Topics of Discussion Different types of hurricanes. Effects of - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

• Different types of hurricanes.
• Effects of hurricanes.
• Preparation tips
• What to do before, during, and after a storm.
• Evacuation routes and re-entry information.
• Information Resources

Topics of Discussion

• A hurricane, which is also called a

tropical cyclone, is an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms in a rotation that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed low-level circulation.

• A tropical cyclone rotates counter

clockwise.

What is a Hurricane?

• Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum

sustained winds of 38mph (33knots)

• Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained

winds of 39-73mph (34-63knots)

• Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of

74mph (64 knots) or higher.

• Major Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained

winds of 111mph (96knots) or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Different Classifications of Tropical Cyclones

• Hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin (The Atlantic Ocean,

Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico) is from the 1st of June until the 30th of November.

• The “peak” of hurricane season is mid-August to the later period of

October, however it is possible for outbreaks of hurricanes to occur anytime in the season.

• The Central Pacific hurricane season is from the 1str of June until the

30th of November with a peak from July to September.

• East Pacific hurricane season is from the 15th of May until the 30th of

November

• In the Western North Pacific hurricanes can strike year round!

Hurricane Season: When is it?

Hurricane Categories

2013 Season Forecast/ Atlantic Names

Climatological Origins and Tracks of Hurricanes

• For more inland areas offshoot threats from the storm should

be approached cautiously.

• Tornadoes – Most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in

rain bands far from the center of a hurricane. Usually will be short lived and relatively weak but still destructive.

• Hurricane Force Winds – Hurricane force winds are 74mph or

greater and can cause extensive damage.

• Also debris such as signs, fencing, roofing material, siding and

small items left outside become dangerous in such winds.

• Wind can stay at hurricane strength well into the inland

areas.

• Flooding is the major threat from hurricanes for people

living inland.

• The slower moving and larger storms produce more rainfall.

But we aren’t coastal, what should we worry about?

Winds

• Hurricane-force winds, 74mph or more,

can destroy buildings and mobile homes. Debris, such as shingles, roofing material, siding, and small items left outside become flying hazards in hurricanes.

• Winds can stay above hurricane strength

well inland.

• Example: Hurricane Charley in 2004 made

landfall on the southwest Florida coast but produced major damage well inland across central Florida with gusts of wind at more than 100mph.

Rainfall

• Tropical cyclones often produce

widespread, torrential amounts of rainfall in excess of 6 inches.

• This can result in damaging and

sometimes deadly flooding.

• Flooding is the major threat from tropical

cyclones for people living inland.

• Flash flooding, a rapid rise in water levels,

can occur quickly due to intense rainfall.

• Longer term flooding on rivers and

streams can persist for several days after the storm.

• Be aware of rising water levels and water
• n the roads.

• Before hurricane season even arrives you should BE PREPARED.
• Having a well-stocked disaster preparedness kit is the first step.
• Check emergency equipment and make repairs if needed.
• Check your flashlights! Make sure to have some spare batteries on

hand.

• It’s suggested to have a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver.

They can be hand crank, solar powered, or battery powered. Some even come with all three options and can be purchased at many different stores and outfitters.

• Check your first-aid kit and make sure it is well stocked. Replace

anything if needed.

What to do before a hurricane

• Buy non perishable food and store some

drinking water.

• Trim your trees and shrubbery to reduce risk of

branches damaging your home.

• Clear your gutters and downspouts.
• Review your insurance policy. It’s also a good

idea to keep an up to date copy of your policy with your disaster kit.

• Do you have any pets? Be sure to check for pet-

friendly hotels along your evacuation route. Most public shelters do not take animals.

Preparedness Continued

• At least a 3-day supply of water per person in the group. Extra for any

pets.

• At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food. Have pet supplies if

needed.

• At least one change of clothing and a pair of sturdy shoes. Think of your

climate when choosing these.

• One blanket or sleeping bag per person. Extra if needed for climate.
• Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with

tone alert and extra batteries for both are suggested.

• Flashlights and extra batteries!
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Manual can opener for any canned food.
• Local maps.

Suggestions for Emergency Supply Kit

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic

sheeting and duct-tape to shelter-in a place.

• Whistle to signal for help.
• Mess kits, paper plates, plastic utensils and cups.
• Emergency tools.
• First-aid kit. Have Prescription/Non-Prescription

medications and glasses.

• Extra set of car keys.
• Personal hygiene items
• Credit card and cash/change, travelers checks.
• Any special items for infant, elderly, or disabled

family members.

Emergency Supply Kit Continued….

These items are all suggested materials to have in a basic disaster kit. Here are some other suggested additional items you may want to have…….

• Be familiar with weather terminology like watches vs.

warnings.

• Tune into your local weather station either on TV or your
• radio. They will be able to provide up to date forecasts so

that you know your best course of action.

• Know your evacuation routes and be prepared to leave if

instructed to do so by officials.

Listen to the weather and local officials.

• If you decide to evacuate the area or are instructed to do so

by officials, know where you are going.

• Major roads and interstates may be crowded with others

doing the same thing, so be patient and leave in a timely manner when instructed to do so.

• I-4, Highway 429, the Florida Turnpike, or the 528 Beach

line Highway would all be great evacuation roads depending on the direction the storm is coming from.

I’m leaving! Where do I go?

Evacuation Routes – Polk County

http://www.floridadisaster.org/publicmapping/

http://www.floridadisaster.org/publicmapping/

Evacuation Routes – Orange County

• Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical-storm conditions

are possible within the specified area.

• Because outside preparedness becomes difficult once winds reach tropical

storm force, watches are issued 48 hours in advance of anticipated onset.

• During a tropical storm watch prepare your home and review your

evacuation plans in case warnings are issued. Listen closely for instructions form local officials.

• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical-storm conditions are expected within

the specified area.

• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within the

specified area.

• Because outside preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach

tropical storm force Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of onset.

• During a warning, complete storm preparations and immediately leave

the threatened area if directed to do so by officials.

• Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane

(115mph and greater) usually associated with the eye wall are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Watches versus Warnings…..

If in a Watch area:

• Frequently check TV, radio, or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

for official bulletins of storms progression.

• Make sure cell phone is fully charged and keep charger handy.
• Make sure vehicles are fueled and in good service.
• Make sure to have extra cash and change on hand incase Credit

Card systems go down and you need supplies.

• Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters or shielding

materials.

• Check your battery supply and stocked food/water.
• Store any light weight items like garbage cans, garden tools, toys,

and lawn furniture. Debris such as these can become very dangerous and destructive in hurricane force winds if left outside.

What to do during the hurricane…

• Closely monitor radio, TV, or your NOAA Weather Radio for
• fficial updates and instructions from officials.
• Close storm shutters.
• Follow instructions issued by local officials. If directed to leave,

Leave immediately.

• Stay with friends/relatives at a low-rise inland hotel or at a

designated public shelter safely outside of the flood zone.

• Let neighbors and a family member outside of the evacuation area

know your evacuation plans.

• Take pets with you if at all possible, but remember most public

shelters do not allow pets.

• Be aware of any pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route.

If You Are in A Warning Area:

Polk County Emergency Policy

Evacuation Policy

It is the policy of the Polk County Emergency Management Division to recommend in-place shelter as the primary option during a disaster. For those unable to remain in place, especially those in mobile homes, the remaining choices should be considered in order of preference. Whichever of the following

• ptions is selected, it is advised that a 72-hour survival kit be assembled and ready, a course of action

be planned, and that the plans be executed as soon as practicable before the disaster hits. The recommended options are:

• In-place Shelter - plan to remain in residence during the emergency, if possible.
• Evacuate to Friends or Relative Residence - if forced to evacuate, it is less traumatic for all

concerned to be sheltered with familiar people, in more comfortable surroundings.

• Evacuate the Area - other people leaving this area or areas in the projected path of the storm will

also be on the road; leave at least 48-72 hours before the storm is expected to strike.

• Evacuate to the Hotel/Motel - make arrangements early as rooms will fill quickly with other

evacuees.

• Evacuate to a Public Shelter - please see the Public Shelter policy. To obtain a Polk County Public

Shelter Map, visit Polk County Public Library or Publix Super Market near you.

Emergency Public Shelters

Not all public shelters are automatically activated for each emergency. They are opened as needed and are not pre-assigned by geographic area. During an emergency please monitor Polk County Government Television, other local television and radio stations for open shelter information. Have your 72-Hour survival kit ready to take with you. Weapons and alcoholic beverages are not allowed at any public shelter.

• If officials ask you to evacuate please do so immediately, but if

you are staying home here are some tips:

• Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and keep it closed.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Unplug small appliances.
• Fill the bathtub and large containers with water in case clean tap

water becomes unavailable. Use water in bathtubs for cleaning and flushing only. Do NOT drink it.

• If winds become strong stay away from windows and doors, even if
• covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway.
• Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
• If you are in a two-story home, go to an interior room on the first

floor.

If Staying Home….

• Keep listening to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
• Wait until area is declared safe before entering.
• Keep an eye out of closed roads, do NOT go down any roads with

water covering them or if they are closed/barricaded.

• Stay on firm dry ground. Standing water may be electrically charged

from downed power lines.

• NEVER use a generator indoors.
• Use flashlights to inspect damage. NEVER use candles/open flames

indoors.

• Avoid weak bridges and washed out roads.
• Wear proper sturdy shoes to avoid cutting feet on debris.
• Do not drink or prepare any food with tap water until officials say its
• kay.
• Avoid areas with downed power lines.

After the Storm passes…..

• Depending on the forecast strength of the storm, shade structures may need to

be dismantled and stored.

• Pool Furniture and any other loose items will be stored in the clubhouse where

possible

• Tennis & Pickleball Courts will be prepared
• All outside amenities will be evaluated and likely closed in advance of the

storm

• As the storm draws nearer, staff will likely be dismissed so that they have an
• pportunity to prepare themselves and their families for the storm
• Electronic systems will be shut down and wrapped/protected and the building

will be closed.

• This can be frustrating for residents. Often the weather before the storm hits is

glorious! Closing the building is however the right thing to do to allow staff members adequate time to prepare themselves and their families for the storm.

• Safety is our top priority

Preparations at the Montecito Clubhouse

When a hurricane warning is issued, the staff at the clubhouse will begin preparing the clubhouse for the

• storm. Typically, this will include

many of the same preparations as you will be making on your own home but with a few additional considerations:

Following a major storm, a significant amount of landscape debris may be strewn about our

• properties. It is the responsibility of each Property Owner to clear his/her property and bring

the debris to a designated disposal site either at DWO or provided by the County. DWO and/or Polk County, or its designated contractor, will remove only landscape debris from road right-of- way for disposal.

• No approval is required to remove trees that are uprooted, trees that have fallen across structures, or trees

that have fallen on the ground.

• Place landscape debris that has fallen onto the road right-of-way in piles along the roadside. Keep it off

the paved surface.

• Individual homeowners are responsible for moving all other debris and segregating it as follows:
• Raw Garbage ( Do NOT mix household garbage with other disaster debris
• Yard Waste from your private property (i.e., vegetative debris such as limbs, leaves, brush, tree

trunks

• Construction/Building Debris (i.e., shingles, boards, PVC pipe, siding, metal, carpeting, non-wood

building material, treated lumber, etc.

• White Goods (i.e., appliances, air conditioners, ice makers, etc.)
• Household Hazardous Waste (i.e., bleach, gasoline, pool chemicals, cleaning supplies, motor oil,

paint, etc.

• NOTE: As soon as available, the location of debris removal drop off stations and an anticipated

timeline for roadway clearing may be obtained from the clubhouse

• Do not pile debris over water meters or fire hydrants

Debris Removal Guidelines

• Be prepared before Hurricane season even arrives by knowing your

weather terms, knowing your evacuation route, and having your disaster kit and first-aid kit ready to go and well stocked.

• Develop your emergency plan with your family and make sure

everyone is familiar.

• Let a family member or friend outside of your area know your

emergency plans. If a real disaster happens let them know your evacuation plans.

• If you have pets be familiar with pet friendly hotels along your

evacuation route.

• Keep emergency contacts up to do date and in an easily accessible

place.

• During an actual storm keep a close eye (and ear!) on official

weather statements and listen for any instruction from officials.

• And most important, Stay Safe!

Let’s Review!

• Hurricane Preparedness guide
• http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
• The National Hurricane Center
• http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Polk County Emergency Shelter Information
• http://www.polk-county.net/subpage.aspx?menu_id=20&id=852
• Flood FAQ’s for Polk County
• http://www.polk-county.net/faqdetail.aspx?id=526
• Pet Shelters (Polk County)
• http://www.polk-

county.net/subpage.aspx?menu_id=20&nav=res&id=28956#Can_I_stay_at_ the_shelter_with_my_pets

• Polk County Disaster Preparation
• http://www.polkcounty.net/subpage.aspx?menu_id=20&nav=res&id=846

Information Resources