ANATOMY of a HURRICANE Learn About Hurricane Lifecycles and the Risks Inherent to Each Category
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A MESSAGE FROM: SEVERE WEATHER EXPERT THIS SEASON’S MIKE LYONS OUTLOOK The image still takes my breath away. Packing winds of 185 mph, Hurricane Dorian sat less than 100 miles from our coastline last September. WPBF 25 provided 56 hours of continuous coverage as the mammoth storm sat in the northwest Bahamas for nearly 2 days generating unimaginable destruction. The path to recovery will be long and hard for our neighbors to the east. Dorian was part of another very busy year in the tropics, the 4th consecutive season of above average activity. Altogether, 18 named storms formed last year with 6 hurricanes and 3 major storms. It was the 4th most active year in history. How does this year shape up? All indicators are pointing to another very busy year in the tropics. Sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific (a key indicator of hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin) are likely to be cool, suggesting above average activity. Meanwhile, water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are bath-water-hot signifying the Gulf could be a likely starting point for tropical activity this season. We can’t do anything to stop these powerful storms, but we can prepare for them, and that is what this guide is all about. If you’ve lived here for a few years you are a hurricane veteran having been tested by Matthew in 2016, Irma in 2017, and Dorian last year. You know how to prepare for a storm and what to do (and not do) as the threat increases. If, on the other hand, you are new to South Florida this guide will be especially helpful to you. Hurricanes can cause stress, anxiety, and be very dangerous. However, if you are prepared and have a plan you can weather the storm. You can trust us to be here for you every step of the way. Michael J. Lyons 2 CONTENTS 2 THIS SEASON’S OUTLOOK 15 HURRICANE & SPECIAL A message from WPBF 25 First Warning NEEDS SHELTERS Severe Weather Expert Mike Lyons Family and pet-friendly hurricane shelters 4 BEFORE THE STORM: HURRICANE 18 HURRICANE TRACKING CHART WATCH/WARNING CHECKLISTS Map this season’s hurricane activity Easy ways to prepare inside and out 20 PET & ANIMAL SAFETY 6 HURRICANE SUPPLY LIST Important reminders for the other members The essentials you need to stay prepared of your family 7 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 21 YARD AND LAWN PHONE LIST Lessen the chance of damage to your home Phone numbers for local agencies 22 PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY 8 YOUR FAMILY PLAN Learn how to protect your home and boat Critical steps that each family member should take 24 DURING AND AFTER THE STORM Find out when you’re in the clear and what 10 EVACUATION ZONES to do next Find the route to safety from your area 14 ANATOMY OF A HURRICANE Learn about hurricane lifecycles and the risks inherent to each category 6 18 20 21 22 24 2020 HURRICANE SURVIVAL GUIDE 3 BEFORE THE STORM HURRICANE WATCH CHECKLIST Planning Fuel • Review your family plan. • Fill all vehicles with gas and park them in a garage or close to the side of your house. • Check your hurricane supply list. • Turn off propane gas at the tank before evacuating. Communications • Check with your natural gas provider to determine whether to turn off before leaving. • Have a conventional cord telephone that will work in case of power outage. • Charge up your cell phones and have a car adapter. TIP • Stay tuned to WPBF 25 News, WPBF.COM and During hurricane season, designate a friend the WPBF 25 News App for weather updates or family member who lives out of state to and evacuation orders. be your family’s single point of contact. That way, you can be sure all your loved ones are accounted for after the storm. Supplies • Check medical supplies and prescription medicines and have a minimum two-week supply on hand. Shutters • Check all battery-operated TV’s, radios, • Locate storm shutters, garage door supports and flashlights and lanterns. Make sure they are any hardware or tools necessary for installation. in good working order with fresh batteries. • Install shutter and supports. Install second story • Have enough cash for up to a week. ATMs may and other difficult shutters first. be out of cash or not working if power is out. TERMS TO KNOW TROPICAL STORM HURRICANE WATCH HURRICANE WARNING WATCHES AND Hurricane conditions are possible Hurricane conditions are WARNINGS within the specified coastal area. expected in the specified area of Ta k e these alerts seriously. Because hurricane preparedness the warning. Because hurricane Although Tropical Storms have activities become more difficult preparedness activities become lower wind speeds than once winds reach tropical storm difficult once winds reach tropical hurricanes, they often bring force, the hurricane watch is storm force, the hurricane warning life-threatening flooding and issued 48 hours in advance of is issued 36 hours in advance of dangerous winds. Take the anticipated onset of tropical the anticipated onset of tropical- precautions! storm-force winds. storm-force winds. 4 BEFORE THE STORM HURRICANE WARNING CHECKLIST Outside Your Home Safety/Valuables • Cover or brace all windows and door openings. • Prepare your safe room. Stock it with a battery- powered TV and/or radio with spare batteries, • Remove a door or one screen panel on each side of your pool enclosure to allow wind to flow sleeping bags, pillows, chairs, snacks and through, and cutting down wind resistance. This drinking water, and games for children. could save your pool enclosure. • Have a mattress nearby to get under in case your home suffers structural damage. • Disconnect propane gas at the tank. Place valuables and personal papers in water- • Bring your barbecue grill and propane tank • inside– this may be your only means of cooking proof containers or zip lock bags. during a power outage. (Note: Only use grill outdoors, after the storm has passed.) Mobile/Manufactured Home Residents • Turn off main water supply source to your home. Swimming Pools • Turn off gas at the tank but do not disconnect. • Drain swimming pools 6”-12” to allow for • Bring in or secure all outdoor objects. possible heavy rainfall – do not drain completely. • Evacuate. Do not attempt to ride out the storm • Shock the pool by adding additional chlorine. in a manufactured home. Stock up on chlorine to keep your pool water clean. In the event of a prolonged power outage you will not be able to run the filter. High-Rise/Condo Residents • Disconnect power to your pool pump but do • Bring in loose objects from balconies. not wrap in plastic. If there is flooding, water will collect in the plastic and ruin the pump. • Install shutters on windows and doors. • Use your own discretion about throwing outdoor • Evacuate if you are in an evacuation zone. furniture in the pool. If it sinks to the bottom, • Leave early since you have the farthest to it will not blow away but you risk damaging the travel from the coast. pool’s finish. Do not throw in any metal furniture that is subject to rust. If you Evacuate to a Shelter Refrigeration/Water • Only do so as a last resort. • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the • Try to eat a meal before entering the shelter. coldest setting. • Take pillows, blankets and other supplies. • Freeze water in plastic jugs to help keep your • Check to make sure the shelter is open – all freezer cold when power goes out. shelters do not open at the same time. • Stock up on jugs of bottled water – at least seven gallons per person – one gallon per person per day. • Fill bathtub with water for non-drinking use. 2020 HURRICANE SURVIVAL GUIDE 5 BE PREPARED HURRICANE SUPPLY LIST First Aid / Health Rain / Power Outage Prescription Medicine (Two-week supply) Spare Batteries First Aid Kit Flashlights / Lantern Insect Repellent Rain Gear Sunscreen Waterproof Matches / Sterno Disinfectant Charcoal and Lighter Fluid Tincture of Iodine/Water Purification Tablets Fuel for Generators and Cars Propane Gas (for grills) Non-Perishable Food 1 Gallon of Water Per Person/Per Day Powdered Milk / Evaporated Milk Emergency Repairs Plastic Sheeting / Tarp Canned Meats / Fish (tuna, ham, etc.) Duct or Masking Tape Canned Fruit and Vegetables Nails, Rope, Lumber, Tools Dried Foods (spaghetti, rice, etc.) Plastic Garbage Bags Canned Soups / Chili Dried Fruit and Nuts Cereal Recreation / Communication Crackers and Cookies Camera and Film Coffee and Tea Books, Magazines, and Games Peanut Butter and Jelly Battery-operated TV/Radio and Clock Pudding Pet Food and Medicine Miscellaneous Fire Extinguisher Utensils / Food Supplies Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm) Ice Chest and Ice Disposable Plates, Glasses, and Utensils Manual Can Opener TIP Baby Food / Formula THE CDC recommends adding the Hygiene following items to your kit to help Toilet Paper prevent the spread of COVID-19: Diapers and Wipes soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting Soap and Detergent wipes/sprays and cloth face Bleach for Sterilization (unscented with coverings Hypochlorite, the only active ingredient) 6 BE PREPARED EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PHONE LIST Post all emergency numbers by your phone, store them in your cell phone, and make sure your kids know how to access them. Your phones could be your lifeline when a hurricane or severe weather hits. SOUTH FLORIDA E.O.C. NUMBERS TELEPHONE NUMBERS Palm Beach County (561) 712-6400 FPL Outage (800) 468-8243 Martin County (772) 287-1652 AT&T Landline Repair (877) 737-2478 St. Lucie County (772) 462-8100 AT&T Business Repair (866) 620-6900 Indian River County (772) 567-2154 Elder Helpline (800) 963-5337 Okeechobee County (863) 763-3212 Crisis Helpline 211 Water Emergency Line (877) 429-1294 United Way Volunteers (561) 375-6600 Division of Consumer (800) HELP-FLA Services Citizens Insurance (888) 685-1555 FEMA (800) 621-3362 Florida Department (800) 227-8676 Financial Services Tri-Rail (800) 874-7245 AMERICAN RED CROSS West Palm Beach (561) 833-7711 Treasure Coast (772) 287-2002 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 1 (877) 693-5236 What to pack YOUR FAMILY PLAN when evacuating: WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW Prescription medications and Your family needs to be prepared with a disaster plan at the beginning of medical supplies hurricane season.