level (ASL) may be flooded inland 8 miles or more.

Four

Winds
131-155 mph

More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet ASL may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas inland as far as 6 miles.

Five

Winds
greater than
155 mph

Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet ASL and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of the shoreline may be required.

Source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE , NOAA, National Weather Service

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"Be Prepared"

In preparing for the 2003 Hurricane Season, make plans for action:

  • Know the hurricane risks in your area. Learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.

·         Learn safe routes inland.

·         Learn the location of official shelters.

·         Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand.

·         Have at least a week’s supply of medications on hand.

·         Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.

·         Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

·         Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.

·         Review your insurance policy.

·         Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.

·         Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your residence. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels allow them.

Individuals with special needs or others requiring more information should contact their County Emergency Management Office.

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"Hurricane Watch"

In preparing for the hurricane season, the first step is understanding the warnings that are issued by the National Weather Service:

A hurricane WATCH means that hurricane conditions MAY threaten an area within 24-36 hours. When a hurricane WATCH is issued, everyone in that area should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly.

When a hurricane WATCH is issued, people in the affected area should:

·         Frequently listen to your radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins on the storm’s progress.

·         Fuel and service family vehicles. Service stations may be unable to pump fuel because of flooding or loss of electrical service.

·         Moor small craft or move to safe shelter.

·         Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.

·         Tape, board or shutter all window and door openings. Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent lifting from their tracks.

·         Check for batteries, flashlights and battery-operated radios.

·         Check on your supply of canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.

·         Secure or bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools that could become a projectile in high winds.

·         Have on hand an extra supply of cash.

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"Hurricane Warning"

In preparing for the hurricane season, the first step is understanding the warnings that are issued by the National Weather Service:

A hurricane WARNING is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles an hour (64 knots) and/or dangerously high tides and waves.

Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued, including:

  • Frequently listen to your radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins on the storm’s progress.
  • Complete preparation activities such as putting up storm shutters, storing loose objects, etc. Move valuables to upper floors.
  • Store drinking water in clean jugs, bottles and cooking utensils. Your town’s water system could become contaminated or damaged by the storm.
  • Check your battery-powered equipment. Your radio may be your only link with the outside world. Emergency cooking facilities and flashlights will be essential if utility services are interrupted.
  • Follow instructions issued by local authorities. Leave IMMEDIATELY if told to do so.
  • Leave low-lying areas that may be swept by high tides or storm waves.
  • If you plan to leave your home, leave early (if possible, in daylight) to avoid the last-minute rush that could leave you stranded. Stay with friends or relatives, at a low-rise inland hotel/motel, or go to a predesignated public shelter outside a flood zone.
  • In any case, leave mobile homes for more substantial shelter.
  • Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.
  • Put food and water out for a pet if you cannot take it with you. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels allow them.

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"Family Emergency Supplies"

Have these items in your residence – and ready to use in the event of an emergency:

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