HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS IN THE PANHANDLE

General Hurricane Information

What is a hurricane?

By definition it is a warm-core, tropical cyclone with counter-clockwise rotating winds of 74 miles per hour or greater. A hurricane has much lower air pressure at its center (the eye) than at its periphery. It is this difference in air pressure that allows the wind to spiral inward towards the center.

Hurricanes need warm ocean water (at least 80 degrees F) in order to thrive. They also need a moist environment and non-shearing winds in the upper atmosphere so that the hurricane can grow vertically.

Hurricanes typically move in a course around the Bermuda High, a large high-pressure system typical for the Mid-Atlantic region. Some hurricanes move on erratic paths and can be difficult to forecast. We'll look at several different types of paths that hurricanes take and examine the ones most likely to bring worst-case conditions to our area.

We name hurricanes to keep track of which one is which. Common sense, really. We began officially naming tropical storms and hurricanes in 1953. In 1979 we added male names to the list of names; which is comprised of six annual lists that are rotated every six years. If a tropical storm or hurricane causes notable death and destruction, the name is "retired" off of the list and replaced with another name. So Mitch will replaced by another "M" male name in 2004.

What exactly is hurricane storm surge and why is it so dangerous?

Simply put, storm surge is an abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, and whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Storm surge is usually estimated by subtracting the normal or astronomic high tide from the observed storm tide. Because of improvements in forecasting, the spread of information and timely evacuations, the number of fatalities from hurricane storm surge has been drastically reduced over the past 30 years. However, the element of risk is always there. With the enormous increase in coastal populations, it is more critical than ever to understand the risks from hurricane storm surge; and more importantly, heed the warnings and evacuation orders given by local emergency management officials. The rise in water, coupled with the battering waves on top of the elevated water level is the reason that sometimes millions of people are urged to evacuate their coastal homes.

Let's take a look at the processes that ultimately create hurricane storm surge:

1. Storm surge beginnings.
2. Storm surge in the open ocean.
3. The Right-Front Quadrant.
4. Category 2 and 4 hurricanes at the beachfront.
5. Angle of Attack- a critical aspect to consider.

Before The Storm

Every year, prior to hurricane season, your family should review your hurricane plan and make changes as necessary. It should include if you plan to evacuate, where you will go, the route you will take to get there, when you will leave and what supplies you will take.

If you plan to stay, make sure you have all of the supplies necessary to be on your own for at least 72 hours. If you are planning to go to an evacuation shelter, have your shelter supplies kit packed and ready. Make sure you have all the materials on hand to protect your home. You should also trim dead wood from trees. Don't forget to make arrangements for pets. Print and save this page for future reference. You may not have power if a storm is approaching.

If the storm is threatening the area you should listen to local media for information and actions to be taken. In addition you should:

• Fuel your car. You will need it to evacuate and pumps don't work without electricity.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
• Install your storm shutters or cover windows with plywood and secure all doors. If you don't cover our windows, remove your screens so they won't blow away and you can reinstall them after the storm to keep mosquitos at bay.
• Prepare boats as appropriate.
• Turn refrigerators and freezers to the highest settings. Freeze plastic bottles of water (leave room for expansion).
• Turn off small appliances that are not needed.
• Turn off LP tanks.
• Call an out-of-town friend or relative to let them know of your plans. Then instruct other family members to call that person for information about your family after the storm.
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water. Check them for slow leaks.
• Get an extra supply of cash. Banks and ATMs may not be operational immediately after the storm.

Tracking a Storm

Those of us who live along the Florida Gulf Coast should track every Atlantic hurricane or tropical storm. Many times, we will need to begin making preparations before the storm ever enters the Gulf of Mexico. When tracking a storm, remember that a hurricane is not just a point on a map. Usually the coordinates of the center of the storm are given so that you can track it on your map, however, hurricanes can have tropical storm force winds over 200 miles from that center and even hurricane force winds over 75 or 100 miles from the center. We must remember that hurricane forecasting is not an exact science and they don't always go where predicted.

Tropical Storm Watch

Issued when tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified watch area, usually within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning

Issued when tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified warning area, usually within 24 hours.

Hurricane Watch

Issued when hurricane conditions are possible in the specified watch area, usually within 36 hours. During a hurricane watch, be prepared to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a hurricane warning is issued.

Hurricane Warning

Issued when hurricane conditions are expected in the specified warning area, usually within 24 hours. Storm preparations should be completed and evacuation under way.

Note: Due to the amount of time required for evacuation in Escambia County, evacuation orders may be issued before a hurricane watch or warning have been issued by the National Hurricane Center.

Storm Preparation - Pets

Most of us consider our pets part of our family, so we don't want to forget to take care of them at this time. Many people have refused to evacuate because they won't leave their pets, so there is now a greater effort being made to provide shelters for animals. (You will still have to go to a separate people shelter.)

As with your family preparations, have a plan and start early.

Medication - If your pet requires medication make sure you have a sufficient supply on hand.

Food and Water - Stock up on dry or canned food that they are familiar with - this will minimize their stress. Don't forget plenty of water.

Comfort Toy - If your pet has a favorite toy keep it near them. If they grow anxious they have that to chew on.

Leash & Collar - In case you have to evacuate before or after the storm, have leashes, collars and tags (ID and/or rabies) handy.

Photo - Have a recent photo of your pet in case you should get separated. It is much easier to identify a pet from a photo than from a

description.

Shelter - If you are evacuating, make arrangements for your pet at a kennel, veterinarian, or the local animal shelter. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG TIED UP IN THE YARD OR CONFINED IN THE HOME!!! This sounds like a no-brainer, but surprisingly enough there are people out there with absolutely no brains.

There were too many pictures after hurricanes Rita, Ivan and Katrina of dogs who killed themselves trying to escape being tied up or locked in when their owners evacuated. Don't let that be your dog.

WHY PET OWNERS MUST PLAN

Currently, public shelters will not accept pets. If you wait until the last minute to evacuate, you may have no choice but to go to a public shelter. If such a situation should force you to leave pets behind, please prepare your children and other family members for the fact that their pets may not survive or may be lost before you are able or permitted to return to your home. There is no way to know how long it will be before you are permitted back after the storm. It is much better to plan now so that when a hurricane occurs, you can evacuate your pets also.

Frightened animals quickly slip out open doors, broken windows or other damaged areas of your home opened by the storm. Released pets are likely to die from exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food and water or on the road where they can also endanger others. Even normally friendly animals of different species should not be allowed together unattended since the stress of the storm may cause distinct behavior changes.

REMEMBER: If you must evacuate... then conditions are not only unsafe for you, but unsafe for other living creatures as well.

Valuable web sites relating to hurricane preparation:

ESCAMBIA COUNTY OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY: http://www.escambia-emergency.com/Hurricane_Preparedness/general_info.htm

ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER: http://www.co.escambia.fl.us/departments/animal_control/default.php