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Florida’sSevere AwarEness Guide ParticipateParrtiiccipipate ini tthehee GGreatreeatt TTornadoornado DrillDrilll onon JanuaryJanuaary 22525,, 2017,20017, oro pplanllan yoyourur oownwwn ddrillrillll uusingsis nng tthehhe followingfollowingg timeline:timelinnee:: On tthehe mmorningorornin nng ooff ththee drdrill,rili l, aallll participantsparartticic papantnts shouldshouo ldd considercoonnssided r themselvesthemmselves underunddeer a TornadoTornnadado Watch.Watcchh. A WatchWattchch meansmeeaansn youyouo shouldshohould monitormmooniitoor thethe weatherwew atheh r andana d bbee ppreparedrepaareed to gogo toto a safesafa e placeplacce inn thethehe eventeveent ofof a Warning.Warnning.g AtAt approximatelyappprroxo immatatelely 1010:10:110 a.aa.m.m.m. EEST,STST, thtthehe NaNationaltiiono ala WeatherWeaeathther ServiceSere viv cec willwilill issueisissue a practiceprp aacctticcee TornadoTorornnaadodo Warning.Warrniningn . TheTThhe WaWWarningrrninng wiwillilll bebe broadcastbrbroaadcasa t on NOAANOAA AlertAlA ere t RadioRRadiio asa a weeklyweeeekklly testteest message.messsasaggee. Inn rrealeaeal life,liliffe, youyoyou mustmumusstt listenlisstteen forffoor thethe WatchWWatcch andand WarningWWarnrninng messagesmeesssaggess toto determinedeteermminne ththehe thtthreathrer aatt ttoo yyoyourur aarea,reaa, aandndn ddecidedeccidi ed wwhichhichh pprotectiverotetecttive acaactionsctionons toto take.taakek . WWhWhenenen iinn doddoubt,oubu t,, ttakeakke iimimmediatemmmeeddiiata e prpprotectiveroto ececttive aactions!cttioonsn ! InI ttheheh weeksweeeekss bbeforeeeffoorre ththehe drdrilliill • PPrPreparereppare • InIInformnfoformm sstaffttaafff • RReRevieweviieeww andannd refinerefinne a tornadotoornr addo planplplan (www.ready.gov/tornadoes)(wwww.readady.gov/tornnadoeo s) ThTThehe DDaDayay ofo thethe DDrillrilll AAfAfterftter 8:8:00000 aa.m..mm. ESEST,T, CConsiderononsideer a TornadoTornado WatchWaW tch to bebe inn effectefff ect • AnnounceAAnnoouuncec wwatchattchh ttoo ststafftaff aanand/ordd/oro sstudentstudeentnts • DesignateDDeesigng ate authorityaua thoro ity (coordinator)(c( ooordrdinatorr) • EvEEvacuatevaacuau tete tornadotoro nnaddo vulnerablevullnneerarabble araareasreaeas 1010:000:00 a.aa.m.m.m EEST,SSTT, ToTornadoornrnado WWaWarningrnrnining • ReceiveReR cceeiive messagemmeessssage • CoordinatorCooro ddinaatot r deddeterminestermmini es tthreathhrreae t • UponUpU onn determinationdete eerrmination ofof immediateimmmeedid ata e threat,thhrer at, givegivee “take“taakeke shelter”shelterr” or ““duckdduuck aandnndd cocover”veer” ccommandommand ((dependingdeppeendinng on sspacepap cec aavailablevailable aatt llolocation)ocac tit onn) 1010:20:20 a.m.a.a m. EST,ESTS , TerminationTeermminatioon oof WWatchatchh aandndnd WWarningara ningg • GiGGivevee iinstructionsnnstructit ons toto rreturnete urrn ttoo nnormaloro mam l acaactivitiestiviitiese (Y(Yououu wwillili l notnoot receivereeceive notification.notifif cattiion. TerminateTeT rminatte thethe drilldrrilll asa youyoou seesee fit.)fit.)) AfAfterfteer ththee DDrDrillill WrWWrap-upapp-uup • FoFFollowingollowwini g thethhe drill,drd ill, assessassess anandnd rereviseviv see pplanlal n ass nneeded.eededd. 2 Florida Division of Emergency Management Table of Contents 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard ...... 4 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100 Marine Hazards/Rip Currents ...... 6 850-413-9969 Th understorms and Tornadoes ...... 8 For Hearing Impaired Hurricanes ...... 12 800-226-4329 (TDD/TTY) Disaster Supply Kit Checklist ...... 13 www.FloridaDisaster.org Flooding ...... 15 Th is publication is a project of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Temperature Extremes and Wildfi res ...... 18 @FLSERT /FloridaSERT Severe Weather Awareness Week MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Lightning Marine Hazards Tornadoes and Hurricanes Temperature and Rip Currents and Flooding Extremes and Wildfi res

1 Message from Florida Governor Rick Scott In Florida, we are on a mission to make our state the world’s top destination for families to get a job and live their dreams, and more people are moving to our state to enjoy our great climate and business opportunities every day. In fact, Florida has one of the highest population growth rates across the country, further increasing last year’s lead over New York as the third largest state in the nation.

While there are many great reasons to move to Florida, our beautiful weather is one of our state’s greatest attractions. And while we are all proud to call the Sunshine State home, every Floridian must be prepared for the potential for severe weather. I encourage all Floridians and businesses to Get A Plan today that prepares you for potentially severe weather events. We hope you share that plan with your family, friends, neighbors and visitors.

Making sure your family and business is prepared well in advance of any potentially severe weather is essential to keeping our homes and communities safe. This Severe Weather Awareness Guide contains valuable information on how you and your family can remain safe in an emergency. Our number one priority is keeping our families safe, and while Florida has exceptional first responders and emergency officials, I encourage you to take steps now to make sure your family is fully prepared.

Follow Governor Scott at @FLGovScott

2 Message from the Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon The 2016 Hurricane Season saw the first major storms our state has seen in over a decade. Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine brought with them significant challenges. However, Floridians met these obstacles head-on and remained optimistic in the face of adversity. Though these storms are behind us, Floridians must continue to prepare for severe weather now and throughout the year.

Every Florida resident should be familiar with and prepared for the weather hazards they may encounter. Tornadoes, flooding and are just a few severe weather events that may occur. If one of these severe weather events strikes in or near your area, be prepared to act in the interest of your and your family’s safety. Follow local media, social media and the for important alerts. Have appropriate supplies ready. Know what to do if a watch or warning is issued.

Using this guide, please educate yourself and your loved ones on the proper steps involved in creating an emergency plan for your home or business and equipping it with the necessary disaster supply kits.

Together, we can work to prepare our state’s communities and reduce the impact of future severe weather events. Visit www. floridadisaster.org today for more information. Visit www.flgetaplan.org to Get A Plan and www.flgetaplan.com/alertflorida. aspx to sign up for alerts. Follow Director Koon @BKoonFDEM

3 a . If you are close enough to the storm to hear thunder, then you are close Lightning enough to be struck by lightning. A darkening cloud is often the first sign With an average of 1.4 million cloud-to- ground lightning strikes each year, no other that lightning may strike. As soon as you state in the country has more lightning than see lightning or hear thunder, move indoors Florida. Because thunderstorm activity quickly and stay away from windows, plumbing peaks in the summer, Florida oft en has the and electrical devices. greatest number of fatalities and injuries from If you are caught outside when lightning each year in the . lightning occurs, the most dangerous place to be is an open area. When a substantial Th under is a Product of Lightning building is not available and lightning is As lightning moves between the ground imminent, get into a hard-topped vehicle, and thunderstorm, the air around the fl ash heats but remember to keep your hands and feet rapidly, to temperatures as high as 50,0000 F – away from the side of the car, as well as the hotter than the surface of the sun. Th is sudden dashboard, steering wheel and windows. heating creates expansion of the air around the Outdoor water activities such as lightning bolt, breaking the sound barrier and swimming, boating and fi s h i n g a r e a l s o v e r y resulting in the explosive sound we know as dangerous during lightning. Be sure to thunder. Because sound travels much slower head back to land as soon as bad weather than light, thunder is heard aft er a fl ash of threatens. lightning. Most people struck by lightning are Lightning Safety not killed, but suffer significant injuries. As a storm approaches, many people may Remember that a lightning victim does not assume lightning is too far away to pose any continue to carry an electrical charge and danger, but it can travel as far as 10 miles from should begin receiving emergency medical care immediately. 4 Why Does Th is Happen? Make Lightning Negative to positive! Lightning happens when the negative Materials You Will Need charges, which are called electrons – aluminum pie pan small piece of wool fabric in the bottom of the cloud or in this styrofoam plate pencil with a new eraser thumbtack experiment your finger – are attracted to the positive charges, which are called Process protons, in the ground or in this experiment the aluminum pie • Push the thumbtack through the center of the pan. Th e resulting spark is like a mini lightning bolt. aluminum pie pan from the bottom • Push the eraser end of the pencil into the thumbtack. The 30-30 Rule • Put the styrofoam plate upside-down on a table. Quickly, rub the underneath of the plate with the When thunder roars, fi rst go indoors! wool for a couple of minutes. Then use the 30-30 Rule to determine the threat of • Pick up the aluminum pie pan using the pencil as lightning in your area before going out again. a handle and place it on top of the upside down styrofoam plate that you were just rubbing with the 30 Seconds – Count the seconds between seeing lightning and wool. hearing thunder. If the time is less than 30 seconds, • Touch the aluminum pie pan with your finger. You lightning is still a potential threat. Seek shelter immediately. should feel a shock. If you don’t feel anything, try rubbing the styrofoam plate again. 30 Minutes – Aft er hearing the last thunder, wait 30 minutes • Once you feel the shock, try turning the lights out before leaving shelter. Many lightning deaths occur aft er the before you touch the pan again. You should see a storm passes. Stay in a safe area until you are sure the threat spark. You made lightning! has passed.

5 you. Always plan ahead and remember these safe boating and beach practices: Marine Hazards/Rip Currents • Check forecasts well ahead of time. Florida’s weather and water can change rapidly, posing a • Be sure everyone aboard is wearing a life jacket. threat to boater and swimmer safety. The day’s weather can • If caught in a thunderstorm, go below deck if possible, and stay quickly bring hazards such as severe thunderstorms, strong away from masts or ungrounded metal objects. winds, rough seas, lightning, waterspouts or rip currents. • Have a VHF marine band radio on board. Strong wind gusts can produce locally rough seas as high as • Know the limitations of your boat. If small craft advisories or 12 feet in a matter of moments. Th ese conditions can possibly warnings are issued, you should postpone travel. overturn small boats and torrential rains can reduce visibility to near zero. At the beach, rough waves can knock Rip Currents an unsuspecting swimmer down and make them A rip current is like a shallow river or channel of susceptible to rip currents. water fl owing away from shore. Rip currents If you hear thunder, you could potentially be can last from a few minutes to a few hours, struck by lightning. Boaters should return to port and can extend as far as 100 yards offshore anytime thunder is heard. If you are unable to Weather or ocean conditions can cause rip reach safe shelter on a boat, go below deck or get currents to be more frequent or stronger in as low as possible. Stay away from masts or metal intensity. Tropical storms and hurricanes can objects. Th ose at the beach should seek shelter in a easily create rip currents in Florida, even if they hard-topped vehicle. are several hundred miles away. Rip currents A waterspout is a tornado over water that typically form along the beach at breaks in can easily overturn boats and create locally the offshore underwater sandbar, and hazardous seas. Waterspouts can form during structures such as piers and jetties can often severe thunderstorms that occur over water, result in permanent rip currents alongside but they also can form during fair and relatively these structures. calm weather. These “fair weather waterspouts” may not be Rip currents are dangerous. Rip currents pull unprepared as strong, but can still easily damage or destroy a small boat. If swimmers away from shore into deeper water. If caught in a rip caught near a waterspout, move at a 90 degree angle from its current swim sideways, parallel to the beach until you are out apparent movement, then seek safe harbor. of the rip current. Th en swim to shore at an angle, away from the A safe and enjoyable Florida boating experience is up to current. 6 At speeds of up to fi ve miles per hour, the force of a rip current Follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach trip: is too strong for anyone to swim against, and attempts to swim • If you fi nd yourself caught in a rip current, doing two simple directly back to shore, especially for a panicked and tired things will increase your chances of survival – don’t panic and swimmer, can be fatal. don’t fight the current! Just remembering the simple phrase Know Before You Go “Don’t fi ght...Swim left or right” could save your life. Before leaving home, be sure to check the expected beach and • If possible, swim at beaches with lifeguards or beach patrol. water conditions. Visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/forecasts.shtml for your area’s rip current outlook. Th e National Weather Service also • If caught in a rip current, stay calm, yell for help, and swim issues Coastal Waters Forecasts, ssideways, parallel to the beach which include a fi ve-day forecast DID YOU KNOW? uuntil you are out of the rip of wind direction, wind speed, Rip currents claim more lives in Florida than hurricanes, ccurrent. Then swim to shore at an wave height and precipitation. , tornadoes and lightning combined. aangle, away from the current and When at the beach, look Sometimes, you can look for towards shore. for the nearest lifeguards and signs of rip currents • If you are unable check with them about existing in the water: to swim out of the rip water conditions. Obey all current, fl oat or calmly  A narrow channel where there instructions or orders from tread water. When out of lifeguards or beach patrol. If is a noticeable diff erence in water color (appears brown from sand) the current, swim towards you’re going to a beach with no shore. lifeguard on duty, look for warning  A line of foam or seaweed • Don’t get caught in flags or signs and know what moving in the opposite direction the colors mean. Remember, of the incoming waves a rip current trying to save swimming in the surf is not the someone else. Th row the same as swimming in a pool or  A visible area of choppy or person a fl otation device, lake. If winds are strong or the churning water yell instructions on how to surf is rough, avoid going into escape and get help from  the water above your knees and A break in the wave pattern beach patrol. swim with a buddy.

7 Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Thunderstorms are a frequent part of life in Florida. Th understorms occur in all seasons of the year, but they are more numerous during the summer. Florida has the greatest number of thunderstorms in the United States, occurring 75 to 105 days each year. Florida experiences more thunderstorms than others states because: (1) Florida is located close to large bodies of water that provide moisture; (2) Florida receives plenty of sunlight, which warms the air near the ground; and, (3) Sea breeze boundaries can move onshore and provide a source of lift for the thunderstorms. Th understorms can produce dangerous hazards such as lightning, tornadoes, , strong winds and heavy rain that can Sometimes, strong thunderstorm wind gusts, oft en called lead to fl ooding. A thunderstorm is considered “severe” when it , can produce as much damage as a tornado. Downbursts produces winds in excess of 58 mph, hail that is one inch across or can snap trees, blow down signs and cause roof damage. larger (the size of a U.S. quarter), or if it produces a tornado. Tornadoes develop within very strong thunderstorms when Waterspouts rising air currents in a storm begin to rotate. If the rotation is A waterspout is a tornado over water. Florida waterspouts strong enough and can last for a long enough period of time, a come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities. Waterspouts can form funnel cloud can drop from the clouds and touch ground. Some year round in Florida, during the peak summer months, as thunderstorms may produce several tornadoes. Tornadoes also well as more intense waterspouts during the winter or spring can occur near the edge of tropical cyclones, in squalls called rain months and within hurricane or tropical storm rain bands. bands. Th ese tornadoes oft en occur more than 100 miles from Waterspouts are quite common over the waters along the the center of the . Florida Keys, the lagoons and rivers along the Florida Treasure Tornadoes usually last only a few minutes, but oft en cause Coast, and Tampa Bay. Waterspout winds can reach and severe damage. Th e damage area of a tornado is usually narrow, exceed 40-90 mph, which is strong enough to swamp or but in its direct path winds can be as strong as 200 mph. capsize a small watercraft. All waterspouts pose a threat to boater safety, and should be avoided. 8 Florida Tornadoes However, an actual tornado is typically Most Florida tornadoes occur in the too small for the Doppler radar to detect. aft ernoon and early evening hours during Therefore, meteorologists depend on the summer months of June, July and volunteer storm spotters who report August. Th ese tornadoes tend to be weaker funnel clouds, tornadoes and other severe in strength but can still produce damage. weather to the National Weather Service. Stronger and more devastating tornadoes The National Weather Service will can occur in Florida mainly in the late issue a when a tornado winter and spring when strong cold fronts has been either seen by a weather spotter move through the state and provide the or when Doppler radar indicates strong necessary conditions for tornadoes to rotation inside a thunderstorm. form. Tornadoes have occurred in every Th understorm and Tornado Safety Actions month in Florida, even on Christmas Day. If a Severe Th understorm Warning Tornadoes can also strike at any time or Tornado Warning is issued for your of day. Most of Florida’s tornado-related area, seek shelter immediately! Find deaths occur during overnight hours. Since shelter in a small, interior room on the 1950, only three states – Texas, Kansas lowest fl oor of your home and stay away and Oklahoma – have reported more from windows, doors and electrical tornadoes than Florida. Florida also ranks equipment. Avoid rooms that are near fourth in damage caused by tornadoes. tall structures like trees and power lines. National Weather Service (NWS) Leave mobile homes and find a meteorologists use Doppler radar to stronger building or house. In the track thunderstorm development, classroom, seek shelter in a hallway or severity, and movement. closet, or get underneath a desk or table “Severe Thunderstorm Warnings” and cover your head with your arms. If are issued when a thunderstorm in the area caught outdoors or on the road try to get as low as possible, is capable of causing damage and is a threat to life and property. such as in a creek bed or ditch, and cover your head. Doppler radar also identifies the rotation inside a thunderstorm, which could be the beginning of a tornado. 9 Tornadoes Myth vs. Fact

Myth: Tornadoes have picked up people and items, carried them some distance and then set them down without injury or damage. Fact: People and animals have been transported up to a quarter mile or more without serious injury. Fragile items, Myth: Overpasses offer suitable shelter if you are caught such as sets of fine china, or glass-ware have been blown outside in a tornado. from houses and recovered, miles away, without any damage. Fact: Seeking shelter in an overpass is more dangerous However, given the quantity of airborne debris, these compared to standing in an open field during an approaching occurrences are the exception, rather than the norm. tornado. Winds will be funneled under the bridge which

will increase the speed. Additionally, debris also tends to You can outrun a tornado, especially in a vehicle. Myth: collect in overpasses from a passing tornado which could Fact: Tornadoes can move at up to 70 mph or more and cause significant harm to those seeking shelter there. shift directions erratically and without warning. Do not try It is best to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest to outrun a tornado. floor of a sturdy building. If no building is available, lie flat on the ground and cover your head. Myth: Open the windows of a home to help equalize the pressure and minimize the damage to the home in the event Myth: If a tornado is not coming directly at you, you are of an oncoming tornado. safe. Fact: Although there are pressure changes within tornadoes, Fact: Tornadoes have been known to act erratically, often most of the damage to structures will be caused by the winds changing directions quickly. Do not put yourself in harm’s and the debris carried by the winds. All homes will equalize way, sturdy shelter is the only safe place to be during a its pressure inside since no house is 100% sealed. tornado. 10 Why Does Th is Happen? Make A Tornado in a Tube Gravity and motion mix up a storm! Gravity is causing the water in the top bottle to flow into the Materials You Will Need empty bottom bottle. When the water is swirling, it creates a vortex Two empty 2-liter soda bottles, clear which allows the liquid to travel in a circle around the center inside the bottle. This allows food coloring water Tornado Tube Connector* the displaced air to flow up *If you cannot fi nd a Connector, use duct or electrical tape instead from the center of the vortex as the water swirls around the Process sides and flows into the 1. Remove labels, caps and plastic ring seals from the soda bottom bottle. Can you get bottles. the tornado in the bottle to spin both clockwise and 3 2. Fill one of the bottles /4 full with water and add food counter-clockwise? coloring 3. Connect the bottles by screwing the connector onto Hurricanes, and the bottle fi lled with water. Now, screw the empty other low pressure systems in bottle into the other side of the connector; make sure the northern hemisphere all have a similar counter-clockwise both bottles are screwed in tightly so the water does spin due to the Coriolis Force. not leak. If you do not have a connector, secure the Th is is because these hurricanes openings together with duct tape or electrical tape. and winter storms are very (Once connected, the bottles should make an hourglass shape) large – some spanning several 4. Flip the tubing upside down so the filled bottle is now states. Tornadoes are also on top. considered low pressure 5. Holding the top bottle, swirl the water for a few seconds. systems, but even the largest tornadoes are small when compared to a hurricane. The fact that tornadoes are small means that the 6. Th e water should now swirl into a tornado! Coriolis Force does not affect the rotation of a tornado. As a result, just like in the tornado tube, tornadoes can spin in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. 11 Freshwater fl ooding from torrential rains can produce a lot of damage, regardless of Hurricanes its intensity. Also, freshwater flooding During a typical year, several tropical may occur hundreds of miles away from storms and hurricanes will develop and the cyclone center, meaning that storms move across the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf which do not make landfall in the state of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. It takes may still bring significant rainfall. All only one of these storms to produce Florida residents and seasonal visitors widespread impacts across a large area, should determine if they live within a and even storms that do not make low-lying area at risk to fl ooding, regardless landfall in Florida can bring hazards to of their location in the state. the state. is the term used to describe Th e Atlantic hurricane season officially the wall of water that is pushed toward begins on June 1 and continues through the coast as a hurricane moves onshore. November 30. Although the number A major hurricane can produce a surge of tropical storms and hurricanes typically peaks during of 10 feet or more above the normal levels. This amount August and September, it is important to remember that of water easily can fl ood coastal communities. Worldwide, Florida can be impacted by tropical weather systems at any approximately 90 percent of all deaths in hurricanes are time during the six-month-long season, and sometimes drownings in either storm surge or rainfall fl ooding. outside of the offi cial season. Tornadoes associated with tropical systems can develop Recent hurricane seasons remind us that impacts can suddenly and strike a community even though the center of the occur well away from the tropical cyclone center in the form of hurricane may be more than 100 miles away. dangerous surf and rip currents. Tropical cyclones that move close Preparing for a hurricane to Florida will bring more direct impacts in the form of storm All Florida residents and visitors should prepare each year for surge and coastal fl ooding, tornadoes, and freshwater fl ooding the possibility of tropical storm or hurricane impacts, understand the from heavy rain. potential hazards posed by them, and have a plan. First, determine Th e strongest hurricanes can have winds in excess of 155 whether you live in an evacuation zone. This information miles per hour. Th ough a hurricane’s winds typically weaken can be obtained from your local emergency management offi ce. rapidly following landfall, Florida’s fl at terrain allows the stronger winds to survive longer inland than in other parts of the country. 12 If you do live in an evacuation zone, Disaster Supply Kit Checklist know when and where  Water – at least 1 gallon daily  Cash – banks/ATMs may not you will go to pass the per person for 3 to 7 days be available aft er a storm storm. Have a list of  Food – enough for at least 3 to  Radio – battery operated emergency telephone 7 days; non-perishable packaged or hand cranked radio, NOAA numbers. or canned food and beverages, snack foods, juices, foods for Second, create a  Toys, books and games disaster supply kit, infants or those with strict diets with non-perishable  Non-electric can opener, paper  Important documents in a supplies like batteries plates, plastic utensils, plastics cups waterproof container – include insurance cards, medical records, for electronic devices  Grill, cooking tools, fuel, charcoal bank account numbers, credit card such as your NOAA numbers, Social Security cards, Alert Radio, and food  Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, etc. birth and marriage certifi cates, etc. and water to last you  Document all valuables and your family at least  Clothing – seasonal/rain gear/ three days. sturdy shoes or boots  Tools – keep a set with you When a storm  First Aid Kit, prescriptions, during the storm threatens your community, stay informed by monitoring medications, sun screen, aloe the latest forecasts and warnings from the National Weather and bug spray  Vehicle – keep your motor vehicle fuel tanks fi lled Service, as well as information and advice from your local  Special items for babies, elders, emergency management offi cials. Th e National Hurricane persons with disabilities  Pet care items – pet food Center, together with your local National Weather Service and water, proper identifi cation, forecast offi ce, will issue Tropical Storm and Hurricane  Toiletries – hygiene items and medical records, a carrier or cage, Watches and Warnings to help you prepare for a storm. sanitation wipes muzzle and leash, medications Watches are issued up to 48 hours in advance of the time damaging  Flashlights and batteries – do  List of important telephone winds are possible within the specifi ed area. Warnings are issued not use candles numbers – including your up to 36 hours prior to the time when damaging winds are emergency management offi ce, expected. Th e best way to prevent a disaster from a hurricane is  Extra house and car keys, offi ce evacuation sites, doctors, bank, to be prepared and to have a plan. keys and name badges area schools, veterinarian, etc. 13 Severe Weather Crossword

Across: 4. A term for weather that can be produced by a thunderstorm, and can cause as much damage as a tornado. 6. Type of fl ood that can occur quickly and without warning. 8. A shallow channel of water fl owing away from the shore. When caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until out. 10. Term used to describe the “wall of water” that is pushed toward the shoreline as a hurricane moves onshore.

Down: 1. Th is can make the temperature outside feel colder than it really is. 2. If you can hear this, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning. When it roars, go indoors! 3. A tornado over water. 5. Warnings that are issued to alert against potentially dangerous wildfi re conditions. 7. Combined with high temperatures, this makes up the . 9. Th e month hurricane season begins.

14 off the road; and it may only take 12 to 16 inches of water to cause a car Flooding to fl oat. Driving on fl ooded roads is also dangerous because the road may Florida is vulnerable to fl ooding at be washed out, or there are unseen any time of the year. Mostly surrounded dangers in the water that could cause by water, the abundant supply of damage to your vehicle and threaten moisture feeds the development of your life. When you encounter a fl ooded thunderstorms, which may produce roadway, it is important to remember, heavy rains over a short period of “Turn around. Don’t drown!” time. When those heavy rains occur, the Florida has more than 2,200 miles ground may not be able to absorb all of the of tidal shoreline. Because of this, many rainwater and fl ooding may result. Due to areas of Florida are also prone to coastal the fl at ground in portions of the state, fl oodwaters may sometimes fl ooding. Th is may come from storm surge associated with remain in an area for days, weeks or even months. tropical cyclones or from other causes such as strong onshore Not all fl oods are alike. Some fl oods develop slowly, taking winds or higher than normal tides due to lunar eff ects. anywhere from a few hours to a few days to have an impact. Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center, the On the other hand, fl ash fl oods happen quickly, sometimes in a Southeast River Forecast Center, and local Florida National matter of minutes. Weather Service offi ces all watch thunderstorms and tropical Urban Flooding systems very closely to forecast how much rainfall it may As Florida’s population increases, buildings and pavement produce and how much flooding may occur. The National replace the natural land. Th is creates more water runoff Weather Service will issue coastal fl ood advisories, watches and and can increase fl ood problems in urban areas, which warnings similar to inland fl ood statements. can be especially dangerous and costly in these developed Flooding Safety Actions areas where we live and drive. Flooding can cause harm • Never play in fl ooded areas where hidden sharp objects, to animals and damage to any type of structure, including electrocution and pollution are serious hazards. homes, bridges, buildings, roads, power and sewer systems. • In highly fl ood-prone areas, keep materials such as sandbags, Most fl ooding related deaths in the United States are due plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber and to people driving their cars into fl ooded areas. Moving water shovels on hand. only as deep as a car’s hubcaps can be enough to move the car 15 • Be aware of streams, canals and areas that Flash are known to fl ood so Flash fl oods can occur within a few minutes or hours of heavy rainfall or you or your evacuation from a dam or levee failure. Th ese fl oods can destroy structures, down routes are not cut off . trees, roll boulders, and create new waterways. Rapidly rising water can • Never drive into moving reach heights of 30 feet or more! Furthermore, fl ash fl ood producing water. If you cannot rains can also trigger catastrophic mudslides. You may not always have see the roadway a warning of these sudden and potentially deadly fl oods. beneath the water, do not drive through Urban Flood it! The water may be Floods can be magnified in urban areas. As land is converted deeper than it appears from fields and woodlands to roads and parking lots, it loses it and the road may ability to absorb rainfall. Urbanization increases runoff two to six already be washed away. times over what would occur on natural terrain. During periods of urban fl ooding, streets can become swift moving rivers, while • Do not use food that can become death traps as they fi ll with water. has come in contact with fl oodwaters. River Flood • Consider purchasing Low lying areas near rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs are a federal fl ood insurance policy. You can learn more about susceptible to river fl oods. Some river fl oods occur seasonally when strengthening your home at flash.org and about federal winter or spring rains fi ll river basins with too much water too quickly. flood insurance at fl oodsmart.gov/fl oodsmart. Other fl oods can occur from slow-moving low pressure systems. Flooding Facts Torrential rains from decaying hurricanes or tropical systems can also • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger produce river fl oods. cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, Area Flood including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups. Area fl oods are long-lived, though not usually life-threatening. Standing water in low-lying areas, such as an open fi eld, is an example of an area • Urban and small-stream fl ash fl oods can occur under one hour. fl ood. Signifi cant agricultural losses and displaced livestock can occur • Flood damages are not covered under homeowners’ insurance with theses fl oods. In addition, stagnant water from this type of fl ooding policies. All homeowners should consider purchasing federal can serve as a breeding ground for insects and diseases. fl ood insurance. 16 Enter the maze at Start Here! to collect your disaster supplies. Disaster Supplies When your disaster supply kit is full, you will be Prepared! Enter the maze and collect the Start Here! supplies you should include in I’m Prepared! your disaster supply kit.  Games  Batteries  Radio  First Aid Kit  Flashlight  Important Papers  Water  Canned Goods  Can Opener Make a list of other important supplies you would include in your disaster supply kit. 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______5. ______17 Temperature Extremes and Wildfires Florida can experience a wide range of temperatures, from • Slow down and limit outdoor activities. Avoid outdoor events dangerously hot to dangerously cold, and it is important for during the hottest part of the day (11 am–5 pm). everyone to stay safe during periods of temperature extremes. Remain in air-conditioned places to reduce your exposure to When Florida’s high humidity combines with the heat. warm temperatures, it may feel hotter outside • Check on elders, persons with disabilities, children and than it really is. This is called the heat index. animals during periods of prolonged heat. High heat index values limit the body’s ability to Cold weather outbreaks occur in Florida at least once a year, cool through sweating. When the heat index exceeds 105° F, caused by strong cold fronts that move through the state and conditions can become dangerous for people and animals. producing below freezing temperatures and strong winds. When Sunstroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are all strong winds combine with cold temperatures, heat loss from risks associated with high heat indices. Th e National Weather a person’s skin can be accelerated. Service will issue heat advisories can make the outside and warnings when the heat index is temperature feel much colder than forecast to reach dangerous levels. it really is. In addition, freezing Hot Weather Safety temperatures can kill crops, plants • Wear lightweight, light-colored and even fi sh. Th e National Weather clothing to help refl ect heat and Service will issue wind chill sunlight, and help your body advisories/warnings, along with maintain its normal temperature. freeze advisories/warnings, when • Drink plenty of water, even if you cold weather threatens an area. don’t feel thirsty. People can become Cold Weather Safety dehydrated without realizing it. When cold weather is in Stay away from highly sugared or the forecast, it is important to carbonated drinks. remember the “5 P’s of Cold • Protect your skin with sunscreen; also Weather Safety.” wear sunglasses and a hat, or carry an umbrella to provide shade. 18 • Protect People: dress in layers and human-started fires are arson and wear a hat and gloves. Stay out of the yard waste burns that get out of wind and to stay dry. Remember to control. Fires can also be caused by check on young children and elders discarding a cigarette that has not who are the most sensitive to cold been fully extinguished. Other causes weather. of wildfi res include campfi res and • Protect Pets: Be sure to bring outdoor bonfi res not properly extinguished pets inside or give them a warm or windy conditions that may take shelter. hot embers from the fi re to another • Protect Plants: Cover cold-sensitive location. Th e stronger the wind and plants to protect them from the the drier the ground, the faster fi res dangerous temperatures. will spread. Fire Weather Watches • Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and and Red Flag Warnings are issued by allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip the National Weather Service to alert to prevent them from freezing and people to hazardous weather conditions breaking. that may add to the wildfi re danger. • Practice Fire Safety: Use safe-heating sources indoors. Do not use Wildfi res can cause major environmental, social and fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, economic damages. Prescribed fi res are good fi res that reduce which is a deadly gas. Also, make sure to use space heaters the hazardous accumulations of brush to lower the risk of according to their instructions and be attentive to open fl ames. loss to homes, businesses, recreation areas and forests when wildfires occur. Prescribed fi re also controls forest tree diseases Wildfi re Safety and recycles nutrients in the soil. While wildfi res can start at any time of the year, the state Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, sees a peak of activity during the early, colder part of the year igniting grasses, trees and homes. Reduce your risk by – beginning in January and continuing until early to mid-June. preparing now - before strikes. Meet with your A typical year in Florida will see over 4,600 fi res burn nearly family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires 110,000 acres of land. Since 2002, more than two million acres of threaten your area. Find out how you can promote and forest land have been burned by wildfi res. practice wildfire safety by going to www.Firewise.com and While there are natural ways a wildfi re can be ignited, most www.fl oridaforestservice.com/wildfi re/information.html. wildfi res are started by humans. Th e most common causes of 19 Hidden below are some basic terms used throughout the Severe Word Search Weather Awareness Guide. Try to find them all! Check off the words as T O R N A D O V S Z E S A J S you find them! R E W E A T H E R R A D I O T  BATTERIES T A O O H P V H U V T R J V U  EVACUATION Z E D U W U J T S N A M V X N  EMERGENCY C A E I G X A E E D U D A O Y   FLASHLIGHT F N G K O R I R A T O C I G E  FREEZE J C H W E R R R H O M T D R H  HURRICANE V D D P E U E G L R A S I Z U  RADAR   RIP CURRENT G W M T C Z I F A U U F S G R  SAFETY O E T P E L H J C U D O A C R  STORM SURGE T A I E H S V A Z L P J F V I  TEMPERATURE  TORNADO B R R S A X V G I C M S E M C  WEATHER RADIO L F A L G E Y W C D T X T R A  WILDFIRE E L F S E M E R G E N C Y X N F S T O R M S U R G E N Q B E

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