HomeMy WebLinkAboutCivil Defense, Emergency Preparedness 7.25.2010 (1)Maps Charts Preparation 4ists Contacts Plus More!
Fire
Each year, more than 4,000
Americans die and more
than 25,000 are injured in
fires, many of which could be
prevented.
To protect yourself, it is
important to understand the
basic characteristics of fire.
Fire spreads quickly; there is
no time to gather valuables
or make a phone call. In
just two minutes, a fire can
-become life-threatening. In
five minutes, a residence can
be engulfed in flames.
Heat and smoke from
fire can be more dangerous
than the flames. Inhaling
the super-hot air can sear
your lungs. Fire produces
poisonous gases that make
you disoriented and drowsy.
Instead of being awakened
by a fire, you may fall into a
deeper sleep. Asphyxiation
is the leading cause of fire
deaths, exceeding burns by a
three-to-one ratio.
Before a Fire
The following are things
you can do to protect your-
self, your family,
and your properl
in the event of a
Smoke Alarms
• Install smoke
alarms. Prop-
erly working smoke
alarms decrease
your chances of dyi
fire by half.
• Place smoke alarms on
every level of your residence.
Place them outside bedrooms
on the ceiling or high on
the wall (4 to 12 inches from
ceiling), at the top of open
stairways, or at the bottom of
enclosed stairs and near (but
not in) the kitchen.
• Test and clean smoke
alarms once a month and
replace batteries at least once
a year. Replace smoke alarms
once every 10 years.
Escaping the Fire
• Review escape routes with
your family. Practice escap-
ing from each room. If you
cannot escape, hang a white
or light-colour sheet
outside the wildow, ale
ing fire fighter to your
• Make sure whdows are
not nailed or Rinted shut.
Make sure sec, .rity gratings
on windows hwe a fire safety-
opening feature so they can
be easily opened from the
inside.
• Consider esc<pe ladders if
your residencEhas more than
one level, and insure that
burglar bars aid other anti-
theft mechani:ns that block
outside windo` entry are eas-
ily opened frori the inside.
• Teach familynembers to
stay low to theloor (where
the air is safer,n a fire) when
escaping from t fire.
• Clean out storage areas.
Do not let trash, such as old
newspapers and magazines,
accumulate.
During a Fire
If your clothes catch on
fire, you should: Stop, drop,
and roll - until the fire is
extinguished. Running only
makes the fire burn faster.
To escape a fire, you should:
• Check closed doors for heat
before you open them. Use
the back of your hand to feel
the top of the door, the door-
knob, and the crack between
the door and door-frame
before you open it. Never use
the palm of your hand or fin-
gers to test for heat - burning '
those areas could impair your
ability to escape a fire (i.e.,
ladders and crawling).
• Crawl low under any smoke
to your exit - heavy smoke
and poisonous gases collect
first along the ceiling.
• Close doors behind you
as you escape to delay the
spread of the fire.
• Stay out once you are safely
out. Do not reenter. Call 9-1-1.
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EMERGENCY NUMBERS
BRYAN
COLLEGI STATION
BTU 24-HR Outage/Emergency College Statior Utilities
Hotline (979) 764-3535
(979) 822-3777
Fire Services
Station #1 (979) 209-5975
Station #2 (979) 209-5580
Station #3 (979) 209-5584
Station #4 (979) 209-5588
Police Services
Emergency 911
Non-Emergency Dispatch
(979) 361-3888
Fire Services
(979) 764-3705
Police Service;
Emergency 911
Non-Emergency Dspatch,
(979) 764-3600
BRAZOS
Sheriff's Office
Emergency 911
Non-Emergency Dispatch
(979) 361-4100
Constable Offices
Precinct 1 (979) 695-0030
Precinct 2 (979) 361-4477
Precinct 3 (979) 694-7900
Precinct 4 (979) 361-4266
Brazos County Heap Department
(979) 361-4440
Brazos Valley ComnUnity EOC
Call Center
(979) 821-1000
TABLE OF
El Dorado
pg 4
Hazardous Materials
pg5
knimal Preparedness
:)g 6
:amity Preparedness
)g 6
Nhat is a Hurricane
pg 10
Other Resources:
United Way Texas 2-1-1
211
Red Cross
Brazos Valley Branch
(979) 776-8279
WWI 1 174 N T S
Kd % Fire
pg 1 1
r' Tornadoes
pg 12
n I
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Thunderstorms
j
6
rk
*q)
and Lightening
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P9 13
ep NN
Flood
141 J
pg 14
Livestock
` P9 15
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E1 Dora
Eagle Staff Report 4.
Brazos County is no stranger
W4 to heavy storms or the occasional
leftovers of a Gulf hurricane,
oN but chemical fires proved to be a 4 p i rl P
new challenge with the El Dorado f
fertilizer fire last year.
On July 30, 2009, a spark
from a welder's torch ignited a.,t.
warehouse full of ammonium
nitrate and other chemicals used
in the production of fertilizer.
roe
The smoke from the fire was
4
'
visible for miles and cast a hazy
.•-Y
fog across much of Bryan and
College Station.
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The fire marked the first time
the Brazos County Community
e.
Emergency Operations Center
'
(CEOC) in downtown Bryan
was activated in an unplanned
situation. Evacuations were
ordered for much of Bryan as
0
many businesses closed and
,
thousands of residents fled the
smoke.
The evacuations also were
~
a first for Brazos County. An
,
estimated 80,000 residents and
an undetermined number of
workers were ordered to leave.
patients and inbound traffic. An
Most were allowed to return
hour later, most residents were
home by the end of the day and
told they could return to their
there were no serious injuries.
homes.
As with any first-time
In the months following the
Ei
operation, things did not run
incident, all agencies involved
o
smoothly throughout. Bryan
critiqued the emergency response
a;
Fire Chief Mike Donoho was at
performance and subsequent
the scene of the blaze and later
actions on that day. An official
reflected on how things could
report was released in October,
have gone better.
describing the overall operation
•
a success because there was no
"We can second-guess how
loss of life or serious injuries.
w
things were done, but the bottom
However the report noted areas
line is, no responders and no one
for improvement that focused
F
from the public was seriously
largely on communication issues
hurt," Donoho said. "We didn't
and proper use of the local media
do everything completely correct.
for spreading vital information
But the end result was something
during an emergency.
we can be proud of that nobody
got hurt."
The incident also provided
valuable, real-world experience
Chief among the complaints
for first responders and area
during the emergency was
agencies involved in the largest
response time. It was two hours
chemical fire and first-ever
after the first emergency call
mandatory evacuation in Brazos
that the CEOC was activated
County. Procedures were revised
and the city of Bryan put out the
and improved, leaving Donoho
first evacuation notices. It was
confident that any similar events
another hour after that before the
in the future will be met with a
media received word of the CEOC
much stronger response.
activation and the establishment
of a shelter on the Texas A&M
"I can promise you that
campus. It was almost four hours
everyone, all the entities involved
from the start of the fire before
- if we have an incident within
officials announced the scope and
this region again, there are so
boundaries of the evacuation.
many things we're going to do
4
Roughly six hours after the fire
better," Donoho said.
started, the CEOC sent out its
first email providing information
about shelters, homebound
l
i
own=
r
wIcon Red Cross
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Chemicals are found
everywhere and are routinely
stored in your home. They
purify drinking water,
simplify household chores
and increase crop production.
But chemicals also can be
hazardous to humans or
the environment if used or
released improperly.
Hazardous materials in
various forms can cause
death, serious injury,
and long-lasting health
effects. These products are
also shipped daily on the
nation's highways, railroads,
waterways, and pipelines.
Hazardous materials come
in the form of explosives,
flammable and combustible
substances, poisons, and
radioactive materials.
These substances are most
often released as a result
of transportation accidents
or because of chemical
accidents in plants.
What to do During a
Hazardous Materials
Incident
You should stay away from
the area to minimize the risk
of contamination. Remember
that some toxic chemicals are
odorless.
If you are asked to
evacuate:
- Do so immediately using
routes recommended by
authorities.
- Stay tuned to a radio or
television for information on
evacuation routes, temporary
shelters, and procedures.
- If you have time, minimize
contamination in the house
by closing all windows,
shutting all vents, and
turning off attic fans.
- Take pre-assembled disaster
supplies.
- Remember to help neighbors
who may require special
assistance - infants, elderly
people and people with
disabilities.
If you are caught outside:
- Stay upstream, uphill or
upwind! In general, try to go
at least one-half mile (usually
8-10 city blocks) from the
llp
danger area. Mov away
from the accident,cene and
help keep others avay.
- Do not walk into)r touch
any spilled liquids airborne
mists, or condensfi solid
chemical deposits Try not
to inhale gases, fuses and
smoke. If possiblE cover
mouth with a clot] while
leaving the area.
- Stay away from a;cident
victims until the Nzardous
material has been.dentified.
If you are in a vehcle:
- Stop and seek shelter in a
permanent buildiig. If you
must remain in yoir car,
keep car windows lnd vents
closed and shut of the air
conditioner and h(ater.
If you are requeted to stay
indoors:
• Bring pets inside
- Turn off air conc.tioners
and ventilation sytems.
In large buildings,;et
ventilation system to 100
percent recirculat)n so that
no outside air is dawn into
the building. If this is
not possible, ventilation
systems should be turned
off.
- Close and lock all
exterior doors and windows.
Close vents, fireplace
dampers, and as many
interior doors as possible.
- Go into the pre-selected
shelter room. This room
should be above ground and
have the fewest openings to
the outside.
- Seal gaps under doorways
and windows with wet towels
or plastic sheeting and duct
tape.
- If gas or vapors could have
entered the building, take
shallow breaths through a
cloth or towel. Avoid eating
or drinking any food or water
that may be contaminated.
Brazos County Health Department
Emergency Preparedness And Resporse Division
1.
SS Al 0f }
- Emergency Planning
- Emergency Preparedness o
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
Training and Education Thr C~Tr fmd ~oFT_S,*
,T Sry4:-
- Biological, Chemical, and
Radiological Emergency Response
• Disease Surveillance
- Hurricane or Other Natural
Disaster Response
- Health Cade Enforcement
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A City-County Public Health District
Family Preparediness
Children & Disasters • Someone will be injured andivhen to call J Conduct a Household
or killed. for lelp. Even very young Inventory
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Disasters may strike
quickly and without
warning. These events can
be frightening for adults,
but they are traumatic for
children if they don't know
what to do. Children depend
on daily routines. When
emergencies or disasters
interrupt this routine,
children may become
anxious. It is important to
give children guidance that
will help them reduce their
fears.
In a disaster, they'll look
to you and other adults for
help. How you react to an
emergency gives them clues
on how to act. If you seem
overcome with a sense of
loss, a child may feel their
losses more strongly.
. Be aware that after a
disaster, children are most
afraid that:
• The event will happen
again.
Animal
5
Pets & Diasters
Your pet should be wearing
up-to-date identification at all
times. This includes adding
6 your current cell phone
number to your pet's tag.
• They will be separated from
the family.
• They will be left alone.
Having children participate
in the family's recovery
activities will help them feel
that their life will return to
"normal." Your response
during this time may have a
lasting impact.
Prepare for Disaster
Create a Family Disaster
Plan and practice it so that
everyone will remember what
to do when a disaster occurs.
Teach your child how to
recognize danger signals. It
is important they understand
what smoke detectors, fire
alarms and community
warning systems (horns,
sirens) sound like.
chilren can be taught
ho,Aand when to call for
emegency assistance.
C.ildren should memorize
thei family name, address
and)hone number. They
shold know where to meet in
cas(of an emergency.
Proect your Property
T.e following steps can
hellyou reduce the physical
desruction to your property
if Yu were to be hit with
a diaster. These steps can
redice your insurance costs,
too.
• Intall smoke detectors to
wars of an apartment or
hone fire.
• Ccaer windows, turn off
utilties, or move possessions
to a;afer location if you
hav adequate warning of
son2thing like a hurricane
Explain how to call for or food.
fewhours, take your animals.
Whn you leave, you have
no tray of knowing how long
youll be kept out of the area,
ancyou may not be able to go
baG for your pets.
help. Teach your child how
PWhen You Evacuate,
Take Your Pets With You
The single most important
thing you can do to protect
your pets is to take them with
you when you evacuate. If
you leave, even if you think
you may only be gone for a
Cat.
Inventory your household
possessions by making a list
of everything you own. This
will help to:
• Prove the value of
what you owned if those
possessions are damaged or
destroyed.
• Make it more likely
you'll receive a fast, fair
payment from your insurance
company for your losses.
• Provide documentation
for tax deductions you claim
for your losses.
Disaster Supply
Checklist For Pets
• Food and water for at least
five days for each pet, bowls
and a manual can opener if
you are packing canned pet
food.
You may consider a harness
ancleash for your cat, in
cas you have to keep them
corhned in a cage while you
areliving away from home.
A IBrness would allow you
to 5fely take them out of the
cag for exercise.
Dor,
lave a stake out chain for
all logs in your household.
Ferces may come down
duing disasters and it may
be lecessary to keep your dog
tetlered until repairs can be
male. There should also be
shEter from elements within
reah.
have a harness for all
do; in your household. If
Yolhave to evacuate, dogs
carbecome frightened, pull
aw,y from you, and have the
colar slip over their head.
A larness will allow you to
securely control your dog
• Medications and medical
records stored in a
waterproof container
and a first aid kit. A
pet first aid book
is also good to
include.
• Cat litter box,
litter, garbage
bags to collect
all pets' waste, and
litter scoop.
• Leashes, harnesses, and
carriers to transport pets
safely and to ensure that your
pets can't escape. Carriers
should be large enough
for the animal to stand
comfortably, turn around and
lie down.
• Photos and descriptions
of your pets to help others
identify them in case you and
your pets become separated
and to prove that they are
yours.
Once you have completed
your inventory, leave a copy
with relatives or friends, or in
a safe deposit box.
Use an Evacuation Box
Buy a lockable, durable
"evacuation box" to grab in
the event of an emergency.
Even a cardboard box would
do. Put important papers into
the box in sealed, waterproof
plastic bags. Store the box in
your home where you can get
to it easily. Keep this box with
you at all times, don't leave it
in your unattended car.
• Pet beds and toys, if you
can easily take them, to
reduce stress.
• Information about your
pets' feeding schedules,
medical conditions, behavior
problems, and the name and
number of your veterinarian
in case you have to board
your pets or place them in
foster care.
Z-7-7 Your Number For Iniormatic
2-1-1 Texas offers a free,
three-digit phone number
that connects callers with
services in their community
that can improve their health
and quality of life. "It is
the number people should
call when they aren't sure
where to turn for help," says
Alison Smith, Director of
I&R Services for 2-1-1 Texas/
United Way of the Brazos
Valley. "No matter where
you live in the Brazos Valley
or in Texas, you can call
2-1-1 and find information
about resources in your
local community. Whether
you need help finding food
or housing, childcare, crisis
counseling or substance
abuse treatment, one number
is all you need to know."
2-1-1 Texas is a free,
anonymous information
and referral line answered
by nationally certified
specialists 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. These
trained experts have access
to the most comprehensive
database of community-based
organizations, government
agencies and nonprofits that
exist in Texas. Information
can be provided in almost any
language including Spanish.
Ready. gov F
Emergency
You will need:
• Water: at least a three day
supply of one gallon per
person per day for drinking
and sanitation.Food: at least
a three day supply of non-
perishable food and a can
opener
• Battery-powered or hand
crank radio and a NOAA
• Weather Radio with tone
alert and extra batteries
• Flashlights with
extra batteries
"When a person dials 2-1-1,
their call is usually answered
right in their hometown,"
said Smith. "Specialists are
very knowledgeable and
familiar with local resources
that may be able to provide
assistance."
2-1-1 experts can provide
information on hundreds of
resources, including:
• Child Care Information
• Elder care services
• Emergency shelter, food
and clothing
• Family counseling services
• Housing assistance
• Legal help
• Prenatal, health and
home care
• Disaster response and
relief
2-1-1 Texas is also
included in Governer
Rick Perry's Homeland
Security strategy as a tool
for sharing information and
mobilizing resources during
local, statewide or national
disasters.
c
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for
your pet
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust masks to help filter
contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct
tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towellelette, garbage
bags and plastic ties for
personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off
utilities
• Local maps
• Cell phone and chargers
Additional Items -
• Prescription medication and
glasses
• Important family
documents, i.e. identification,
insurance policies and bank
records. Keep them in a
watertight container
• Cash or traveler's checks
and loose change
• Emergency reference
material such as first aid
books
• Sleeping bag or warm
blanket for each person in
house
• Complete change of clothes
including long sleeved shirt,
long pants and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof
container
• Feminine supplies and
hygiene items
• Mess kits: paper cups, paper
plates, paper towels, plastic
utensils
• Paper and pencils
For more information, go to
www.Ready.gov
;pedal Needs Reg litry before, please
. This ensures that our information is
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a subsidiary of HUB Solutions, LLC
The HUB Store has a wide variety of safety
,_PFLICANT items in stock, including:
• Safety gas cans
• • . Flashlights
• First aid kits
• Coolers
Visit The HUB Store today for all of your
emergency preparedness needs!
T
r I racy
4242 Kople Bridge Rd., Ste. 510 College Station, TX 77845
979-690-.788 www.HUBstoreonIine.com info@HUB-Solutions.com
On Local Resources
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Want a shake with that. ~ ~ ~ toMP
Did ouknowthatan ~ ~ y e =
° ~ , ~a earthquake measuring ~ ~ ~
. ro 4.4 on the Richter Scale ~ ~ ~ IO MPH
hit Rusk Texas in 1964? ~ ~
~ ~ ,a m a ~ ~ ~ k ' roe o- ~ r~ ~ .
: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ a~ ' \ ~ h ri k
r~ MPH
Ft , RED
VfrS EVER , . ~ ° ~ s., ~ „ : , G5 F~ IGDEST WA qer 2444 „ ~ ~ R . _ B m Sep ~
tem ' ~ ~ icane Ivan, d over 90 ~ ~ i urr ure ~ : , H s ~ ` ~ ea a ~ ~ ~ ~ , ~ I ~~►~-F i+ MPH
m ~ . d Yes that ~ ~ ~ awns wa ~ ~ ~ ~ F~ , ~ ~ ~ ~ 6 ~ . „ r
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~ ~
4 ~ ~ - ' ~ ~ ~ Gale tornado {40-72 m h); li ht d~ rt, fi ~ ~ 1 ,fi f ~ -72 mph); light damage. j
t. ° . ~ ` ° _ ~ x1, „ Some dama a to chimne s; break are t ~ ~ ~ ~ - off trees; push over shallow-rooter chimneys; break branches ver shallow-rooted trees; '
= ~ . , ~ ~ ~ _ , ~ dama e to si n o rd . a.. . ~ z ~ , ~ g b a s ~ g m ~ boards.
s ~ ` ~ ~ a . , , . r h ~~`t ` ' ~ ~ M ~ Via'" ' St
pUNDS TEM , } ` 3 ; f ~ r * ~e ff ~ j ~ . ~ Moderate tornado (73-112 mph); i 0 P i TOR'~AD do hit ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~w ; ~ Jo (73-112 mph); moderate
~ I i~ ~ , , ~ E~, , „ ~ ~ ~ damage. The lower limit is the beg Loma ~ ~ ~ a powerfu ~ ~ , ~ ~ . , ~ . rrica see a ur u r ~ p . , rer limit is the beginning d speed; peel surface j
ril 12,192 , . 74 eople. ~ ` .a , ~ of h ne wmd p , p el s On Ap dung p , t ask ~ , ' i~ s, TeX ~ ~s ; ~ ~ off roofs; mobile homes pushed of homes pushed off
r Rockspr 9 nea ~ ,y, , ~ ; foundations or overturned; mourn werturned; moving autos
~ ~ r ~ ~ pushed off the roads. 1 .7 . , ~ r. Dads.
..A T ~ a ~ ~ : _ Si nificant tornado (113-157 m h ~ of ido (113-157 mph);
r t ` „ " considerable damage. roofs torn c ~ c M~, n 4., ,~'+'F mage. roofs torn off frame
,„a ,tr.~ ~ ` ~ ~ houses; mobile homesdemolishe~ - 7. , r z s comes demolished; boxcars
r ~ ; - ~ t l , " pushed over; large trees snapped ' ~ uprooted; light-object missiles ge ge trees snapped or object missiles generated. ~p
r ~ y e w ~ ~ y ~ ~
~ t ^ { ~ ~ ~ ~ Severe tornado {158-246 mph); Se (158-206 mph); Severe f
~ ~ ° ~ ~ ' ~ damage. Roofs and some walls toe IVItI1VS`TER ST~RIIIIS SINCE 1900 ~ r ~ constructed houses trains overtui ind some walls torn off well-###
ises; trains overturned; est uprooted; heavy cars
YEAR MONTH NAME IOCAT1Citd Category DEATHS ~ ~y ~ ~'7~ ~ ~ ~ ' ~ ~ ~ ` ~ . =r~ most trees in forest uprooted; hea ~ W 1900 September Galveston Hurricane Galveston,TX Cat.4 10,000 s° ~ ~ lifted off ground and thrown, 1 and thrown.
, 4 1902 May Texas Tornado0utbreak Goliad,TX F4 114 ~ ,E
g ~q 1 ~ , Devastating tornado {207-260 mp 1915 Au ust Gaiveston Hurricane Eastern Texas to Louisiana Cat.4 275-400 iado (207-260 mph);
1919 September Florida Keys Hurricane Texas to Florida Keys Cat.4 600 ~ ! ~ " ~ ~ ~ pevastating damage. Well-constri 1927 Aril The Rocks rin sTornado Rocks rin s,TX F5 74 9 ~ ~ ~ ~ - ~ houses leveled structure with we. P p 9 p ~ ~ page. Well-constructed structure with weak
M Waco Tornado Outbreak Central United States NIA 114 1953 ay ~ ~ foundation blown off some distan ~ : in off some distance; cars
1957 June Hurricane Audrey Texas to Alabama N/A 419 . , . ; ~ ,j ; y~ ~ thrown and large missiles general e missiles generated.
1961 September Hurricane Carla Texas Coast NlA 43 ~ ~ +r ~ ~ # ~ . , 1967 September Hurricane Beulah Caribbean, Mexico toTexas N/A 58 ~ ~ ~ - , Incredible tornado (261-318 m h) I
q, z a~ ; 1970 May The LubbockTornado Lubbock,TX F5 26 . s~ „~r~ ~ ~ x ~ f~ ~ ~ q'~°. Incredibtedamage.Strongframel do (261318 mph); ge. Strong frame houses
1970 August Hurncane Celia Caribbean toTexas Cat. 3 20 F ~ 4~ , ' : ~ ~ fi~kk~~ a.. . li ed off foundati ns and carried a~. f F,x ~ x ~ ~ ft o tions and carried
1979 April Red River Va1leyTornado Outbreak Wichita Falls, TX Cat 4 58 ~ ~ ~ ~ F ~~`s i er ble distant to disinte r " ~ r, ~ ~ ~ cons d a e : ~ . 1980 August Hurricane Allen Rio Grande Valley near Brownsvil{e Cat. 5 274 ~ q. stance to disintegrate;
~ w+' a automobile sized missiles fly throe 1983 August Hurncane Alicia Galveston and Houston, TX Cat. 3 21 ~ ~ , r~~ y. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . ~ air in excess of 140 yards; trees de d missiles fly through the 00 yards; trees debarked; j
1967 Ma The Sara osalornado Reeves Count ,TX F4 30 Y 9 Y I ,e ~ t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ mcredibte phenomena will occur. omena will occur.
S tuber Hurncane Rita Texas-Louisiana Border Cat.3 111 ~ - ~ . ~ „ 2005 epte - 2008 September Hurricane Ike Galveston, TX Cat.4 195 : r ` : t - ~ ~ ~ - , ,
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• Dumber of hurricanes by coastal county: 1960 to 2408
w Hu m ca ne . Hurricanes haven't stopped people from flocking to the coast, and that meansc a
hat is a 7 W
more people are in harm's way each hurricane season. The Census Bureau found' k
that South Carolina's coastal population grew than 475,000 people since 1%0. >_1
A hurricane is a type of
tropical cyclone, the generic
term for a low-pressure
system that generally forms
in the tropics. A typical
cyclone is accompanied by
thunderstorms, and in the
Northern Hemisphere, a
counterclockwise circulation
of winds near the earth's
surface.
be checked for weakness-
windows, doors, the roof, and
if you have one, the garage
door.
under thi following
condition;:...: DE
Exterior Doors and windows
All Atlantic and Gulf of
Mexico coastal areas are
subject to hurricanes or
tropical storms. Parts of the
Southwest United States and
the Pacific Coast experience
heavy rains and floods
each year from hurricanes
spawned off Mexico. The
Atlantic hurricane season
lasts from June to November,
with the peak season from
mid-August to late October.
Protecting your home
During severe
thunderstorms or hurricanes,
homes may be damaged or
destroyed by high winds.
Debris flying through the
air can break windows and
doors, allowing high winds
inside the home. In extreme
wind storms, the force of
the wind alone can cause
weak places in your home to
fail. Experts who study the
durability of homes have
found four areas that should
exterior walls, doors, and
windows are the protective
shell of your home. If your
home's protective shell is
broken, high winds can enter
and put pressure on your roof
and walls, causing damage.
You can protect your home by
strengthening the doors and
windows.
Plvwood Storm Shutters.'
Plywood shutters that you
make yourself, if installed
properly, can offer a high
level of protection from
flying debris during a storm.
Plywood shutters can be
installed on all types of
homes. Measure each window
and each door that has glass,
and add 8 inches to both the
height and width to provide
a 4-inch overlap on each side
of the window or door. Sheets
of plywood are generally 4
feet by 8 feet. Tell your local
building supply retailer
the size and number of
openings you need to cover to
determine how many sheets
of plywood to buy.
Evacuation
You should evacuate
HURRICANE TERMS
Tropical Depression
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined
Cd surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 MPH
W (33 knots) or less. Sustained winds are defined as one-minute
average wind measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) above the
F" surface.
Tropical Storm
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined
surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 MPH
(34-63 knots).
Hurricane
An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with
a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds
of 74 MPH (64 knots) or higher.
Storm Surge
A dome of water pushed onshore by hurricane and tropical storm
winds. Storm surges can reach 25 feet high and be 50-1000
miles wide.
Storm Tide
10 A combination of storm surge and the normal tide (i.e. a 15-foot
storm surge combined with a 2-foot normal high tide over the
mean sea level created a 17-foot storm tide).
If you re directed
by local ~zthorities
to do so. 3e sure
to follow heir
instructins.
• If you lve in a
mobile hme or
temporary structure
- such sblters
are partiularly
hazardols during
hurricans no matter
how wellfastened to
the grou.d.
• If you lae in a
high-risEbuilding -
hurricar~ winds are
strongerA higher
elevation;.
LA
TX
VA ~.ar&nt+c orem~
~ FL
sc
Humber of burrhanes
0 11 or more
1to10
~t cn
lA5
rl
cdn~rM~K~
Between 1960 and 1980,96 hurricanes impacted coastal counties.
• If you lve on the
coast, ora floodplain,
near a Tier, or on an inland
waterwa.
• If you Iel you are in danger.
• If you ire unable to
evacuatE go to your wind-
safe rook.
If you dtnot have one, follow
these gudelines:
• Stay indoors during the
hurricale and away from
windowtnd glass doors.
• Close el interior doors -
secure old brace external
doors.
• Keep cirtains and blinds
closed. Do not be
fooled if there is a
lull; it could be the
eye of the storm -
winds will pick up
again.
• Take refuge in a
small interior room,
closet, or hallway on
the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor
under a table or
another sturdy
object.
.
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No kvicanes
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