Be Prepared:
Prepare now. During an emergency, supplies are in high demand and stores, if they are open at all, run out of inventory quickly. Once disaster hits, there is no time to search for supplies. Preparing for natural disaster, whether it is a hurricane, tsunami, flood, or some other hazardous event can mean the difference between life and death. Taking the time to assemble a Disaster Supply Kit and rehearse a Family Disaster Plan before a disaster strikes will help you through the temporary loss of everyday conveniences such as safe water on tap, fresh food supplies and electricity.
The American Red Cross recommends six basic stocks at home:
- WATER
- FOOD
- FIRST-AID SUPPLIES
- CLOTHING AND BEDDING
- TOOLS AND EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
- SPECIAL ITEMS
The Basic Things to Do in Case of a Tsunami
- Listen to local radio stations for official Civil Defense announcements and instructions.
- Evacuate if advised or ordered to do so.
- Listen for the "all clear" announcement before returning to the coastline.
- Leave telephone and communications lines open for emergencies.
- Stay away from the beach and the coastline.
The Basic Things to Do in Case of a Hurricance
- Listen to local radio stations for official Civil Defense announcements and instructions. Evacuate, when advised, to sturdy buildings or public shelters.
- During a warning when sirens sound, cover windows with boards or tape.
- Secure loose objects that may blow away, such as outdoor furniture.
- Leave areas that may flood. Stay indoors during high winds; stay away from windows. Keep away from exterior walls and doors.
- "Be aware," the calm "eye" of the hurricane is deceptive.
- Turn off water/electricity at the main source to the house.
- Unplug all appliances.
Hurricane Strength
| Category Storm |
Wind Speed |
Storm Surge |
Damage Potential |
|
Category One:
Weak |
74-95 mph |
4-5 ft |
Minimal damage to vegetation. No real damage to other structures. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Low-lying coastal roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft in exposed anchorage torn from moorings. |
|
Category Two: Moderate |
96-110 mph |
6-8 ft |
Considerable damage to vegetation; some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes. Moderate damage to houses. Considerable damage to piers; marinas flooded. Small craft in unprotected anchorages torn from moorings. Evacuation from some shoreline residences and low-lying areas required. |
|
Category Three:
Strong |
111-130 mph |
9-12 ft |
Large trees blown down. Mobile homes destroyed. Extensive damage to small buildings. Poorly constructed signs blown down. Serious coastal flooding; larger structures near coast damaged by battering waves and floating debris. |
|
Category Four:
Very Strong |
131-155 mph |
13-18 ft |
All signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extreme structural damage. Major damage to lower floors of structures due to flooding and battering by waves and floating debris. Major erosion of beaches. |
|
Category Five: Catastrophic |
> 155 mph |
> 18 ft |
Catastrophic building failures. Devastating damage to roofs of buildings. Small buildings overturned or blown away. |