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Wayne County |
146.865 pl 141.3 |
Jesup, Georgia |
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HURRICAINE INFORMATION SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE
HURRICANE WATCH A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 36 hours
HURRICANE WARNING
EVACUATING
PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY Develop a Family Disaster Supply Kit if in the event you are affected by an emergency. Your kit may include the following:
PROTECTING YOUR HOME Your home is one of your most valuable assets. The information provided serves as a guide to help you protect it.
THE AFTERMATH
HURRICANE FAQ's What is a Hurricane The term "hurricane" is a specific name for a strong "tropical cyclone". A tropical cyclone is the generic term for a low-pressure system over tropical waters with organized thunderstorm activity and defined wind circulation. Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained winds of less than 39 mph (34 kts) are called "tropical depressions". Once the tropical cyclone reaches winds of at least 39 mph, they are typically called a "tropical storm" and assigned a name. If winds reach 74 mph (64 kts) then they are called a hurricane. How are Hurricanes different from Tornadoes? While both tropical cyclones and tornadoes are atmospheric vortices, they have little in common. Tornadoes have diameters on the scale of feet and are produced from a single storm (i.e. a thunderstorm). A tropical cyclone, however, has a diameter on the scale of miles and is comprised of several to dozens of convective storms. Tornadoes are primarily an over-land phenomena as solar heating of the land surface usually contributes toward the development of the thunderstorm that spawns the vortex. In contrast, tropical cyclones are purely an oceanic phenomena - they die out over-land due to a loss of a moisture source. Lastly, tropical cyclones have a lifetime that is measured in days, while tornadoes typically last on the scale of minutes. How does a Hurricane Form? A hurricane needs several different factors present in order for it to develop. 1. Warm ocean waters of at least 80°F throughout a sufficient depth of at least 150 ft. Warm waters are necessary to fuel the heat engine of the tropical cyclone. 2. An atmosphere which cools fast as the elevation increases. This causes instability in the accumulation of moisture. 3. Relatively moist layers near the mid-troposphere (about 3 miles up). Dry mid levels are not conducive for allowing the continuing development of widespread thunderstorm activity. 4. A pre-existing near-surface disturbance with sufficient vorticity and convergence. Tropical cyclones cannot be generated spontaneously. To develop, they require a weakly organized system with sizable spin and low level inflow. Having these conditions met is necessary, but not sufficient as many disturbances that appear to have favorable conditions do not develop. What is a Hurricane Watch? A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 36 hours. What to do during a Hurricane Watch
What to do during a Hurricane Warning?
If Evacuation is necessary
Adequate Disaster Supplies
How to Protect your Home Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use at least 1/2 inch plywood cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Check into flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners polices generally do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane. Developing your Family Emergency communications Plan In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person. Post Hurricane
Inspecting Utilities in a Damaged Home Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional. Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes. |
TORNADO WATCH A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments. Be prepared to seek shelter. FUJITA SCALE DERIVED EF SCALE OPERATIONAL EF SCALE F Number Fastest 1/4-mile (mph) /3 Second Gust (mph) /EF Number 3 Second Gust (mph) /EF Number 3 Second Gust (mph)
*** IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ENHANCED F-SCALE WINDS: The Enhanced F-scale still is a set of wind estimates (not measurements) based on damage. Its uses three-second gusts estimated at the point of damage based on a judgment of 8 levels of damage to the 28 indicators listed below. These estimates vary with height and exposure. Important: The 3 second gust is not the same wind as in standard surface observations. Standard measurements are taken by weather stations in open exposures, using a directly measured, "one minute mile" speed. TORNADO WARNING A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted in the area. Immediately seek safe shelter. PRIOR TO THE THREAT Before you are faced with the threat of a tornado, plan now and be prepared.
IF YOU SEE A TORNADO
DURING A TORNADO If you are in an area when a tornado strikes the following information is provided to help in protecting your family. If in a Building:
If Outside:
If in a Car:
THE AFTERMATH
Tornado Background Each year about a thousand tornadoes touch down in the US. Only a small percentage actually strike occupied buildings, but every year a number of people are killed or injured. The chances that a tornado will strike a building that you are in are very small, however, you can greatly reduce the chance of injury by doing a few simple things. One of the most important things you can do to prevent being injured in a tornado is to be ALERT to the onset of severe weather. Most deaths and injuries happen to people who are unaware and uninformed. Young children or the mentally challenged may not recognize a dangerous situation. The ill, elderly, or invalid may not be able to reach shelter in time. Those who ignore the weather because of indifference or overconfidence may not perceive the danger. Stay aware, and you will stay alive! When a tornado is spotted, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado. Whenever thunderstorms threaten your area you should listen to local media for latest information/instructions and keep a watch on the horizon. If you see any revolving funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately. What is a tornado? A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes can produce massive destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be from 1 mile to 50 miles wide. The typical tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but they have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph but it may vary from stationary to 70mph. Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are found most frequently in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. How do tornadoes form? Before thunderstorms develop, a change in wind direction along with an increase of wind speed with increasing height creates an invisible, horizontal spinning effect in the lower atmosphere. Rising air within the thunderstorm updraft tilts the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. The area of rotation, 2-6 miles wide, now extends through much of the storm. This rotating column of air, known as a funnel extends from the cloud and grows downward toward the ground. Once the funnel touches the ground is becomes a tornado. Since the center of the funnel is a low pressure area, air rushes into the column and rises. The air is cooled as it rises and water vapor condenses to form the familiar funnel shaped cloud. As the rotating winds begin to pick up dirt and debris from the ground, the funnel will darken. The strongest tornadoes occur in super cell thunderstorms which can also produce large hail and strong downbursts.
Tornado Emergency Supplies
What is a Tornado Watch A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur. A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments. Be prepared to seek shelter. What is a Tornado Warning A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted in the area. Immediately seek safe shelter. Tornado Danger Signs An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
What to do during a Tornado
What to do if outdoors
What to do if in a Car
Family Emergency Communications Plan In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Inspecting Utilities in a Damaged Home Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional. Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes. |
