Hurricane safety infromation Toda y I The was hardest feel thing I Somethinging… new I learned today… did today My favorite part was… of today was… Table of Contents How hurricanes are created….page 2,3,4,5 Hurricane damage prevention…..page6, 7 Hurricane safety checklist…..page8, References …….page How hurricanes are created Hurricane requires at least three conditions. One, the ocean must be warm enough at the surface to put enough heat and moisture into the overflying atmosphere to provide the potential fuel for the thermodynamic engine that a hurricane becomes. Two, atmospheric moisture from sea water evaporation must combine with that heat and energy to form the powerful engine needed to propel a hurricane. Three, a wind pattern must be near the ocean surface to spiral air inward. Bands of thunder storms form, allowing the higher levels are relatively; this structure can remain intact and grow stronger: the beginning of a hurricane! Often, the feature that triggers the development of a hurricane is some preexisting weather disturbances in the tropical circulation. For example, some of the largest and most destructive hurricanes originate from weather disturbances that form as squall lines over Western Africa and subsequently move westward off the coast and over warm water, where they gradually intensify into hurricanes. Hurricane winds in the northern hemisphere circulate clockwise around the hurricane s centre which is called the eye. While the hurricane winds in the southern hemisphere circulate clockwise. The eye of the hurricane is the calmest part of the hurricane. It is usually 20 to 30 miles wide (the hurricane itself may extend to about 400 miles). The most violent activity takes place around the eye which is called the eye wall. At the top of the eye wall it is up to 50, 00 feet, most of the air is propelled outward, increasing the air’s upward motion. Some of the air however moves inward and sinks into the eye, creating a cloud free area. Hurricanes are a huge heat engine, converting the warmth of the tropical oceans and atmospheres into wind and waves. The heat dissipates as the system moves toward the poles, sometimes causing great deal of hardship for people living along the vulnerable coastlines. NASA scientists are using te TRMM satellite to understand which parts of the hurricane produce rainfall and why. In addition, TRMM may answer question of how much latent heat” fuel” hurricanes release into the atmosphere and whether they effect global weather patterns. People endangered can use TRMM to be more precise of the path and intensity of the storm. Hurricane damage prevention Know the risk- contact your local emergency management office or building department or visit the Project Impact web site at www.fema.gov/impact to learn about potential risks areas for you community. Know your local evacuation and shelter plan. Establish an out-of-state family contact and make plans to take care of pets in the event of a disaster. Promptly and properly dispose of hazardous materials Talk with an insurance agent to ensure that you have adequate flood insurance. Keep your yard free of debris that could become projectiles in high winds. Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a hurricane watch. Install storm shutters on windows. Install head and foot bolts to secure entry doors at the top and bottom Trim dead or overhanging branches from the trees surrounding you home Ensure that roof sheathing is properly installed. Reinforce your roof with straps and bracing. When re- roofing, remove old roof shingles , add more nails to roof boards and use high-wind resistant shingles Reinforce garage doors. Anchor compressors, carports and other exterior items. Hurricane safety checklist: Listen to the weather on the radio Check disaster supplies and replace if needed Bring in anything that can be picked by the wind (bicycles, Lawn furniture). Close windows and doors with hurricane shutters, close and board with plywood. Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the highest temperature in case of power outage and keep them close as much as possible. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. Fill car up with gas Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges. Have a three day water supply at least. Food supply for three days at least Battery or hand-crank radio(NOAA weather radio, if possible). Extra batteries First aid kit Medication(7 day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses ,syringesand cane). Multipurpose tool Sanitation and personal hygiene items Copies of personal documents like (licenses, passports, medication list, medical information, proof of address ,deed/lead to home, birth certificate and insurance policies ) Cell phone with charger Family and emergency contact information Extra cash Emergency blanket Map of the area Baby supplies Pet supplies ( leash, collar Id, food, carrier and bowl.) Tool/supplies( for securing your home) Extra set of car keys and house keys Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes Rain gear Insect repellent and sunscreen Camera for photos of damage Continue to listen to weather for updates Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane of tropical storm If you evacuated return home if officials say it is ok Drive only if necessary and avoid flood flooded road and washed out bridges Keep away from loose or dandling power lines and report them immediately to the power company Use flashlights in the dark do not us e candles Stay out of houses surrounded with water Inspect your house ,take picture e of damage , both the building and its contents, for insurance. Avoid drinking water or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it is not contaminated. Check refrigerator for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury Watch animals closely and keep them under control. Use telephone only for emergency calls. References: www.fema.gov redcross.org /safeandwell http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/archive /hurricane/creation.html