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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHurricanes on the Texas Coast - Survival and Recovery 3 1975 / on theTexas Coast SurvivaI- and Recovery TEXAS A &M UNIVERSITY • A SEA GRANT COLLEGE B jrcAA on the Texas Coast Survival and Recovery ,h f r /, _ • ,,\, \ A " ;� I 1:/ 1w 4. ' Walter K. Henry Dennis M. Driscoll !t►: J . Patrick McCormack t Center for Applied Geosciences College of Geosciences Texas A &M University March 1975 TAMU -SG -503 Qi I. FOREWORD The destructive ferocity of a hurricane is almost beyond comprehension. In one 24 -hour period a hurricane can generate heat energy equal to 400 20- megaton hydrogen bombs and can circulate almost one trillion tons of air carrying 17 billion tons of water vapor. Cost of damages can exceed $1 billion. This booklet is the last and probably most important volume in a three -part series concerned with the destruc- tive potential of tropical storms and hurricanes that affect the Texas coast. This volume, which provides information to aid coastal residents in saving lives, describes what federal, state, and local agencies do before, during, and after a hurricane. Since the key element in survival and recovery is preparation, each individual should plan to protect himself and his family and to minimize property damage. Actions that individuals should take when a hurricane threatens are listed. Perhaps the most important parts of this volume are personal checklists in Appendix I, which individuals are urged to use and to share with friends. Fig. 1. A National Guardsman stands watch at a roadblock Volume I, which deals with description and climatology, in Corpus Christi as Hurricane Car /a approaches, September presents facts and figures about frequencies of occurrence, 1961. (Photo courtesy of the Texas State Highway Depart - storm tracks, and major physical features of hurricanes. ment.) Volume II, using as examples Texas' three most devastating hurricanes of the last 15 years, explains how hurricane damage is caused. III. TYPES OF HURRICANE DAMAGE Great strides have been made in forecasting the paths of tropical storms and hurricanes. In fact, the 12 -hour fore - II. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS cast error on landfall averages less than 40 nautical miles. Nevertheless, much remains to be learned from continuing We extend our most sincere appreciation to Mr. Marion research. One significant question to be answered is, P. Bowden, State Coordinator of the Division of "What type of destruction will a particular hurricane bring Disaster Emergency Services, Department of Public when it strikes the coast ?" Will the damage occur through Safety, Austin, Texas, for his comments and assistance on storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, or a the final draft of this booklet. We wish to thank Mr. J. A. combination of these? Discussed in more detail in Riley, Chief of the Meteorological Service Division, National Volume II, these terms are defined in the glossary Weather Service, Fort Worth, Texas, and Mr. Davis Benton, (Appendix I) of this booklet. Meteorologist -in- Charge, Galveston, Texas, for information When a hurricane is expected to strike the Texas coast, about functions of the local National Weather Service the point of landfall and maximum wind speeds are Offices. Thanks also are given to Dr. James R. Scoggins, forecast. Sometimes unexpected changes take place in the Director of the Center for Applied Geosciences, Texas A &M hurricane's structure or movement within a short period University, for his continued guidance and support through- of time. Hurricane Celia's explosive intensification just out this project. Also, we would like to acknowledge the prior to landfall and Hurricane Beulah's recurvature to the help of Mr. Joseph Pelissier of the National Hurricane southwest after hitting the coast are examples. The only Center, who furnished background information, and way to prepare effectively for a hurricane is to consider all Ms. Teena Conklin of the Texas Highway Department for types of potential damage! assistance in obtaining many photographs used in this The storm surge, an abnormal rise in sea level study. The State Office of the Soil Conservation Service, accompanying a hurricane, is a hurricane's greatest killer. United States Department of Agriculture, Temple, Texas, Averaged over the years, about nine of 10 people who died was most cooperative in supplying information. Special during hurricanes drowned due to the storm surge. thanks are extended to Ms. Polly Luther for her profes- Hurricane Carla's storm surge reached a maximum height sional typing of the many drafts. of 21 feet and extended inland more than 10 miles in some 3 MEM areas. Houses were floated off their foundations and were destroyed by continued wave action superimposed upon the waters of the storm surge. High winds, continual waves, and floating debris made swimming to safety almost impossible for people fleeing from their flooded homes. To obtain maps that show the areas covered by previous storm surges, see Appendix III. Another aspect of the storm surge, which is less common but more deadly, is the "seiche" (pronounced "sayche "). When the storm surge reaches land, it sometimes forms a series of fast - moving, steep wave fronts (higher than the average storm surge), which can inundate areas rapidly. Survivors have said that a seiche occurred at Galveston dur- ""' —° ing the 1900 hurricane when an estimated 6,000 -8,000 people died, and at Corpus Christi in 1919 when 300 -600 people lost their lives. During the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900, a weather observer, Dr. I. M. CFine, reported wit- nessing a seiche: The water rose at a steady rate from 3:00 p.m. Fig. 2. A Texas State Highway Department employe until about 7:30 p.m., when there was a sudden maintains radio communications by using an auxiliary rise of about 4 feet in as many seconds. I was generator in Corpus Christi during Hurricane Celia, standing at my front door, which was partly open, August 1970. (Photo courtesy of the Texas State Highway watching the water which was flowing with great Department.) rapidity from east to west. The water at this time was about 8 inches deep in my residence and the sudden rise of 4 feet brought it above my waist Flooding, caused by heavy rains, usually extends farther before I could change my position. inland than other types of damage. For example, Hurricane The high winds of a hurricane or tropical storm are of- Agnes (1973) made landfall along the Florida coast but ten strong enough to damage almost any structure. Short caused extensive flooding in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. wind gusts (less than one minute in duration), which can Appendix IV in Volume I I contains a short list of rivers exceed sustained wind velocities by 50 percent, develop a inundated by Beulah (1967), a Texas hurricane that swinging action in signs, trees, and other bendable structures. flooded over two million acres. Rainfall accounted for Gusty winds cause extensive damage because of this rock- almost three - fourths of Beulah's flooding, and storm ing effect, alternately pushing a structure to its limit and surge accounted for the remainder. allowing it to swing back before the cycle is repeated. Trees and signs are often uprooted or snapped. Window glass is blown in on the windward side of IV. HELP FROM NATIONAL AGENCIES buildings and out on the downwind side. A device has been developed that is said to protect windows (see Appendix When a tropical disturbance is detected (usually by III). Homeowners should board their windows to prevent satellite), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, damage by wind or flying debris. At hurricane speeds air- Florida, swings into action. The disturbance is monitored borne debris become lethal projectiles -- imagine a 4- x continually, and bulletins are issued to the Hurricane 8 -foot sheet of tin roofing sailing through the air at these Warning Service Network and the news media. Aircraft speeds! may fly into the cyclone to gather data and to evaluate Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes that can cause the possibility of intensification. If the disturbance matures extensive damage. Smaller than its Great Plains cousin, into a tropical storm, a feminine name is assigned. Appendix the hurricane - spawned tornado usually affects an area less IV lists names for tropical storms and hurricanes from 1975 than 300 yards wide and a mile Tong; nevertheless, it is through 1984. just as deadly. Two Texas hurricanes hold records for the When the disturbance becomes a tropical storm, the highest number of associated tornadoes. Beulah had more NHC calls the hurricane warning system to full alert and than 100 tornadoes (actual count not known), and Carla issues public advisories. Advisories are numbered consecu- is a poor second with 26. Generally, more than 90 percent tively and are issued every six hours at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., of tornadoes are found within angles of 10 to 120 degrees 5 p.m., and 11 p.m Central Daylight Time (CDT). They to the right of the direction of hurricane movement and include information on location, direction, speed of between 60 to 240 miles from the eye. movement, intensity, radius of storm and gale force winds, 4 and central pressure. When a tropical storm or hurricane Bulletins containing additional information about the approaches land, the Hurricane Warning Office (HWO) in tropical cyclone are issued at two -hour intervals, or more that area issues local warnings. Generally, the HWO pre- often if necessary, as long as the disturbance retains its pares advisories if the storm is moving through its area or identity or threatens life and property. may progress there within 12 hours. The advisories are Local Weather Service Offices issue Local Action issued simultaneously by the National Hurricane Center. Statements at two- or three -hour intervals, or more frequent - Additionally, for the 1975 hurricane season the NHC will ly if conditions warrant, when tropical cyclones threaten initiate the Hurricane Disaster - Potential Scale as an estimate the Texas coast. These statements, which amplify of expected damage. Specifics of the scale are given in releases from the Hurricane Warning Office, specify: Appendix VI. • Coastal and bay areas or counties where warnings Meteorologists at the NHC and Hurricane Warning apply. Offices (New Orleans, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Honolulu) forecast the movement, development, and • Detailed recommendations for evacuation and sug- storm surge heights of all tropical cyclones that may strike gested completion times. the United States. They also analyze tropical cyclones of • Places and times of storm surge, including times the previous season to develop more accurate forecasting when critical roads or escape routes are expected to methods. In recent years the forecast accuracy for paths be flooded. of tropical cyclones has increased more than 10 percent; the average 24 -hour displacement error is now less than • Other emergency actions and the times for completion. 100 nautical miles. • Tide readings, wind conditions, rainfall measurements, The National Weather Service Hurricane Warning Office and areas of possible flooding from excessive rainfall. in New Orleans issues hurricane warnings for the Texas coast. Advisories and bulletins (see Appendix I for Weather Service Offices in the coastal region of Texas are definitions) issued by that office include: located at Port Arthur, Galveston, Houston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, and Brownsville. These offices have direct • Hurricane watch or warning. communications with disaster preparedness officials and the • Estimate of storm tide and flood danger in coastal media via telephone, teletype, and radio. areas. • Cautionary advice to small craft. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also plays an important role in minimizing hurricane damage. The Corps • Gale warnings along the periphery of the cyclone. has made extensive surveys of damage caused by past • Tornado forecast information. hurricanes. These surveys provide background information needed for construction of sea walls to reduce storm surge _ --=_ -- damage, and levees and improved drainage to minimize - - - flooding by rivers. Some of these protective structures have been completed along the Texas coast. x The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are , , ‘11 two of the many agencies involved in natural disaster , ,� ,, recovery operation. In cooperation with state and local ` ". officials, the Red Cross plans in advance to operate relief + _ - i~ centers and shelters and to supply vital services, food, / and clothing. The Salvation Army assists in solving . .7"..4414,., :7004..L. wii4.:16: , individual and family problems. ( V. PLANS OF STATE AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS , At all levels of government, preparations for recovery from man -made and natural disasters are reflected in laws and emergency operating plans. The Texas Disaster Act of 1973, S. B. No. 786, provides state and local governments --- with the general authority for coordinating and implement- --- . ' ing emergency actions when a hurricane threatens. Fig. 3. Hurricane Carla in September 1961 /eft floodwaters The state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located that hindered recovery operations. (Photo courtesy of the in the Department of Public Safety Building in Austin. The Texas State Highway Department.) state Director of Defense and Disaster Relief activates the 5 I it is authorized under the Disaster Act of 1973 to have a joint disaster program and organization with one coordinator appointed and authorized by both the city and the county. Some of the outstanding disaster programs in the State are joint city- county efforts. It is desirable for the county judge or his appointed disaster coordinator to appoint a disaster coordina- tor for each unincorporated town or community in the county. Many of the unincorporated towns in Texas have volunteer fire departments as one of the few organized community efforts for providing a community service and the local leadership might be found in such an organization. The local EOC of a coastal community should have plans to deal with hurricane problems. These plans should include: • Communication systems -- local, state, and national. • Methods of warning citizens. • Dissemination of evacuation and shelter information. • Operation of shelters in cooperation with the American Red Cross. Fig. 4. A weary electric power line crewman takes a break • Provisions for police and fire protection. during the recovery period from Hurricane Carla, September • Maintenance of public health systems. 1961, at Bay City. (Photo courtesy of the Texas State Highway Department.) • Operation of utilities. • Plans adopted for the specific needs of the individual community. Center whenever an actual or threatened disaster, such as a tropical cyclone, is reported. The EOC offers advice and During a disaster, local government assumes primary dispatches needed materials to affected areas. importance because it is the only authority in the affected Most EOC assistance is in the form of manpower, i.e., area. At such times the local EOC has increased authority members of the Department of Public Safety, the National to take emergency actions, such as: Guard, and the State Highway Department. Heavy equip- • Control movement of people. ment also may be sent by the Center. • Control access to areas and enforce curfews. Cities and counties have local Emergency Operating Centers. Executive Order DB -8, dated October 1, 1973, • Control supply and rationing of food and supplies. states in part: • Commandeer equipment and vehicles when necessary. The Mayor of each incorporated town in this State • Operate shelters in cooperation with the American will be recognized as the Municipal Disaster Coor- Red Cross. dinator /Director for his jurisdiction. • Manage the situation as well as possible, suspending The County J udge of each county will be recog- civil law if necessary. nized as the County Disaster Coordinator /Director for the area of the county outside the corporate limits of the municipalities in the county. VI. PREPARATION BY CITIZENS The intent of Executive Order DB -8 is elaborated further on page 4 of Disaster Planning - -A Manua/ For Local Ultimately, the responsibility for hurricane preparedness Governments. lies with you, the individual. When a storm is brewing in the Gulf, local officials are preparing for the emergency In either case, these officials may appoint or select and cannot assist you with planning or background infor- by court order or city ordinance a coordinator of mation. So know the dangers and be prepared for them disaster services to administer the local program. before hurricane season begins. Such coordinator will be responsible to the county First, determine if you are in a vulnerable area. What judge or mayor, as the case may be. is the elevation of your home above sea level? How far are If a city and county concur in such an arrangement, you from the coast? What is the maximum storm surge 6 height that could occur in your area? Is your area During passage of the storm, help may not be able to susceptible to freshwater flooding? The elevation may be reach the stricken area. People in public shelters or private included on the construction plan or plat of your house. homes will have to care for themselves. Here are some If you do not know, see Appendix III, Part 4, for instructions. precautions and suggestions: If the elevation of your house is less than 25 feet above • Someone should stay awake at all times to monitor mean sea level and you are less than 20 miles from the radio broadcasts and serve as guard against fire, coast, then you could be highly susceptible to flooding by snakes, and other hazards. the storm surge. The nearest National Weather Service Keep a window partially open on the downwind Office has estimates of the highest potential storm surge side of the house to stabilize pressure inside the for each point along the coast and the approximate extent house. This will help reduce the risk of windows or of inland flooding. The Office also can supply flood stage doors being blown out due to large pressure differences information for streams and bayous. caused by the storm. Second, insure your house and possessions. Purchase • insurance from a reputable company and request coverage Remain inside until the storm passes; do not venture for all types of hurricane damage. In the past, some policies outside during passage of the eye except for necessary did not cover damage caused by rising or windblown water. repairs that can be accomplished quickly. Remember, Third, know what to do in and around your house to tiie calm winds associated with the eye seldom last minimize damage. A few precautions can reduce your more than 20 minutes. losses. Check where to go if you are forced to evacuate • Several people should know where emergency and know what to take with you. Local EOC officials supplies and equipment are stored. can supply this information. Appendix II contains checklists and advice about preparing for a hurricane, remaining at home, and evacuating to safety. VIII. PICKING UP THE PIECES While a hurricane is in progress, excitement, apprehension, VII. ENDURING THE STORM fear, and thoughts of survival leave little time for desponden- cy. After the hurricane passes, however, the extent of When the storm arrives with its fierce winds and driving property damage can cause widespread shock. rains, everyone must seek protection. If your planning has Buildings may be leveled, and areas may remain flooded been thorough, there is not much to do except,wait for the for days or weeks. Roads, bridges, and highways may be storm to pass. impassable. Communications, utility, and public sewage systems may be disrupted severely. Health hazards abound. Private wells and municipal waterworks can be contaminated, t — , and drinking water may not be available. Without electricity for refrigeration, foods may be inedible. -. United States Public Law 93 -288 provides for immediate Nir federal assistance to hurricane - damaged areas that have been declared a "major disaster area" by the President. This declaration is made at the request of the state Governor, who is advised by county EOC officials. The Federal Disaster Assistance Administration, in the Department of „ Housing and Urban Development, can allot federal funds I ,f' for repairing property and minimizing health hazards, 4 . , including removal of debris. Manpower supplied by the military services and heavy equipment such as bulldozers can be provided. The U.S. Corps of Engineers I may be summoned if local resources are exhausted. — -- ,N.,' In cooperation with state and local health officials, fed - ° „ eral food and drug teams survey the health situation in ,, affected areas. Contaminated foods and drugs must be Fig. 5. National Guardsmen control the entrance into a destroyed. The National Disaster Control Agency and the disaster area at Palacios after Hurricane Carla, September U.S. Public Health Service assess the danger of infectious 1961. These houses were floated onto the highway by high diseases and possible epidemics. Drinking water is checked waters. (Photo courtesy of the Texas State Highway by laboratory tests, and vaccines are distributed to prevent Department.) typhoid, diphtheria, and other communicable diseases. 7 The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through service state governmental chain extending from the Governor organizations and state welfare departments, provides through the Defense and Disaster Relief Council to local surplus foods for families and emergency supplies for civil authorities. County -level agencies can request livestock feeding. The American Red Cross gives grants, assistance from state and federal agencies when local based on need (not loss), to assist families during the resources are inadequate. disaster period. In addition, the Red Cross and the County or municipal organizations are expected to Texas Division of the Salvation Army distribute food arrange for the disposition of dead animals, clearing of and materials from mobile canteens during and immedi- debris, and repair of water and sewage systems, roads, ately after hurricanes. Funds and other assistance also bridges, and public buildings. Local civil authorities help may come from charitable foundations, churches, clubs, coordinate state, federal, private, and military efforts. and private citizens. Restoration of public utilities is handled by local repair The Texas National Guard, the Texas State Guard, crews, but utility companies outside the disaster area are and units of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, called if needed. The record of these companies in quickly and Coast Guard may aid affected communities. After restoring such vital services as electricity, natural gas, a severe storm, Guard units maintain civil order, direct and telephone lines is commendable. traffic, establish roadblocks, provide manpower for transportation, and distribute food, clothing, and other supplies. Regular military units, which also assist in these IX. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! tasks, are requested when authorities feel that local resources are inadequate. Hurricanes and tropical storms will continue to hit the Insurance companies usually send extra adjusters to a Texas coast, and each one is a potential killer. Even with disaster area to help process insurance claims. Many in- increased standards of construction, some degree of damage surance companies will make an advance payment on proof must be expected. However, good planning and prepara- of loss of identified items without requiring final adjustment. tion are the surest means of reducing the number of This partial payment allows time to determine total Toss casualties and the amount of property damage. State, and to make a suitable settlement under less hectic condi- federal, military, and civilian agencies or organizations tions. will be able to provide help during natural disasters, but The primary responsibility for recovery and rehabilita- the ultimate responsibility for your survival and for your tion of hurricane - stricken areas, however, lies with the family's survival lies with you. APPENDIX I: HURRICANE GLOSSARY Bulletin: A public release from a Weather Service Hurricane Eye: The roughly circular area of comparatively light Warning Office issued at times other than those when winds and fair weather at the center of a hurricane. advisories are required. A bulletin is similar in form to an advisory but includes additional general newsworthy Gale Warning: A notice added to small craft advisories information. when winds of 38 -55 m.p.h. are expected. Cautionary Advice to Small Craft: When a hurricane is Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of within a few hundred miles of a coastline, small craft 74 m.p.h. (64 knots) or greater. operators are warned to take precautions and to avoid entering the open sea. Hurricane Warning: A warning that within 24 hours or less a specified coastal area may be subject to (a) Cyclone: A closed system of cyclonic (counterclockwise sustained winds of 74 m.p.h. (64 knots) or higher and /or direction) circulation characterized by low pressure and (b) dangerously high water or a combination of danger - inclement weather. ously high water and exceptionally high waves, even though winds expected may be less than hurricane Extreme Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum force. winds of 136 m.p.h. (118 knots) or higher and minimum central pressure of 28.00 inches Hg (711.20 mm Hg or Hurricane Watch: The first alert when a hurricane poses 948.19 mb) or less. a possible, but as yet uncertain, threat to a certain 8 coastal area, or when a tropical storm threatens the describing the storm, its position, anticipated movement, watch area and has a 50 -50 chance of intensifying and prospective threat. into a hurricane. Small craft advisories are issued as part of a hurricane watch advisory. Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of less than 39 m.p.h. (34 knots). Land Subsidence: The sinking of the land, caused mainly by the withdrawal of underground water from wells Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of supplying cities and industries. This phenomenon may 39 to 73 m.p.h. (34 to 63 knots). cause coastal areas to become more vulnerable to flooding. Local Action Statement: A public release prepared by a APPENDIX II Weather Service Office in or near a threatened area giving specific details for its area of responsibility on Presented here are three hurricane - safety checklists for weather conditions, evacuation notices, and other evaluating home safety, deciding whether or not to remain precautions necessary to protect life and property. at home, and evacuating the area. Individuals are urged to use these checklists now, to review them periodically, and Major Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum to share them with friends. Extra copies that may be torn winds of 101 m.p.h. to 135 m.p.h. (88 to 117 knots) out are included in the back of this booklet. and a minimum central pressure of 28.01 to 29.00 To keep these lists available, it is convenient to specify inches Hg (711.45 to 736.60 mm Hg or 948.53 to one location, such as the inside of a closet door, as the 982.05 mb). emergency center of the house. A framework can be installed to hold a first -aid kit, snake -bite kit, flashlight, Seiche: A series of fast - moving waves that sometimes candles, waterproof match box, and booklets on first aid, are superimposed upon the storm surge. This pheno civil defense, tornado safety, and hurricane preparedness. menon may cause total destruction and great loss of A fire extinguisher is recommended. Emergency phone life. numbers should be listed on the door in large letters that can be read in poor light and without glasses. Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in the level of the sea produced by the hurricane. This inundation is usually responsible for the greatest Toss of life and destruction A. Checklist for Evaluating Home Hurricane Safety of property. YES /NO Storm Warning: A notice added to small craft advisories when winds of 56 -73 m.p.h. are expected. Both 1. Is your home within 20 miles of the coast? gale and storm warnings indicate the coastal area to be 2. Is your home less than 25 feet above mean sea affected and the expected intensity of the disturbance. level? Tornado: A violently rotating column of air, nearly always 3. Is your home in an area susceptible to flash observable as a funnel cloud. floods or river system floods? 4. Do you live in a mobile home within 50 miles Tornado Forecast Information: An advisory stating that of the coast? If your answer is "yes," plan to conditions are such that tornadoes may occur. evacuate your home and proceed to the evaluation checklist. Tornado Warning: An advisory stating that a tornado actually has been sighted by human eye or indicated If you have answered "yes" to any questions above, by radar. complete Checklist A. Then proceed to the checklist applicable to your plans for weathering a hurricane-- remain- Tropical Cyc /one: A general term for the nearly circular ing at home or evacuating the area. cyclones that originate over tropical oceans. It includes tropical depressions, tropical storms, and all types of 5. Is your insurance coverage suitable? hurricanes. 6. Have you stored your valuable papers, Tropical Cyc lone /Hurricane Advisories: Messages issued jewelry, keepsakes, etc. in a bank vault or simultaneously by the Hurricane Warning Offices and secure place that will be safe from storms, the National Hurricane Center in Miami every six hours fires, or looters? 9 wpm B. Checklist for Remaining at Home during a Hurricane stove. For assistance, see Appendix VII. YES /NO 10. Do you have sufficient medication and prescription drugs? 1. Are you aware that mobile homes are more susceptible to damage by high winds than 11. Do you have a portable radio in working other types of housing? Your mobile home condition so that you can listen to local should be tied at all times. When a hurricane stations for storm watches and warnings and approaches, leave for more substantial shelter. for instructions from the local EOC? 2. If you own a boat, is it moored securely? 12. Do you have an axe and wrecking bar Do not attempt to ride out a storm on your immediately available? If the house shifts boat or to return to check its moorings after or falls, these tools may be needed to open the storm has arrived. Small boats can be doors or to rescue trapped individuals. tied close to the house and filled with water to keep them from being blown away. 13. Have you moved furniture away from exposed windows and doors? Tape windows to re- 3. Do you have a full tank of gasoline in your duce the possibility of flying glass. car? Authorities may advise you to evacuate if conditions worsen and your home is no 14. Do you know that it is extremely important longer safe. If electric power is off, filling to stay inside during the storm and not to stations may not be able to operate pumps go out during the lull while the eye is passing? for several days. 15. Do you know how to shut off the main gas 4. Have you stored or secured outdoor objects valve and to pull the main power switch if that could be blown away or uprooted? the house starts to flood? Flooding will Garbage cans, garden tools, awnings, TV extinguish pilot lights and gas may leak. antennas, signs, outdoor furniture, and toys High water can cause shorting of electric can become lethal projectiles in hurricane- lines, which could start fires. It is unlikely that help will be available to control or force winds. extinguish fires. 5. Are windows boarded or shutters in place? 16. Are you aware of the dangers (flying debris) (Use good lumber and make sure it is of opening a door or window on the wind - fastened securely. Makeshift boarding or ward side of the house? Exit on the down - plywood may come apart when wet and do more damage than not having taken wind side if possible. any precautions.) 17. Are you prepared to evacuate if required? Take only necessary clothing. (It is 6. Do you have strong bracing for outside doors? advisable to have a suitcase packed.) See 7. Are flashlights and /or emergency lights work- Appendix HI, Part 5. ing? Do you have extra batteries? 18. If you have to evacuate at the last minute, do you know which evacuation route to use? 8. Do you have a sufficient supply of drinking Keep up-to-date on the best route by water on hand? Since city water service may listening to the radio in your area. be interrupted, you should sterilize the bath- tub, jugs, bottles, pots and pans, then fill them with water. Water in the hot water tank a. Use route to • may be used for drinking. A supply of water purification tablets is recommended. b. Use route to • 9. Have you stocked non - perishable food that c. Use route to • does not need refrigeration and can be eaten without cooking or with little preparation? 19. Do you have the location and telephone Remember that electric power may be off number of the nearest Red Cross shelter and you may be without refrigerator or posted in your house? Information will be 10 • given over radio concerning available shelters. See Appendix III, Part 5. Remember that the list may not include the shelter closest to your home. 10. Have you shut off the main gas valve and pulled the main power switch before leaving? a. Address Phone 11. Do you know that downed electric power b. Address Phone lines are extremely dangerous? Do not move or touch them. c. Address Phone 12. Are you familiar with the best evacuation 20. Do you know that downed electric power route to use? lines are extremely dangerous? Do not a. Use route to move or touch them. b. Use route to c. Use route to C. Checklist for Evacuating the Area If you decide to evacuate, try to leave during daylight 13. If you are marooned, do you know the Iota hours well in advance of the storm. Heavy rains and high tion and telephone number of your nearest winds usually precede the storm by six hours. Civil Defense or Red Cross shelters? YES /NO a. Address Phone 1. Have you tied down your mobile home? b. Address Phone See Appendix VIII. c. Address Phone 2. Is a car with a full tank of gasoline ready if needed? Walk to shelter when possible to help alleviate traffic congestion. APPENDIX III 3. If you own a boat, is it moored securely? (Do not attempt to ride out a storm on General information that may be useful in preparing for your boat or to return to check its moorings a hurricane is presented here. after the storm arrives.) Small boats can be tied next to the house and filled with water 1. Device for protecting windows. Scientists at Texas to keep them from being blown away. A &M University have designed a protective device for windows. This 10 -inch aluminum disc, when clamped onto windows 4. Have you stored or secured outdoor objects with an aluminum bar, is said to enable windows to with - that might be blown away? Garbage cans, stand winds up to 240 miles per hour. This device is better garden tools, awnings, TV antennas, signs, protection than boards or shutters and is easier to install. outdoor furniture, and toys can become It is recommended for upper -story windows, which are lethal projectiles in hurricane force winds. affected less by flying debris. Ground -level windows should be boarded. For further information about this disc, write 5. Are windows boarded or shutters in place? to Dr. John Reading, Physics Department, Texas A &M Taping windows helps to reduce flying glass. University, College Station, TX 77843 6. Do you have strong bracing for outside doors? 2. Tiedown for mobile homes. If you live in a mobile home, you should be prepared to evacuate. However, your 7. Have you moved furniture away from exposed mobile home should be tied throughout the year. A windows and doors? booklet entitled "Protecting Mobile Homes from High Winds" can be obtained from your local Civil Defense 8. Do you have sufficient prescription drugs or office or by writing the U.S. Army AG Publications medicines? Center, Civil Defense Branch, 2800 Eastern Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21220. Appendix VIII contains an excerpt from this 9. Have you taken only necessary clothing? booklet. 11 3. Maps of areas covered by storm surges of previous • Firearms, other weapons, or fireworks. hurricanes. "Hurricane Awareness Program Materials" may • Family pets. (Do not leave pets tied or confined. be obtained from the Texas Coastal and Marine Council, However, if you do not wish to leave your pet to fend P.O. Box 13407, Austin, TX 78711. Included in these for itself, evacuate from the area and place the materials are maps showing the extent of storm surge flood- animal in commercial facilities.) ing from past hurricanes. Storm evacuation maps may be When evacuating to a known place (i.e., the home of a obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National a Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean relative or friend), take: Survey, Distribution Division, C44, Riverdale, MD 20840. • Medication the family requires. These maps, $2 each, are large scale and cover a small area • Extra eyeglasses if needed. in great detail. Specify the location for the map requested. • Durable work clothes for returning to the disaster Maps are available at this time for the following areas: area to make house repairs. Alvin Beaumont Galveston Refugio When returning to the disaster area, leave young children Anahuac Corpus Christi Houston Rockport and pets behind, if possible, until utilities and public Aransas Pass Freeport Port Arthur Winnie services (drinking water, etc.) are restored and until home repairs and cleanup have been completed. 4. Information on /and elevation. The local city engineer 6. Evacuation vehicle. Take a vehicle in good should be able to tell you the and elevation of an area. mechanical condition since repairs and services may not be The engineering office in a Drainage District also has the available. A larger car is preferable because it will drive information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil through deeper water, will not be blown off the road as Conservation Service (USDA -SCS) can supply the information easily as a smaller car, and will carry more people and items. for rural as well as urban areas. There are SCS offices in Do not overload, however. Water on the road may cause the following cities: brakes to malfunction and the engine to stall. Traffic Anahuac Edna Port Lavaca San Benito may be bumper -to- bumper so demonstrate your best Angleton Harlingen Raymondville Sinton driving skill and judgment on the evacuation trip. A Bay City Houston Refugio Victoria motorcycle should be used only as a last resort. Beaumont Kountze Robstown Wharton Edinburg Liberty Rosenberg 5. Possessions to take when evacuating. A huPricane APPENDIX IV shelter will be the most suitable building in the area, such as a school, church, or courthouse. Rooms and halls will Listed here are names of Atlantic hurricanes and tropical be lined with folding cots. Foods will be simple and storms for the period 1975 -1984. Each set of names is rationed. Privacy will be minimal, and all refugees must repeated every 10 years. In the event of an extremely help to maintain public health and sanitation. With good damaging hurricane, that name is retired permanently and humor and cooperation everyone can endure, and many a new name is substituted. lasting friendships may begin under such conditions. Expect to remain in the shelter one to three days. When evacuating 1975- -Amy, Blanche, Caroline, Doris, Eloise, Faye, to a shelter, take: Gladys, Hallie, Ingrid, J ulia, Kitty, Lilly, Mabel, • One change of durable clothing (heavy shoes, work Niki, Opal, Peggy, Ruby, Sheila, Tilda, Vicky, clothes, etc.). Winnie. • Special medicine the family needs. 1976 - -Anna, Belle, Candice, Dottie, Emmy, Frances, • Special food any family member requires. Gloria, Holly, Inga, J ill, Kay, Lilias, Maria, Nola, Orpha, Pamela, Ruth, Shirley, Trixie, • Special clothes for babies, especially disposable diapers. Vilda, Wynne. • Extra eye glasses if needed. 1977 -- Anita, Babe, Clara, Dorothy, Evelyn, Frieda, • Minimal toilet articles. Grace, Hannah, Ida, Jodie, Kristina, Lois, Mary, • Paper towels, kleenex, etc. Nora, Odel, Penny, Raquel, Sophia, Trudy, Virginia, Willene. • Bedding, if time and space permit. 1978 — Amelia, Bess, Cora, Debra, Ella, Flossie, Greta, Hope, Irma, J uliet, Kendra, Louise, Martha, Do not take: Noreen, Ora, Paula, Rosalie, Susan, Tanya, • Alcoholic beverages. Vanessa, Wanda. 12 1979 -- Angie, Barbara, Cindy, Dot, Eve, Franny, Gwyn, Hedda, Iris, Judy, Karen, Lana, Molly, Nita, Ophelia, Patty, Roberta, Sherry, Tess, Vesta, Wenda. 1980 - -Abby, Bertha, Candy, Dinah, Elsie, Felicia, Georgia, Hedy, Isabel, June, Kim, Lucy, Millie, Nina, Olive, Phyllis, Rosie, Suzy, Theda, Violet, Willette. 1981 -- Arlene, Beth, Chloe, Doria, Edith, Fern, Ginger, Heidi, Irene, J anice, Kristy, Laura, Margo, Nona, ::.......:••••••::::...1,....:i..:::•:.:.:..::..:..:.:::!...1:::::::.:•::."..:::11.......::::::...:::::::::::..:::..;:1::.::!.::::,::..::::.:,..,....... Orchid, Portia, Rachel, Sandra, Terese, Verna, Wallis. - Day Night 1982 -- Agnes, Betty, Carrie, Dawn, Edna, Felice, Gerda, Harriet, Illene, Jane, Kara, Lucile, Mae, Nadine, Gale Warning. Two RED pennants displayed by day and a Odette, Polly, Rita, Sarah, Tina, Velma, Wendy. WHITE light above a RED light at night to indicate winds 1983 -- Alice, Brenda, Christine, Delia, Ellen, Fran, within the range 39 to 54 m.p.h. (34 to 47 knots) are fore - Gilda, Helen, Imogene, Joy, Kate, Loretta, cast for the area. Madge, Nancy, Ona, Patsy, Rose, Sally, Tam, Vera, Wilda. 1984 - -Alma, Becky, Carmen, Dolly, Elaine, Fifi, Gertrude, Hester, Ivy, J ustine, Kathy, Linda, Marsha, Nelly, Olga, Pearl, Roxanne, Sabrina, Thelma, Viola, II APPENDIX V ` Colored pennants and lights are displayed in some ports Day Night and areas of the Texas coast to warn of hazardous sea conditions. Modern technology, however, has reduced the Storm Warning. A single square RED flag with a BLACK number of flag stations needed along the coast. Now center displayed during daytime and two RED lights at emphasis is placed on continuous marine broadcasts trans- night to indicate winds within the range 55 to 73 m.p.h. mitted at 162.55 MHz. (48 to 63 knots) are forecast for the area. i III ........ ............................... Day Night - Day Night Small Craft Advisory. One RED pennant displayed by day and a RED light over a WHITE light at night to indicate Hurricane Warning. Two square RED flags with BLACK the winds and seas, or sea conditions alone, considered center displayed during the day and WHITE Tight between dangerous to small craft operations are forecast. Winds two RED lights at night to indicate that winds 74 m.p.h. may range as high as 38 m.p.h. (33 knots.) (64 knots) and above are forecast for that area. 13 APPENDIX VI The following excerpt is reprinted from NOAA Magazine, Scale No. 2—Winds of 96 to 110 miles per hour. Consider - Volume 4, Number 3, J my 1974. able damage to shrubbery and tree foliage, some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes. Hurricane Disaster - Potential Scale:* Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door The hurricane disaster - potential scale is an experimental damage. No major damage to buildings. Or: storm surge effort by the National Weather Service to give public 6 to 8 feet above normal. Coastal roads and low -lying safety officials a continuing assessment of the potential escape routes inland cut by rising water 2 to 4 hours before for wind and storm -surge damage from a hurricane after it arrival of hurricane center. Considerable damage to piers. reaches a point where it could be a threat to their coastal Marinas flooded. Small craft in unprotected anchorages populations. torn from moorings. Evacuation of some shoreline Scale numbers are made available to public- safety residences and low -lying island areas required. officials when a hurricane is within 72 hours of landfall. Scale numbers range from 1 to 5- -with Scale No. 1 having Scale No. 3- -Winds of 111 to 130 miles per hour. at (east the threshold windspeed of a hurricane of 74 Foliage torn from trees, large trees blown down. Practically miles per hour, or a storm surge 4 to 5 feet above normal all poorly constructed signs blown down. Some damage water level- -and Scale No. 5 having a windspeed of 155 to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door miles per hour or more, or a storm surge more than 18 feet damage. Some structural damage to small buildings. Mo- above normal. bile homes destroyed. Or: storm surge 9 to 12 feet above The Weather Service emphasizes that the disaster- normal. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller potential numbers are not forecasts, but will be based on structures near coast destroyed; larger structures near observed conditions at a given time in a hurricane's lifespan. coast damaged by battering waves and floating debris. They represent an estimate of what the storm would do Low -lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 to a coastal area if it were to strike without change in de- hours before hurricane center arrives. Flat terrain 5 feet structive power. Scale assessments will be revised regularly or less above sea level flooded inland 8 miles or more. as new observations are made, and public- safety organizations Evacuation of low -lying residences within several blocks will be continually advised of new estimates of the hurricane's of shoreline possibly required. disaster potential. The Disaster - Potential Scale gives probable property Scale No. 4- -Winds of 131 to 155 miles per hour. damage and evacuation recommendations as follows: Shrubs and trees blown down, all signs down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows and doors. Complete Scale No. 1- -Winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour. Damage failure of roofs on many small residences. Complete primarily to shrubbery, trees, foliage and unanchored mobile destruction of mobile homes. Or: storm surge 13 to 18 homes. No real damage to other structures. Some damage feet above normal. Flat terrain 10 feet or less above sea to poorly constructed signs. Or: storm surge 4 to 5 feet level flooded inland as far as 6 miles. Major damage to above normal. Low -lying coastal roads inundated, minor lower floors of structures near shore due to flooding and pier damage, some small craft in exposed anchorages torn battering by waves and floating debris. Low -lying escape from moorings. routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before Definition of the Scale Central Pressure Category (millibars) Winds (mph) Surge (ft) Example 1 > 980 74 -95 4 -5 Agnes 1972 (Fla. coast) 2 965 -979 96 -110 6 -8 Cleo 1964 3 945 -964 111 -130 9 -12 Betsy 1965 4 920 -944 131 -155 13 -18 Donna 1960 Fla., Carla 1961 Tex. 5 < 920 > 155 > 18 1935 Storm on Fla. Keys *Developed by Herbert Saffir, Dade County consulting engineer, and Dr. Robert H. Simpson, former National Hurricane Center Director 14 hurricane center arrives. Major erosion of beaches. Massive publication TR -75 when ordering this booklet from your evacuation of all residences within 500 yards of shore local Civil Defense office or from the U.S. Army AG possibly required, and of single -story residences on low Publications Center, Civil Defense Branch, 2800 Eastern ground within 2 miles of shore. Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21220. Scale No. 5- -Winds greater than 155 miles per hour. Tiedown Mobile Homes for Safety Shrubs and trees blown down, considerable damage to roofs of buildings; all signs down. Very severe and exten- Tiedowns offer the most consistent and effective means sive damage to windows and doors. Complete failure of for minimizing mobile home damage from high winds. Two roofs on many residences and industrial buildings. types of ties are needed: (1) the "over- the -top" tie, Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors. Some and (2) the frame tie. The first keeps the unit from over - complete building failures. Small buildings overturned turning, and the second prevents it from being blown off or blown away. Complete destruction of mobile homes. the supports. Or: storm surge greater than 18 feet above normal. Frame ties can also reduce the chance of overturn, but Major damage to lower floors of all structures less than many mobile homes do not have enough internal strength 15 feet above sea level within 500 yards of shore. Low- to transmit high wind loads to the supporting steel frame. lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 Thus, installation solely of frame ties will secure the frame, hours before hurricane center arrives. Massive but the unit resting on the frame may blow away. There - evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to fore, the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency recommends 10 miles of shore possibly required. use of both over - the -top ties and frame ties to secure 10 -, 12 -, and 14 -ft. -wide mobile homes. Double units 24 ft. in width are quite stable, and do not require use of over - the -top ties - -only frame ties. APPENDIX VII Ties are made of wire rope or rust - resistant steel strap which "tie" the mobile home and its steel frame to Food is an important item for survival and must be ob- anchors embedded in the ground. The cable or strap is tained before the disaster strikes. The food selected must secured to the anchor with a yoke -type fastener and meet several requirements, such as nourishment, taste, and tensioning device, or with clamps and turnbuckles. easy preparation, perhaps without heat or refrigeration. One Commercially available ties, consisting of galvanized listing of a disaster diet has been published by the Govern- steel strapping (1 '/" x .035 "), with a minimum breaking ment Printing Office. When ordering from the "Public Docu- strength of more than 4,750 Ib., or galvanized steel cable ments Distribution Center, Pueblo, CO 81009, include the (7/32" 7x7, or''/" 7 x 19), with a breaking strength of publication numbers from the following information: more than 4,800 Ib., are acceptable. The over - the -top tie is secured to an anchor on each 281 DISASTER DIET This folder describes a side of the mobile home. Frame ties connect the steel Disaster Diet Kit and tells how it should be designed beam supporting the unit to the anchors. Several of each to provide nourishment for a family isolated from type of tie, with connections and anchors, must be used normal food sources for several days by hurricanes, for an effective tiedown of the whole unit. floods, winter storms, etc. 1974. 8 p. $.25 Over - the -top ties should be located within 2 feet of C 55.2:D 63/2 SIN 0317 -00236 each end of the mobile home, and others as needed at intervals between, at stud locations. Commercially Another food list for disaster diets is being published by available adapters or wood blocks should be used to the Home Extension Service of Texas A &M University. prevent sharp bends in over - the -top ties, and to keep them Copies of this pamphlet will be available before the 1976 from cutting into the unit when tension is applied. hurricane season and may be obtained at the county agent's Manufacturers of mobile homes increasingly are including office or by writing the Agricultural Extension Service, concealed tiedown straps under the skin in new units. The Texas A &M University, College Station, TX 77843. homes are thus more attractive than when exposed tiedowns must be used. The concealed straps still must be secured to ground anchors, and frame ties must also be installed. Tiedowns should be installed by ALL mobile home APPENDIX VIII owners. If your unit is in a mobile home park and your neighbors don't tie theirs down, other units could be The following excerpt is taken from Protecting Mobile blown into yours in a severe storm. Homes From High Winds, a 1974 publication that includes detailed information about and drawings of piers and footings, ties, and anchors for mobile homes. Specify 15 OW- REFERENCES ESSA Technical Memorandum WBTM SR -50, A Reassess- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ment of the Hurricane Prediction Problem. U.S. Washington, D. C. 1970. Department of Commerce, Environmental Science Services Administration, Washington, D. C. February Hurricanes. WTVT Weather Service, Tampa, Florida. 1973. 1 970. Neumann, C. J. NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS Disaster Planning - -A Manual for Local Governments. The SR -62, An Alternate to the Hurran (Hurricane Analog) State of Texas Department of Public Safety Division of Tropical Cyclone Forecast System. U.S. Department Disaster Emergency Services, Austin, Texas. 1974. of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Washington, Grice, G. K. An Investigation of the Tornadoes Associated D. C. January 1972. with Hurricane Beulah. Unpublished thesis. Texas A &M University, College Station, Texas. August 1968. Neumann, C. J . et al. NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS SR -63, A Statistical Method of Combining Hope, J. R. and C. J. Neumann. NOAA Technical Memo- Synoptic and Empirical Tropical Cyclone Prediction randum NWS SR -55, Digitized Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Systems. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Tracks. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Washington, D. C. May 1972. Weather Service, Washington, D. C. J my 1971. Neumann, C. J . and M. B. Lawrence. NOAA Technical The Homeport Story: An Imaginary City Gets Ready for Memorandum NWS SR -69, Statistical - Dynamical a Hurricane. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Prediction of Tropical Cyclone Motion (NHC 73). Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Weather Service, Washington, D. C. 1971. Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Washington, D. C. April 1973. Hurricane Awareness Briefings 1974. Texas Coastal and Marine Council, P. O. Box 13407, Austin, Texas. NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS TM SR -53, 1974. The Decision Process in Hurricane Forecasting. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Hurricane, The Greatest Storm on Earth. U.S. Department Atmospheric Administration, Washington, D. C. of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric January 1971. Administration, Washington, D. C. 1971. Survival in a Hurricane. U.S. Department of Commerce, Hurricane Information and Atlantic Tracking Chart. U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Washington, D. C. 1970. Atmospheric Administration, Washington, D. C. 1971. Tannehill, I. R. Hurricanes. Princeton University Press, Hurricane Safety Rules. U.S. Department of Commerce, Princeton, New Jersey. 1945.