Prepare your home Know your Evacuation Zone

Have a Family Emergency Plan Arrange for pet care Listen to local media for the Know Evacuation Routes latest information

Have canned food Have an NOAA and bottled water Weather Radio

Have a Family Emergency Kit

Practice your Emergency Plan

Have important papers in Make transportation plans a waterproof container

2009 Hurricane Preparedness A Message to You

Time after time, Alabamians have shown their remarkable courage as hurricanes have ravaged our state. Even in times of horrible tragedy and need, Alabamians have banded together to provide relief and comfort to those affected by the devastation caused by severe weather. That’s why I’m pleased to join with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service, and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and all hurricane prone states in declaring May 24-30, 2009, as “Hurricane Preparedness Week.” As a state that has been hit hard by hurricanes over the past several years, it is extremely important for all of our citizens to be prepared for this kind of emergency. Hurricane Preparedness Week will focus on many hurricane-related subjects, and this information can prove invaluable to Alabama’s citizens and our visitors in preparing a family disaster plan. I encourage you to take advantage of the information provided to protect your families and your property. Bob Riley Governor, State of Alabama

Last year we in Alabama were fortunate that we did not have a direct hit (landfall) of a tropical system along our coast. We were however, directly and negatively impacted along our coast from the surge and rain bands from several tropical systems (Fay, Gustav, and Ike), and in the case of Gustav, we were fortunate it did not re-curve and landfall in our front yard. Do you live in an area where evacuation might be necessary due to a hurricane strike, or do you live in an area where you would be better off riding out the storm in your home? Do you know what items should be included in your hurricane survival kit? Hurricane Preparedness Week is conducted each year in Alabama, prior to hurricane season, to encourage coastal residents to ask themselves these questions, and to help them to come up with the right answers. The National Weather Service, with our partners within the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, will work with you to make sure that you have the answers to questions like the ones above. The key is to BE PREPARED BEFORE a hurricane threatens. If you wait until the last minute to find your answers, it may be too late. David McShane, Meteorologist-in-Charge National Weather Service, Mobile

Alabama has seen its share of devastating hurricanes from Katrina, Ivan, and the historic Fredric. Last year we received damage in coastal counties due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike even though they made landfall in Louisiana and Texas. Tropical Storm Faye caused damage in many inland Alabama counties, reminding us that every county in the state is vulnerable to hurricane hazards. No matter how many hurricanes are predicted each year, it only takes one to create a disaster. It is important for citizens to understand their risks and vulnerabilities to hurricanes and tropical storms. Self preparedness is the key to reducing the risk to your family. Consider the following questions: Do you know if you live in an area where your family is vulnerable to storm surge? Do you have an emergency kit to supply your family for three days? Do you have a plan for travel and communication in case your family has to evacuate your home? Do you have a safe place to shelter locally that is not vulnerable to flood water and that can withstand hurricane force winds? The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is pleased to join Governor Bob Riley and the National Weather Service in encouraging you to check your preparedness plan during Hurricane Preparedness Week. Contact your county EMA or go to www.ema.alabama.gov for more information on being prepared for all hazards. Brock Long, Director Alabama Emergency Management Agency—Alabama’s coordinating agency for disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Special Thanks.. Alabama Department of Transportation for the Contraflow Map Thanks to Brazoria County, Texas. Their hurricane preparedness guide was an inspiration. Graphic Design: Lauree Ashcom Contents and Editing: National Weather Service, Mobile Hurricane Preparedness Week

Hurricane season officially runs from preparedness plans and be ready for the June 1st through the end of November. next Gulf coast hurricane. Governor Bob Riley has proclaimed the Everyone is urged to use Hurricane week of May 24-30, 2009, as Hurricane Awareness Week to formulate and Preparedness Week in Alabama. review hurricane preparedness plans. The National Weather Service, in Even inland communities need to make cooperation with the Alabama Emergency plans for hurricanes, such as assisting Management Agency, takes time during coastal evacuees, dealing with flooding, this important week to draw attention to the tornadoes and high winds. threat of hurricanes. This book highlights We remain in a cycle of increased the primary hazards associated with hurricane activity. Only one major tropical storms and hurricanes, and will hurricane hitting the United States coast give you information to assist you in being could cause billions of dollars in property prepared when a hurricane threatens. damage and many fatalities. Let’s take During Hurricane Preparedness Week time now to be prepared, because it is residents both near the coast, as well as not a matter of “if” but “when.” those in interior locations, should review

Table of Contents

Hurricane Names for 2009 ...... 4 Be Ready Before the Storm ...... 10 Hurricane History ...... 4 Family Emergency Supply Kit ...... 11 Hurricane Frederic ...... 5 Know Your Zone ...... 12 Hurricane Forecasting ...... 6 Evacuation Map ...... 13 Storm Surge and Marine Safety ...... 7 After the Hurricane ...... 14 Tornadoes and High Winds ...... 8 Activities for Kids ...... 15 Inland Flooding...... 9 Who to Contact for More Information ...... 16 Hurricanes 2009

Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center. They are now maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. The original name lists featured only women’s names. In 1979, men’s names were introduced and they alternate with the women’s names. Six lists are used in rotation. So the 2009 list will be used again in 2015.

Ana Grace Larry Rose Bill Henri Mindy Sam Claudette Ida Nicholas Teresa Danny Joaquin Odette Victor Erika Kate Peter Wanda Fred

Hurricane History

During hurricane season, on average, of a given location along the coast (based above what would normally be expected. there are four tropical storms and six on the tracks of past storms). For example, Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina (2005), and hurricanes in the Atlantic, Caribbean and a return period of 20 years for a Category 3 Ivan (2004) all struck the coastline within Gulf of Mexico each year. Even so, many hurricane at a certain location means that, 75 miles of the Mobile Bay area as strong coastal locations will likely not experience on average, a Category 3 hurricane will pass Category 3 hurricanes. This is well above the a hurricane for many years. within 75 miles of that location about once normal frequency of Category 3 hurricanes A Hurricane return period is the every 20 years. that one would expect to affect Alabama frequency at which a hurricane of certain Since 1995, the Alabama coastline has during the last 20 years. intensity can be expected within 75 miles experienced hurricanes at a frequency well While there have been some close calls with Category 4 and 5 hurricanes in recent years, records indicate that the Alabama coastline has not sustained a direct hit by a Category 4 or 5 hurricane in more than 100 years. That does not mean it won’t or can’t happen this year! Be prepared.

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 4 Hurricane Frederic

On the evening of September 12, 1979, Hurricane Frederic made landfall on Dauphin Island as a strong Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir Simpson hurricane intensity scale. Frederic raked the Alabama Gulf Coast and Mobile Bay area with winds gusting from 100 to 145 mph for several hours from the evening of September 12 until the early morning of September 13.

Frederic formed on August 29 as a tropical depression over the far eastern Atlantic, and became a hurricane on September 10 over the Gulf of Mexico. Frederic, at one point, had strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane over the Central Gulf with maximum sustained winds near 132 mph. Before Frederic, the last hurricane with Category 3 winds to directly strike the Alabama Gulf Coast occurred in 1916. The 1926 “Great Miami” hurricane weakened to a Category 2 storm as it passed over Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. The damage cost from Frederic was $2.3 billion. Five deaths were directly attributable to the storm. A storm surge of 12 to 15 feet on the Gulf beaches and 8 to 10 feet on northern Mobile Bay destroyed numerous The trees brought down thousands of coastal buildings. Storm surge damage was power lines and blocked roads for several documented for 80 miles along the coast.. days. Power outages lasted for weeks in The winds from Hurricane Frederic will some areas. Thirty years later we note be remembered as most significant as they Fred in our list of official storm names for damaged or destroyed many homes and the 2009 season, but there will never be businesses. another Frederic. Many homes and businesses well inland suffered severe damage when large pine trees fell onto them or their roof structures failed.

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 5 Hurricane Forecasting

The mission of the National Weather When away from your television and Hurricane Warning—Hurricane conditions Service is to protect life and property Internet access, the All Hazards National are expected in the specified area of the by issuing timely forecasts, watches Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Warning within 24 hours or less. Complete and warnings to inform the public of (NOAA) Weather Radio, the official “voice of all storm preparations and evacuate if hazardous weather. the National Weather Service”, is the NWS’s directed by local officials. As a tropical storm or hurricane most direct link to NWS information. The Short Term Watches and Warnings— approaches the coast, the National Hurricane All Hazards NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) These provide detailed information on Center (NHC) coordinates with local NWS system in place across the country provides specific hurricane threats, such as tornadoes, Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) with the public with a convenient and rapid means floods, and high winds. of receiving weather forecasts, weather regard to the appropriate tropical storm or Public Advisory—Issued by the National hurricane watch/warning information. The warnings, and other weather information. This information is broadcast on Hurricane Center. Provides critical Storm Prediction Center (SPC) coordinates hurricane warning and forecast with the local WFO on the tornado potential NWR 24 hours a day, seven days a week. information out through that is often associated with land-falling five days. hurricanes. Weather radios can be purchased Marine Advisory— at many stores at Issued by the National affordable prices, Hurricane Center. Provides and some AM/FM detailed hurricane track and radios have “weather wind field information. bands” to receive NWR Tropical Cyclone Update—Issued broadcasts. Look for a radio by the National Hurricane Center. with an alert mode, one that has Highlights significant changes in a hurricane backup battery power, and one that that occur between advisories. has the capability of receiving all seven Wind Speed Probability Table—Provides NWR broadcast frequencies. Most weather probabilistic information for decision radios sold today have a feature known as makers, such as emergency management. Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME). The table shows the probability of the This feature will allow you to have the radio maximum wind speed at any given location alarm warnings for only those counties that The role of the WFO in the forecast in the storms path during the next 5 days. process is to provide warnings for their you specify. Hurricane Local Statements—Issued by local area as it is affected by a land falling The following are some of the products your local National Weather Service office tropical system. These include, but are not that are issued by the NWS and the NHC and gives greater detail on how the storm limited to, severe thunderstorm, tornado, during hurricane season, and what they will impact the local area. flash flood, and wind warnings. Statements mean: Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch or and forecasts of expected conditions with Tropical Storm Watch—Tropical Storm Warning—Issued by your local National regard to the hurricane are also provided by conditions are expected in the specified area Weather Service office when tropical storm the WFO. The forecast process of the local of the Warning, usually within 24 hours. WFO uses a wide variety of observations, or hurricane force winds are expected to analysis tools and techniques in conjunction Hurricane Watch—Hurricane conditions occur beyond coastal areas and outside of with guidance and information supplied (winds 74 mph or higher) are possible in the traditional hurricane warning area. the specified area of the Watch, usually by the NHC. This includes a network of Extreme Wind Warning—Issued by within 36 hours. During a Hurricane Watch, surface weather observing systems, upper your local National Weather Service office prepare to take immediate action to protect air observations, Doppler radar analysis, and for destructive winds associated with the your family and property in case a Hurricane information provided by local officials and eyewall of a major hurricane as it moves Warning is issued. storm spotters. In addition, computer model inland. guidance and satellite imagery is also used at the local level.

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 6 Hurricane Dangers

The greatest threat to life and property related to a land-falling For mariners, there is no single rule of thumb that can be used hurricane is from the storm surge, which historically claims nine to ensure safety from a hurricane. Instead, constant monitoring of out of ten victims. The deadliest natural disaster in the history of this hurricane potential, and continual risk analysis when used with country occurred during a hurricane in 1900, when a storm surge some fundamental guidelines, become the basic tools to minimize a killed almost 8,000 people in Galveston, Texas. In 2005, Hurricane hurricanes impact to vessels at sea, or in port. Katrina claimed approximately 1300 lives, with a large portion of Local boat owners should make all arrangements for moving that number being lost, either directly or indirectly, to storm surge and securing their vessels prior to hurricane season. As a hurricane and resultant flooding. approaches there may be insufficient safe havens for all vessels, so those who act early fare best. Most importantly, do not ride out the storm on your vessel. Contrary to their appearance on weather maps, hurricanes are much larger than the point source often depicted on those maps. Similarly, their path is more than a line and should be looked at as a swath across which the system and its associated impacts are felt. This tropical cyclone swath requires the mariner to take precautions far from where the center is currently located and forecast to move. Rip currents are always present in the high winds and seas that accompany a tropical storm or hurricane, so people should stay out Storm surge is a dome of water, 50 to 100 miles wide, that of the water when a storm is approaching. In June of 2001, Tropical is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling Storm Allison showed that a tropical system does not have to be around the storm. This dome of water is also enhanced slightly by directly affecting the area for dangerous rip current conditions to be contributions associated with the extreme low pressure within the present. Five people drowned , and many more were rescued, along storm itself. The advancing surge combines with the normal tides northwest Florida beaches during a two day period when dangerous to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean rip currents developed as Tropical Storm Allison was over southeast water level 15 feet or more. In addition, wind driven waves are Texas. superimposed on top of the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding along our coastline and bays, particularly when the storm tide coincides with normal high tides. Because much of our low lying coastline has become densely populated, the danger from storm tides is tremendous. During hurricane Georges in 1998, Water Street in downtown Mobile was covered with bay water when the storm tide reached almost 9 feet. In 2002, Tropical Storm Isidore brought very high tides to the area, with Water Street and the Causeway being flooded by several feet of water. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan brought a 10-15 foot surge that caused extensive damage along coastal Alabama and northwest Florida. This surge also heavily damaged the I-10 bridge across Escambia Bay in Florida. In 2005, near record storm surge levels from 12 to 15 feet were observed around the Mobile Bay area and south Mobile County as Hurricane Katrina affected the region. One tool used to evaluate the threat of storm surge is the SLOSH computer model. Emergency managers use data from SLOSH to determine which areas must be evacuated due to potential storm surge inundation. Storm surge can also affect some of our coastal rivers, potentially increasing the area that must be evacuated.

Residents in Mobile and Baldwin counties can go to the following web site to see if they are in a storm surge area. http://chps.sam.usace.army.mil/USHESdata/Alabama/ALcountyselect.htm

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 7 Hurricane Dangers

Hurricane winds are a force to As a hurricane moves inland, away Hurricanes also produce tornadoes, be reckoned with. As winds increase from the coastline, winds begin to rapidly which can add to the hurricane’s destructive against an object, pressure increases at a decrease, but may remain above hurricane power. These tornadoes most often occur disproportionate rate. Pressure against a wall strength well inland. A general rule-of- in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands mounts with the square of the wind speed thumb is wind speeds will decrease by 50% well away from the center of the hurricane. so that a three-fold increase in wind speed within the first twelve hours of landfall. However, they can also occur near the results in a nine-fold increase in pressure. Therefore, the faster the storm is moving, eyewall. During Opal, in 1995, the area Therefore, a 25 mph wind causes about 1.6 the further inland the hurricane force winds experienced eight tornadoes, primarily in pounds of pressure per square foot. A four will be experienced. the outer rain bands. One of these tornadoes by eight sheet of plywood will be pushed by killed a person near Crestview, Florida a force of 50 pounds. several hours before the center of the In 75 mph winds, the speed associated hurricane moved ashore. with a minimal Category 1 hurricane, that In 2004, there were six tornadoes as the force becomes 450 pounds, and in 125 mph outer rain bands of hurricane Ivan moved winds, a mid Category 3 hurricane, the force across the area, with the strongest tornado becomes 1250 pounds. For many structures, occurring near Panama City, Florida, killing this force is enough to cause failure or two people. significant damage. Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes and down trees and power lines. Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding, and small Wind damage patterns are often very items left outside, become flying missiles in different from storm to storm. In 2004, Ivan, hurricanes. a strong Category 3 at landfall, moved across Hurricanes are large storm systems that the interior sections of southwest Alabama can measure as much as 300 to 500 miles and northwest Florida, cutting a path of across. In a hurricane, the winds rapidly destruction well inland. Tree and power increase in strength from the weakest on the line damage alone had a cost estimate of outer fringes of the storm to the strongest nearly 1 billion dollars. In 2005, hurricane near the eye. Hurricane winds are most Katrina produced extensive damage over intense around the perimeter of the eye, parts of interior southeast Mississippi. or within the area of the storm called the In 1992, Hurricane Andrew slammed eyewall. This area is generally from 15 to into south Florida as a Category 5 hurricane 20 miles wide and also contains the most with sustained winds estimated at more than Hurricane Ivan making landfall in Gulf Shores. intense rainfall. 155 mph, with higher gusts. This compact, intense hurricane caused major wind damage over a small, but highly populated and developed area. Damage was estimated at $25 billion with reportedly 25,524 homes destroyed and 101,241 others damaged. It is also important to note that at least 95% of all mobile homes in or near the path of the eye of Andrew were totally destroyed.

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 8 Hurricane Dangers

When it comes to hurricanes, wind Statistics clearly point out the high risk of driving an automobile in and around flooded speeds do not tell the whole story. Hurricanes roads and low spots. Often, individuals will attempt to drive through flooded roads only produce not only storm surges, high winds to be whisked away by rushing and tornadoes, but also produce deadly waters. Though the water may not inland flooding. Although storm surge along look very deep, it may hide severe the coast has the greatest potential for loss road damage. Unsuspecting drivers of life as the storm is making landfall, recent have entered what they thought research indicates that inland flooding has was a minor overflow of the road, been responsible for the greatest number of only to find their vehicle sinking fatalities over the last 30 years. Studies show rapidly into a collapsed roadbed. that 59 percent of the tropical cyclone deaths The rule is simple: if you in the United States have resulted from cannot see the road or its freshwater flooding. Intense rainfall is not related to the strength of a tropical cyclone. line markings, do not drive In fact, some of the greatest rainfall amounts through the water. often occur from weaker storms that drift Moving water exerts a very slowly or stall over an area. powerful force on an object such In 1997, Hurricane Danny, a Category 1 as a car or person. As water depth storm, produced widespread 48 hour rainfall increases or a greater area is totals ranging from 10 to 20 inches across exposed to moving water, a greater most of Mobile and Baldwin counties of force will be exerted. Also, as a southwest Alabama, with maximum totals surface becomes slippery, friction in excess of 30 inches over southeastern is reduced. Water, sand, or mud tends to replace the frictional forces that hold a car in portions of Mobile County. The official place. 48 hour rainfall reported at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab was 36.71 inches. Several Even though the weight of Sport Utility Ve- rivers in both Mobile and Baldwin counties hicles (SUVs) may appear to offer a greater experienced record flooding. protection in crossing flooded roads, their Heavy rainfall can also occur well size and larger tires can actually make removed from the center of a tropical them more buoyant and more prone to be- system. In 1998, Hurricane Georges made ing swept away. Bottom Line: It is just landfall along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as dangerous to drive a SUV through and the center of the storm never moved flooded waters as a regular vehicle. very far inland as it drifted eastward across the coastal counties of Alabama and Florida, but the storms heavy rains still produced For more information on the dangers of flooding significant flooding to the north over parts visit www.floodsafety.noaa.gov of interior southwest Alabama.

Some statistics to remember if you are ever faced with the decision of crossing a flooded roadway. ≈ As little as one foot of water can move most cars off the road. ≈ Just six inches of fast-moving flood water can sweep a person off his or her feet. ≈ Most flood-related deaths occur at night and are vehicular. ≈ Tropical cyclones pose significant risk well inland due to fresh water flooding.

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 9 Be Ready Before the Storm

An emergency plan, a family emergency kit and communication plan should be standard for Alabama residents. Hurricanes pose added risks for coastal communities such as storm surge, high winds and flash flooding. When a hurricane threatens, ALL Alabamians should monitor media outlets for information about the risks they face. Residents in inland counties are not immune from hurricane damage. Hurricane Ivan resulted in Presidential disaster declarations of some kind for every county in the state of Alabama. Damage resulted from high winds and drenching rains in inland counties.

Prepare your house • Install permanent fasteners long before storm warnings, so protective panels can be put in place quickly and time can be spent focusing on other needs. Permanent storm shutters are an even better option. • Strengthen entry doors, soffits and the gable end of your house. • Add wood bracing to your garage door. • Make sure your roof is in the best possible repair. Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame. • Prepare your yard by clearing furniture and other loose objects such as garbage cans and garden WHEN IN A HURRICANE WATCH tools. Frequently monitor the latest forecast updates on the storm via • Trim trees and shrubbery. commercial radio, television, NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. or the Internet. • If you live in a mobile home, inspect and secure tie downs. Fuel and service all of your family vehicles. Inspect and secure • Consider building a safe room mobile home tie downs. Prepare to cover all window and door Prepare your car openings with shutters or other shielding materials. Check your family emergency supply kit. Prepare to secure or store lawn fur- • Make sure you have your vehicles’ oil and fuel levels checked niture and other loose, light-weight objects, such as garbage cans, regularly during hurricane season! garden tools, etc. Have cash on hand. • Motorists should fill their tanks before evacuating. Prepare your family WHEN IN A HURRICANE WARNING • Make sure all adults have identification in case you need to Continually monitor radio, TV, NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, go to a shelter. or the Internet for the latest bulletins and official forecast updates • Have a portable emergency kit. from the National Weather Service. • Have a family communication plan. Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if • Practice who puts what in the car. told to do so! If evacuating, leave early (if possible, in daylight). Stay with friends or relatives, at a low-rise inland hotel/motel, or • Have cash on hand. (as a last resort) go to a pre-designated public shelter outside a Prepare your pets flood zone. The shorter distance you travel, the better, as long as • Have a plan! Do not depend on being able to take your animals you move away from the coast. with you to a shelter. Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in most shelters. Leave mobile homes in any case. Notify neighbors and a family Know what the plans are in your area to shelter pets. member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans. Put food and water out for a pet if you cannot take it with you. Most • Put together an appropriate emergency supply kit. public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor • Have a crate or pet carrier. do most hotels/motels allow them. Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 10 Be Ready Before the Storm

ESSENTIALS: TOOLS AND SUPPLIES IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: • Battery-operated radio • Whistle • Important telephone numbers • Flashlight • Aluminum Foil • Record of bank account numbers • Extra Batteries • Crowbar • Family records (birth, marriage, death • First Aid Kit (one for your home and one • Compass certificates) for each car) • Paper, Pencil • Inventory of household valuables • Plastic sheeting • Copy of will, insurance policies, con- WATER: • Medicine dropper tracts, deeds, stock and bonds • 3 gallons per person, minimum, in a • Needles, thread • Records of credit card account numbers food-grade, plastic container • Signal Flare and companies • Additional water for sanitation • Matches in a waterproof container • Copy of passport, social security cards, • Assorted nails, wood screws and immunization records FOOD: • Pliers, screwdriver, hammer • Minimum 3-day supply of non- perish- • Plastic storage containers FAMILY MEDICAL NEEDS: able food that requires no refrigeration • Heavy cotton or hemp rope • Insulin or preparation and little or no water • Cash, traveler’s checks, change • Prescription drugs • Dry cereal • Map of the area • Heart and high blood pressure needs • Peanut butter • Non-electric can opener, utility knife • • Denture needs • Canned fruits Charged cell phone battery • Extra eye glasses • Canned vegetables • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and • Contact lenses and supplies • Canned Juice plastic utensils • Ready-to-eat canned meats • Tape, duct tape and plumber’s tape or ENTERTAINMENT: • Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated) strap iron • Games & books • Quick energy snacks, graham crackers • Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires • Shut off wrench, to turn off household SANITATION: gas & water • Disinfectant • Household chlorine bleach FOR BABY: • Soap, liquid detergent • Formula • Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels • Diapers • Personal hygiene items • Bottles • Cloth towels (at least 3) • Medication • Feminine supplies • Powdered milk • Plastic bucket with tight lid • Baby food • Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation use) FOR PETS: • Food, water Keep a portable bag packed with CLOTHING & BEDDING: • Non-tippable food and water containers these supplies: • Sunglasses • Leash, harness or carrier • Identification for adult family members. • Personal sized bottled water (one for each • Rain gear • Records of vaccinations family member including pets) • Sturdy shoes or work boots • Pet Medications • Dry snacks • Blankets or sleeping bags • A picture of you and your pet together • One complete change of clothing and • Complete change of clothing • Sanitation supplies (litter, newspapers, footwear per person and footwear per person trash bags, disinfectant) • Cash, traveler’s checks and/or Credit cards, enough for food gas and lodging. • Important documents • Medications • Maps (evacuation routes and shelters) • For Baby: formula, diapers, bottles, medication and powdered milk. • For Pets: food, leash, harness, carrier, non- tippable food and water containers • Travel games or books for the kids

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 11 Evacuation Information

PLAN TO EVACUATE IF YOU ● Live in a mobile home. They are unsafe in high winds, no matter how well fastened to the ground. ● Live on the coastline, an offshore island, or near a river or a flood plain. ● Live in a high-rise near the beach. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO EVACUATE? Evacuation orders will come from government officials 36 to 48 hours before a storm makes landfall. Hurricanes are extremely unpredictable and can become much more dangerous in a matter of hours. It is NOT safe to wait. Be ready ahead of time and leave as soon as possible.

WHEN EVACUATING YOU SHOULD: ● Make sure you and your family have personal identification with you. ● Coordinate your departure with the people who will be traveling with you. Notify an out-of-area person of your evacuation plans. ● Make arrangements for your pets. ● Pack your disaster supplies kit into your vehicle. ● Secure your home. ● Double check your evacuation route and leave. Know your zone!

Mobile County Baldwin County Zone I Category 1-2 Zone South of Interstate 10 South of Intercoastal Waterway

Zone II Category 3 Zone North of Interstate 10 South of US Hwy 98 East of Interstate 65 East of US 43

Zone III Category 4 Zone North of Interstate 10 South of St Rte 104 South of US-98 East of St Rte 59 from West of Interstate 65 AL-104 north to US-90 South of US Hwy 90

Zone IV Category 5 Zone North of US 98 South of Interstate 10 West of Interstate 65 West of US-43

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 12 Evacuation Information

● Stay tuned to a local radio or television station and listen carefully for any advisories or specific instructions from local officials.There may also be signs with evacuation instructions. ● Do not get on the road without a planned route, or a place to go. Please plan your evacuation route carefully, realizing that contra-flow lanes have priority over all other routes. ● Use the evacuation routes designated by authorities. ● Contact your local emergency management office to register or get information regarding anyone in your household whom may require special assistance in order to evacuate. ● Prepare a separate pet plan, most public shelters do not accept pets. ● Prepare your home prior to leaving by boarding up doors and windows, securing or moving indoors all yard objects, and turning off all utilities. ● Before leaving, fill your car with gas and withdraw extra money from the ATM. ● Take your family emergency kit, all prescription medicines and special medical items, such as glasses and diapers. ● LEAVE EARLY. Do not wait until the evacuation order or exodus is well underway to start your trip. ● Expect traffic congestion and delays during evacuations.

Rest Areas and Welcome Centers Northbound 1. Rest Area, I-65, milepost 84.5 2. Rest Area, Hwy 331, milepost 8.3 3. Welcome Center, Hwy 231, milepost 0.7 4. Rest Area, Hwy 231, milepost 37.7 5. Rest Area, I-65, milepost 213.2 6. Rest Area, I-59N/I20E, milepost 38.5

map courtesy of the Alabama Department of Transportation

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 13 After the hurricane

Returning Home Don’t return to your flood-damaged home before the area is declared to be safe by local officials. Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports. Use a battery-powered flash light to inspect a damaged home. The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering—the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present. Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris. Watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks. Before You Enter Your Home Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering. Do not enter if: · You smell gas. · Floodwaters remain around the building. · Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe. Going Inside Your Home Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence. Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If the situation is unsafe, leave the build- ing and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring. Check with local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact. Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.

A communication plan Red Cross Safe and Well that includes out https://disastersafe.redcross.org of state contact This website provides a way for you to register yourself as “safe and well” or search the list of those who have registered them- numbers for your selves. Registration and search is made by a pre-disaster phone family is essential number (home, work or cell) or a complete home address. during a disaster. Family Registry and Locator System call center may be If you lose contact activated by FEMA during a disaster. Media outlets will publish with your family the phone number to call. People who have been separated from their families and friends can provide information about here are two ways themselves and where they can be found. At the same time, of locating family families looking for lost family members are urged to call the members. toll-free number as they search for them.

Alabama Hurricane Preparedness 2009—Page 14 For kids of all ages

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the water increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around and “eye.” Hurricanes have winds of at least 74 miles per hour. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and heavy waves can damage buildings, trees and cars. The heavy waves are called a storm surge. Storm surges are very dangerous and a major reason why you must stay away from the ocean during a hurricane warning or hurricane. After a hurricane makes landfall on a coastline it can cause severe weather inland including rain, high winds and tornadoes. This means being prepared for an emergency no matter where you live is very important!

Find these weather words!

Draw a circle around items that need to go in your family emergency kit.

More games and information for kids at www.ready.gov/kids and www.fema.gov/kids Hint: the list is on page 9 Where to get more information

National Weather Service Alabama Emergency Management Agency www.srh.noaa.gov Yasamie Richardson or Lauree Ashcom 205-280-2312 Coastal and Southwest Alabama PO Box 2160, Clanton, AL 35046 Mobile Weather Forecast Office For more information go to www.ema.alabama.gov Jeff Garmon or David McShane, 251-633-6443 and click on Be Prepared. 8400 Airport Blvd Bldg, 11 Mobile, AL 36608 WWW.SRH.NOAA.GOV/MOB Baldwin County Emergency Management 251-972-6807, www.co.baldwin.al.us/ema Southeast Alabama Tallahassee Weather Forecast Office Mobile County Emergency Management Bob Goree or Paul Duval, 850-942-8833 251-460-8000, www.mcema.net Love Building, Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 32306 Additional local emergency management office WWW.SRH.NOAA.GOV/TAE information is available at www.ema.alabama.gov. Click on the County EMA tab

North Alabama National Hurricane Center Huntsville Weather Forecast Office www.nhc.noaa.gov/ David Nadler or Mike Coyne, 256-890-8503 Get current hurricane information and download 320 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805 your own hurricane tracking chart. WWW.SRH.NOAA.GOV/HUN

Central Alabama Birmingham Weather Forecast Office John DeBlock or Jim Stefkovich, 205-664-3010 465 Weathervane Road, Calera, AL 35040 WWW.SRH.NOAA.GOV/BMX

This document was prepared under a grant from FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Points of view or opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.