San Pedro Emergency Committee
Preparedness Bulletin
-----HURRICANE SEASON 2007----Historically, 90 percent of all hurricane casualties have occurred from drowning and 10 percent from other
causes. Therefore, it is imperative that all persons should evacuate the Cayes, beaches and other
locations, which may be swept by high tides or storm waves. Evacuate to a recommended place of refuge.
Remember that the highest tide occurs during the second half of the storm and that the rise of the water
may take place very rapidly immediately following the eye of the storm or the time of the lowest barometric
pressure. If your only passage to high ground is over a road subject to flooding, leave early. Do not run the
risk of being marooned or having to evacuate at the height of the storm amid flying debris.
Below is the information you need to prepare for a hurricane:
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Names of Hurricanes for 2007
Tips for fishermen
Flag Signals during a hurricane
How to Track a hurricane
Storm Categories
How to prepare for High Winds
How to prepare for Flood Waters
Hurricane Safety Rules
How to assemble a Disaster Kit to take with you to a Shelter
Hurricane Shelters 2007
Know what to do After a hurricane is over
Protect Your Pet
NAMES OF HURRICANES FOR 2003
Andrea
Barry
Chantal
Dean
Erin
Felix
Gabrielle
Humberto
Ingrid
Jerry
Karen
Lorenzo
Melissa
Noel
Olga
Pablo
Rebekah
Sabastien
Tanya
Van
Wendy
Tips For Fishermen
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Remove as many or all fish pots as you can from the sea and store them on the land as far as
away from the sea as possible. Use plenty of strong rope to tie and secure the fish pots on
the land.
As much as possible reduce or do not carry out to sea any new fish pots during the hurricane
season, especially between the months of September and October.
Remove all seine nets and other fishing gear from the sea. Store them securely on the land,
far away from the sea as possible.
FLAG SIGNALS DURING A HURRICANE
Know what a hurricane WATCH and WARNING mean
PRELIMINARY ALERT
RED I - WATCH
First Phase
21°N 80° W
Second Phase: Hurricane WATCH
20° N 84°W
May threaten
within 72 hrs.
Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified
area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
(Keep informed of the storm's progress)
RED II - WARNING
ALL CLEAR
Third Phase: Hurricane WARNING
20° N 85° W
Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified
area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
(Stay tuned to your local radio and television
stations for hurricane advisories and safety
information. DO NOT LISTEN TO RUMORS. Stay
at home if your house is sturdy and on high ground.
If not, move to a friend's house or to a designated
shelter.)
Fourth Phase: Hurricane has passed
HOW TO TRACK A HURRICANE
Advisories are numbered consecutively for each storm. Present location and intensity is described
and expected movement is given. Tropical cyclones advisories are issued at six-hour intervals - at
midnight, 6:00am, noon and 6:00pm Eastern Daylight Time. Each message gives the name, centre
(eye) position, intensity and forecast movement of the tropical cyclone. Hurricane centre positions are
given by latitude (for example 13.5 degrees north) and longitude (for example 55.0 degrees west).
When the storm moves within range of radars, centre position may also be given as statute miles and
compass direction from a specified point. Tropical cyclones are not given names until they reach the
storm stage - that is, rotary circulation, and constant winds over 38 mph (33 knots).
When you receive a tropical cyclone advisory, note the advisory number, centre position, intensity and
forecast direction of movement. Mark the centre position on the tracking chart. Because hurricanes
change direction very quickly, you should listen more carefully to where the storm will go than where it
has been.
STORM CATEGORIES
TROPICAL WAVE: A cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorms without a significant circulation and
generally moving from east to west through the tropics.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION: The formative stage of a tropical storm or a hurricane. A tropical
depression has a centre of circulation and sustained winds of less than 39 mph.
TROPICAL STORM: The tropical depression has formed and strengthened. This is an organized
system of strong thunderstorms with top sustained winds of 39 mph to 73 mph. This is the stage when
storms are named.
HURRICANES:
Category 1: Winds 74-95 mph. Storm surge 4-6 ft above normal. Damage primarily to unanchored
mobile homes, shrubbery and trees. Coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.
Category 2: Winds 96-110 mph. Storm surge 6-10 ft above normal. Some roof, door and window
damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down.
Considerable damage to mobile homes and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hrs
before arrival of hurricane centre. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
Category 3: Winds 111-130 mph. Storm surge 10-16 ft above normal Some structural damage to
small residences with a minor amount of curtain wall failures. Damage to shrubbery and trees with
foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down. Mobile homes are destroyed. Low-lying escape
routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of hurricane centre. Flooding near the coast
destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain continuously
lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded inland 10 miles or more. Evacuation of low-lying
residences along the shoreline may be required.
Category 4: Winds 131-155 mph. Storm surge 16 to 22 ft above normal. More extensive curtain wall
failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs and trees blown down.
Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape
routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before the arrival of the hurricane centre. Major damage
to the lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 15 ft above sea level may be
flooded requiring evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 10 miles.
Category 5: Winds greater than 155 mph. Storm surge greater than 22 ft above normal. Complete
roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small
utility buildings blown away. All shrubs, trees and signs blown down, Complete destruction of mobile
homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising
water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane centre. Major damage to lower floors of all structures
located less than 20 ft above sea level and within 11000 yards of the shoreline, Evacuation of
residential areas on low ground within 15 miles of the shoreline may be required.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR HIGH WINDS
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Install Hurricane Shutters or purchase 1/2-inch outdoor plywood board for each window of
your home. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drilled holes in the plywood so that you
can put it up quickly.
Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees, pruning them so that wind can pass
through easily.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR FLOOD WATERS
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Listen to your local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
After basic local safety, your most serious concern is going to be flooding. If the hurricane has
brought serious tidal surges with it, it's possible that you will be experiencing rising water in
the area after the storm has passed.
You don't want to wait until the floodwaters are on your doorsteps to take action. Heavy
rainfall, even for short periods may be quickly followed by flash floods in hilly areas.
Stay away from natural streambeds, valleys and other drainage channels during and after
rainstorms. Water runs off the higher elevations very rapidly, causing the natural drainage
system to overflow with rushing floodwaters and their deadly cargo of rocks, mud, smashed
trees and other debris.
Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and the current is usually swift, never
try to cross a flowing stream on foot if the water is above your knees.
HURRICANE SAFETY RULES
1. Stay tuned to radio and television stations for regular bulletins.
2. Rely only on official bulletins; do not check these over the telephone.
3. As long as your house is inland and well built-with strong foundations and a good roof, stay at
home.
4. Use storm shutters or board windows securely, Protect outward door.
5. Stock up on food, which has a long shelf life.
6. Check that oil and butane stoves are in working order- replenish stock of kerosene, charcoal and
butane.
7. Sterilize baths; all containers and cooking utensils to store water. If in doubt, drink boiled or
treated water only.
8. Keep flashlights, candies and storm lanterns handy along with batteries and matches.
9. Store all garden implements and furniture inside if possible.
10. Lighten foliage of fruit trees near buildings. If very strong winds are likely, remove all coconuts.
11. If you are evacuating, leave early so that you are not stranded by flooded roads, fallen trees, wires
and traffic jams and make sure you have enough fuel in your vehicle and follow routes and highways.
12. If there is a lull after the 'eye' of the storm has passed, stay in a safe place, except to make
emergency repairs. The wind may return suddenly with even greater strength.
13. Since 90 percent of hurricane casualties occur from drowning, you must evacuate islands and
beaches and other vulnerable locations as early as possible.
14. Those seeking shelter should shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving home.
* Pets are not allowed at shelters, you need to make your own arrangements for the safety of your
pets.
PREPARE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT TO TAKE WITH YOU TO A SHELTER
Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as
a backpack or duffle bag.
Include:
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A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable
container. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
Blankets or sleeping bags.
A first aid kit and prescription medication.
A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
Sanitary supplies i.e., toilet paper; feminine supplies and soap.
Personal identification documents such as passports, birth certificates, residency cards etc.
Legal documents i.e., Land deeds, Insurance certificates etc.
Cash as well as Credit cards and cheque book.
HURRICANE SHELTERS 2007
To be announced
KNOW WHAT TO DO AFTER A HURRICANE IS OVER
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Remain at home or in the shelter until informed that it is safe to leave.
Keep tuned to the radio for instructions.
Beware of loose wires and report them immediately to the police, SPEC, fire department, or
Belize Electricity Limited.
Stay out of disaster areas, damaged buildings and flooded areas.
Take extra fire precautions.
Report broken sewers and mains to the SPEC or Belize Sewerage Authority.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage.
Drive carefully - roads may have been substantially weakened.
Listen to the radio for information about
o Where to go for medical care in your area.
o Where to go for emergency aid for shelter, food and clothing.
o Ways to help yourself and others to recover from the emergency.
Protect Your Pet
Pet owners are responsible for disaster planning for their pet. If you plan to evacuate, plan for your pet
as well. Take your pet Survival Kit if you go to friends, relatives or a hotel. Shelters cannot accept
pets. So if you plan to go to a public shelter, make the required provisions for your pet/s.
After the storm has passed, be careful in allowing your pet outdoors. Familiar scents and landmarks
may be altered and your pet could easily be confused and become lost. Downed power lines, and
animals and insects brought in with high water, could present real dangers to your pet. Take care not
to allow your pet to consume food or water which may have become contaminated.
PET SURVIVAL KIT
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Proper ID collar and rabies tag
Carrier or cage
Leash
Food Supply
Water/food bowl
Medication, if necessary
Specific care instructions
Regards,
James Janmohamed O.B.E. J.P.
NEMO Dist. Coordinator