HURRICANE
PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION
 |
A
hurricane watch
means hurricane
conditions -
sustained winds
of 74 mph or
higher - are
possible within
48 hours. A
hurricane warning
means hurricane
conditions are
expected within
36 hours.
Make
sure you have
a battery-powered
radio with fresh
batteries; a
flashlight,
batteries, a
first-aid kit,
canned or packaged
food that can
be prepared
without cooking
or refrigeration;
several days
supply of drinking
water (1 gallon
per person per
day) and a full
tank of gas
in your car.
Assemble
an adequate
supply of essential
medicines, particularly
prescriptions.
Go to the bank
for cash. Carry
credit cards
or make sure
they are in
a safe place.
Watch
television,
pay attention
to Alert HU,
Howard.edu and
HU Communications,
listen to the
radio or check
the Internet
for hurricane
position, intensity
and expected
landfall.
Over
a typical 2-year
period, the
U.S. coastline
is struck by
an average of
3 hurricanes,
1 of which is
classified as
a major hurricane.
While
hurricanes pose
the greatest
threat to life
and property,
tropical storms
and depressions
also can be
devastating.
Floods from
heavy rains
and severe weather,
such as tornadoes,
can cause extensive
damage and loss
of life. For
example, Tropical
Storm Allison
produced over
40 inches of
rain in the
Houston area
in 2001, causing
about $5 billion
in damage and
taking the lives
of 41 people.
|
Tornadoes
Hurricanes and tropical storms can also produce tornadoes. These tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away from the center of the hurricane; however, they can also occur near the eye wall. Usually, tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak and short-lived, but they still pose a significant threat.
Be Alert For...
- Tornadoes—they are often spawned by hurricanes.
- The calm “eye” of the storm—it may seem like the storm is over, but after the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.
Winds
Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy buildings and mobile homes. Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding and small items left outside become flying missiles during hurricanes. Winds can stay above hurricane strength well inland. In 2004, Hurricane Charley made landfall at Punta Gorda on the southwest Florida coast and produced major damage well inland across central Florida with gusts of more than 100 mph.
If Winds Become Strong...
- Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.
- Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
- If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first floor room.
- If you are in a multi-story building and away from water, go to the 1st or 2nd floor and stay in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
- Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.
Rainfall
Tropical cyclones often produce widespread, torrential rains in excess of 6 inches, which may result in deadly and destructive floods. In fact, flooding is the major threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland. Flash flooding, defined as a rapid rise in water levels, can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. Longer term flooding on rivers and streams can persist for several days after the storm.
Ways to Stay Informed
Alert HU and Howard University Guardian System
Howard University Police has taken major steps towards improving and making our campus one of the safest in the United States where students can pursue their education, faculty can teach and staff can work in a non-threatening environment.
- Alert HU Mass Notification System
This system has been upgraded and will notify you of any school cancellations, closings, emergencies, or other critical information which may pose a threat to the safety and security of the Howard University community.
These services are FREE to students, faculty & staff and we encourage your participation in utilizing these services. To register into the system go to www.Howard.edu/bisonconnect
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
The National Weather Service (NWS) continuously broadcasts warning, watches, forecasts and non-weather related hazard information on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR). The average range of the 1000+ NWR transmitters is 40 miles, depending on topography. For the best performing NWR receivers, NWS suggests you look at devices certified to Public Alert™ standards. These radios meet specific technical standards and come with many features such as Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), a battery backup, both audio and visual alarms, selective programming for the types of hazards you want to be warned for, and the ability to activate external alarm devices for people with disabilities. Similar to a smoke detector, an NWR can wake you up in the middle of the night to alert you of a dangerous situation.
After the Storm
- Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards. Stay informed through ALERT HU (see “Ways to Stay Informed”)
- Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.
- Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!
- Stay on firm, dry ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from power lines.
- Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads.
- Use a flashlight to inspect damage. Never use candles and other open flames indoors.
- Wear proper shoes to prevent cutting feet on sharp debris.
- Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until officials say it is safe.
- Avoid electrocution by not walking in areas with downed power lines.
|
