There are no other storms like hurricanes on Earth. Views of hurricanes from satellites located thousands of miles above the Earth show how these powerful, tightly coiled weather systems are unique. Each year, on average, 10 tropical storms (of which six become hurricanes) develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico. Many of these storms remain over the ocean. However, an average of five hurricanes strike the United States coastline every three years. Of these five, two will be major hurricanes, which are storms of category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which corresponds to hurricanes with winds at or above 111 miles per hour.

This module has been designed to help you prepare your family and your home for the potentially devastating effects of a hurricane or tropical storm.

By planning ahead you can minimize the dangers of these storms. By planning now you also reduce the discomforts of recovery and the time required to return your life to normal.

Before the Hurricane Season

• Know the hurricane risks in your area.
• Learn safe routes inland.
• Learn location of official shelters.
• Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are 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.
• Review your insurance policy.
• Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

How Evacuation Decisions Are Made

The decision to evacuate is made by local officials in coordination with other jurisdictions in the region. This normally involves conference calls with local and state officials as well as the National Weather Service. An evacuation decision may be made as a result of these calls. Computerized tracking and analysis models are also helpful in deciding if or when to evacuate. Key factors in evacuation decision making include:

• Providing enough time for people in storm surge zones and mobile homes to leave before the arrival of 39 mph winds;
• Selecting an appropriate evacuation time to allow citizens to get to safety during daylight hours; and Providing the news media with enough time to warn the greatest number of people.
• People have several choices for their evacuation destination. They can go to a hotel or motel outside the storm surge zones, to the home of family or friends, or they can go to a public shelter. Evacuation and shelter openings usually happen simultaneously.

Advisories

Advisories are messages issued by the authorities warning about the formation and development of tropical cyclones.) These are usually issued at 0600 AST, 1200 Noon, 1800 AST and 1200 midnight by the National Meteorological Service via the Electronic Media. (AST - Atlantic Standard Time is the same time zone as "Eastern Caribbean Time") Information Includes:

• Name, Date and Time of Fix (reported location)
• Location (relative distance from prominent place).
• Coordinates (latitude and longitude).
• Maximum winds.
• Movement (direction and speed).
• Forecast position.
• Precautionary information.
• Time of next issuance.

Types of Advisories include:

Tropical Depression Advisory: Provides information on the development and threat of a Tropical Depression which becomes a threat to land. The system is not named unless it is a Hurricane or Tropical Storm which has been down-graded to a Tropical Depression. Each new tropical depression is assigned a number, however.

Tropical Storm Advisory: Issued when the wind speed of a tropical cyclone reaches 39 mph (63 km/h) or higher. Tropical Storms are given names.

Hurricane Watch: Advisory issued for a particular area when conditions are favourable for the development of a hurricane. It does not necessarily mean that a hurricane is imminent.

Hurricane Warning: Issued when hurricane conditions are expected to affect a particular area within twenty-four (24) hours.

Emergency Shelters

They provide emergency, short-term shelter to the public.

Shelters outside the storm surge and flood zones meet state building codes and provide a safer place for people who must leave the hazard areas. All shelters in the path of a hurricane are subject to high winds.

Public shelters may be called refuge centers (no services and located on barrier islands or near evacuation routes), host shelters (inland) or impact shelters (in the storm's path).

Emergency shelters may not be able to provide adequate supplies of food, water and bedding, so individuals coming to shelters should bring the following items to support their stay:

• Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses
• Extra clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, etc.
• Folding chairs, lawn chairs or cots
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Flashlights and batteries
• Quiet games, books and favorite toys
• Important papers
• Prescription medications

Pets are not allowed in public shelters. Individuals need to consider other options that include kennels or an animal shelter. Only daily living assistance animals can stay with their owner in the shelter.

Emergency Shelter Listings

Each locality has a list of facilities (often public schools) that may be used as emergency shelters. In the event of a hurricane, however, some of these facilities may be in the path of the storm or at risk of flooding.

Emergency Shelters in Barbados
Emergency Shelters in Belize

Your Evacuation Plan

Local government officials issue evacuation orders when disaster threatens. Listen to local radio and television reports when disaster threatens. If local officials ask you to leave, do so immediately!

• If you have only moments before leaving, grab these things and go!
  Medical supplies: prescription medications and dentures.
  Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water
  Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
  Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend's or relative's home)
• If there's a chance the weather may get worse or flooding may happen, take steps now to protect your home and belongings. Do this only if local officials have not asked you to leave.

Protect your home

• Bring things indoors. Lawn furniture, trash cans, children's toys, garden equipment, clotheslines, hanging plants, and any other objects that may fly around and damage property should be brought indoors.
• Leave trees and shrubs alone. If you did not cut away dead or diseased branches or limbs from trees and shrubs, leave them alone. Local rubbish collection services will not have time before the storm to pick anything up.
• Look for potential hazards. Look for coconuts, unripened fruit, and other objects in trees around your property that could blow or break off and fly around in high winds. Cut them off and store them indoors until the storm is over.
• Turn off electricity and water. Turn off electricity at the main fuse or breaker, and turn off water at the main valve.
• Leave natural gas on. Unless local officials advise otherwise, leave natural gas on because you will need it for heating and cooking when you return home. If you turn gas off, a licensed professional is required to turn it back on, and it may take weeks for a professional to respond.
• Turn off propane gas service. Propane tanks often become dislodged in disasters.
• If high winds are expected, cover the outside of all windows of your home.
• Use shutters that are rated to provide significant protection from windblown debris, or fit plywood coverings over all windows.
• If flooding is expected, consider using sand bags to keep water away from your home. It takes two people about one hour to fill and place 100 sandbags, giving you a wall one foot high and 20 feet long. Make sure you have enough sand, burlap or plastic bags, shovels, strong helpers, and time to place them properly.
• Remember. Houses do not explode due to air pressure differences. Damage happens when wind gets inside a home through a broken window, door, or damaged roof.
• Cover the outside of windows with shutters or plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. All tape does is prevent windows from shattering. Using tape on windows is not recommended.
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

Protect your valuables

• Move objects that may get damaged by wind or water to safer areas of your home. Move television sets, computers, stereo and electronic equipment, and easily moveable appliances like a microwave oven to higher levels of your home and away from windows. Wrap them in sheets, blankets, or burlap.
• Make a visual or written record of all of your household possessions. Record model and serial numbers. This list could help you prove the value of what you owned if those possessions are damaged or destroyed, and can assist you to claim deductions on taxes.
• Do this for all items in your home, including expensive items such as sofas, chairs, tables, beds, chests, wall units, and any other furniture too heavy to move. Store a copy of the record somewhere away from home, such as in a safe deposit box.
• If it's possible that your home may be significantly damaged by impending disaster, consider storing your household furnishings temporarily elsewhere.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

You will need the following supplies when you leave your home; put them all together in a duffle bag or other large container in advance:

• Flashlight with plenty of extra batteries
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications in their original bottle, plus copies of the prescriptions
• Eyeglasses (with a copy of the prescription)
• Water (at least one gallon per person is recommended; more is better)
• Foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking
• Items that infants and elderly household members may require
• Medical equipment and devices, such as dentures, crutches, prostheses, etc.
• Change of clothes for each household member
• Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
• Checkbook, cash, and credit cards
• Map of the area

Important papers to take with you:

• Driver's license or personal identification
• Social Security card
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Insurance policies
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
• Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns

Animal Safety Plan: Preparing Pets For Evacuation

The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.

If you must evacuate, make sure you find a safe shelter for your pets. Pets left behind can become injured, lost or ill. So, prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.

Safeguarding your Boat

• Heed and respect National Weather Service warnings. Complete the trip to safe mooring before the storm tide arrives.
• Trailer boats should be removed from the water and stored securely.
• Out-of-area boat owners should inquire about and plan for a desirable and convenient location for safe mooring. Obtain information from marina operators or follow local boats to safe anchorage area.
• Safe mooring rigging should consist of new or good condition ropes of sufficient size, with extra length and at least three or four substantial anchor points for each craft.
• If possible, boats should moor in groups with bow lines individually tied high to tree or piling on mainland with loose rope for rising tide, and sterns well anchored to hooks. Boats in the group should also be tied together at bows and sterns using protective fenders.
• Do not moor parallel to bank; receding tides often breach or capsize boats in this type anchorage. Be sure that a navigable passage at stern of secured boats is made available for late-arriving boats seeking safe anchorage beyond the first boats anchored.
• Boats should be tied high, using a secure knot. Rope lengths should be sufficient to take care of excessive high water.

During the Hurricane

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued

• Listen to local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
• Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
• Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WARNING Is Issued

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
• Complete preparation activities.
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
• Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
• Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

How to Store Food Safely

Your refrigerator will keep foods cool for about 4 hours without power if it is unopened. Add block or dry ice to your refrigerator if the electricity will be off longer than four hours.

Thawed food can usually be eaten if it is still "refrigerator cold," or re-frozen if it still contains ice crystals. Discard any food that has been at temperatures greater than 40 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.

While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold for as long as possible.

If the power is out for longer than 4 hours, follow the guidelines below:

• Use dry ice, if available. 25 pounds of dry ice will keep a ten-cubic-foot freezer below freezing for 3-4 days. Use care when handling dry ice, and wear dry, heavy gloves to avoid injury.
• For the freezer section: A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours. A full freezer will hold food safely for 48 hours. Do not open the freezer door if you can avoid it.
• For the refrigerated section: Pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, gravy, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice. Discard this food if it is held at a temperature greater than 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2 hours.
• Use a digital quick-response thermometer to check the temperature of your food right before you cook or eat it. Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Make Sure Your Water Is Safe

Hurricanes, especially if accompanied by a tidal surge or flooding, can contaminate the public water supply. Drinking contaminated water may cause illness. You cannot assume that the water in the hurricane-affected area is safe to drink.

Listen for public announcements about the safety of the municipal water supply. Use bottled water for eating or drinking. If you do not have bottled water, and are not sure that your tap water is safe, follow these directions to purify tap water:

• Boil the water vigorously (water should be bubbling and rolling) for 1 minute.
• If you can't boil water, add 6 drops of newly purchased, unscented liquid household bleach per gallon of water, stir it well, and then let the water stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Note that using bleach will not kill parasitic organisms.
• You also can use water-purifying tablets from your local pharmacy or sporting goods store.

If there is flooding along with a hurricane, the waters may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems and agricultural and industrial waste. Although skin contact with floodwater does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, there is risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater.

Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas. Wash children's hands frequently (always before meals), and do not allow children to play with floodwater-contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. You can disinfect toys using a solution of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water.

How to Perform First Aid for Injuries

• Immediately clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment to discourage infection.
• If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
• If you are injured, contact a physician to determine the necessary type of treatment (for example, need for tetanus shot).

After the Storm

Be careful to take certain precautions after the storm has passed. Damage to your home can have a dramatic emotional impact, and it's best to have a plan for how to reenter your home before a storm hits. Having a plan, and being aware of certain risks, will minimize the threat of harm to you or your family. Keep these tips in mind:

• Stay turned to local news organizations, such as a radio or television station, for important announcements, bulletins, and instructions concerning the storm area, medical aid and other forms of assistance, such as food, water and shelter.
• Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.
• Roads may be closed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, turn around and go another way!
• Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads. Do not drive into flooded areas.
• Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from under-ground or downed power lines.
• Check gas, water, and electrical lines and appliances for damage.
• Flooding brings with it the risk of waterborne bacterial contaminations. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated.
• Avoid using candles and other open flames indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.
• Use the telephone to report life-threatening emergencies only.
• Be especially cautious if using a chainsaw to cut fallen trees.
• Use a camera or camcorder to record thoroughly any damage done to your home, before any repairs are attempted.

How to Prevent Injury after a Hurricane

When the wind and waters recede, people in the areas affected by a hurricane will continue to face a number of hazards associated with cleanup activities. T

Wear Protective Gear

Beware of Electrical Hazards

• If water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and electrical equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.
• Never enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet, unless you are certain that the power is off. NEVER handle a downed power line.
• When using gasoline and diesel generators to supply power to a building, switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel to the "off" position prior to starting the generator.
• If clearing or other work must be performed near a downed power line, contact the utility company to discuss de-energizing and grounding or shielding of power lines. Extreme caution is necessary when moving ladders and other equipment near overhead power lines to avoid inadvertent contact.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is poisonous to breathe. During flood cleanup, operate all gasoline-powered devices such as pumps, generators, and pressure washers outdoors and never bring them indoors. This will help to ensure your safety from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Prevent Musculoskeletal Injury

Special attention is needed to avoid back injuries associated with manual lifting and handling of debris and building materials.

To help prevent injury:

• Use teams of two or more to move bulky objects.
• Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person)
• Use proper automated-assist lifting devices

Beware of Structural Instability

• Don't work in or around any flood-damaged building until it has been examined and certified as safe for work by a registered professional engineer or architect.
• Assume all stairs, floors, and roofs are unsafe until they are inspected.
• Leave immediately if shifting or unusual noises signal a possible collapse.

Avoid Hazardous Materials

• Do not attempt to move unidentified dislodged containers without first contacting the local fire department or hazardous materials team.
• If working in potentially contaminated areas, avoid skin contact or inhalation of vapors by wearing appropriate protective clothing and respirators.
• Frequently and thoroughly wash skin areas that may have been exposed to pesticides and other hazardous chemicals.
• Contact NIOSH for more information on the proper safety equipment.

Be Prepared for Fires

• Inoperative fire protection systems.
• Hampered fire department response.
• Inoperable firefighting water supplies.
• Flood-damaged fire protection systems.

At least two fire extinguishers, each with a UL rating of at least 10A, should be provided at every cleanup job.

Prevent Drowning

When entering moving water, you are at risk for drowning, regardless of your ability to swim. Because those in vehicles are at greatest risk of drowning, it is important to comply with all hazard warnings on roadways and to avoid driving vehicles or heavy equipment into water of an unknown depth. NIOSH recommends that you avoid working alone and wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when working in or near flood waters.

Reduce Risk of Thermal Stress

While cleaning up after the hurricane, you are at risk for developing health problems from working in hot or cold environments.

To reduce heat-related risks:

• Drink a glass of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Work during the cooler hours of the day.

To reduce cold-related risks when standing or working in water which is cooler than 75 degrees F (24 degrees C):

• Wear rubber boots.
• Ensure that clothing and boots have adequate insulation.
• Take frequent breaks out of the water.
• Change into dry clothing when possible.

Prevent Fatigue-Related Injuries

Continued long hours of work, combined with exhaustion, can create a highly stressful situation during cleanup. People working on hurricane and flood cleanup can reduce their risks of injury and illness in several ways:

• Set priorities for cleanup tasks and pace the work. Avoid physical exhaustion.
• Resume a normal sleep schedule as quickly as possible.
• Be alert to emotional exhaustion or strain. Consult family members, friends or professionals for emotional support.

Community Preparedness Plans

Each community subject to a hurricane threat should develop its own hurricane safety plan. After you have developed a personal/family safety plan, you may want to find out about your community safety plan. Your local officials should have the most detailed information for your immediate area. Please listen to and follow their recommendations both before, during, and after the storm.