On the Texas Coast

on the Texas Coast

Survival and Recovery

TEXAS AS.M UNIVERSITY ~ A SEA GRANT COLLEGE TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Foreword,p. 3

I I. Acknowledgments,p. 3

II I. Types of HurricaneDamage, p. 4

IV. Help from National Agencies,p. 5

V. Plansof State and Local Organizations, p. 6

Vl Preparation by Citizens, p. 7

VII. During the Storm,p. 7

Vill. Picking Up the Pieces,p. 8

IX. It's Your Responsibility!,p. 8

Appendices,p.8-15

References,p. 16 on the Texas Coast

GlRCULATING COPY SeaGrant Depository SUrV~Va and Recovery

[. FOREWORD

The destructive ferocity of a hurricane is almost beyond comprehension, ln one 24-hour period a hurricane can generate heat energy equal to 400 20-megaton hydrogen bombs and can circulate almost one trillion tons of air carrying 17 billion tons of water vapor. Cost of damages can exceed $1 billion. This booklet is the last and probably most important volume in a three-part seriesconcerned with the destructive potential of tropical storms and hurricanes that affect the Texas coast. This volume, which provides information to aid coastal residents in saving lives, describeswhat federal, state, and local agenciesdo before, during, and after a hurricane. Since the key element in survival and recovery is preparation, each individual should plan to protect himself and his family and to minimize property damage. Actions that individuals should take when a hurricane threatens are listed, Perhapsthe most important parts of this volume are personal checklists in Appendix II, which individuals are urged to use and to share with friend s. Fig. 7. A National Guardsmanstands watch at a roadblock Volume I, which deals with description and climatology, in Corpus Christi as Hurricane Caria approaches, September presents facts and figures about frequencies of occurrence, 7967. Photo courtesy of the Texas State Highway Depart- storm tracks, and major physical features of hurricanes. ment.! Volume II, using as examples Texas' three most devastating hurricanes of the last 15 years, explains how hurricane damageis caused. III. TYPES OF HVRRICANE DAMAGE

Great strides have been made in forerasting the paths of tropical storms and hurricanes. In fact, the 12-hour fore- II. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS cast error on landfall averagesless than 40 nautical miles. Nevertheless,much remains to be learned from continuing We extend our most sincere appreciation to Mr. Marion research. One significant question to be answered is, P, Bowden, State Coordinator of the Division of "What type of destruction will a particular hurricane bring Disaster Emergency Services,Department of Public when it strikes the coast?" Will the damageoccur through Safety, Austin, Texas, for his comments and assistanceon storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, or a the final draft of this booklet. We wish to thank Mr. J. A. combination of these? Discussed in more detail in Riley, Chief of the Meteorological Service Division, National Volume l I, these terms are defined in the glossary WeatherService, Fort Worth, Texas, and Mr. DavisBenton, Appendix I! of this booklet, Meteorologist-in-Charge, Galveston, Texas, for information When a hurricane is expected to strike the Texas coast, about functions of the local National Weather Service the point of landfall and maximum wind speedsare Offices. Thanks also are given to Dr. j ames R, Scoggins, forecast. Sometimes unexperted changestake place in the Director of the Center for Applied Geosciences,Texas A&M hurricane's structure or movement within a short period University, for his continued guidance and support through- of time, Hurricane Celia's explosive intensification just out this project. Also, we would like to acknowledge the prior to landfall and Hurricane Beulah's recurvature to the help of Mr. JosephPelissier of the National Hurricane southwestafter hitting the coastare examples. The only Center, who furnished background information, and way to prepareeffectively for a hurricane is to consider all Ms. Teena Conk!in of the Texas Highway Department for types of potential damage! assistancein obtaining many photographs used in this The storm surge, an abnormal rise in sea level study. The State Office of the Soil Conservation Service, accompanying a hurricane, is a hurricane's greatest kilter. United States Department of Agriculture, Temple, Texas, Averaged over the years, about nine of 10 people who died was most cooperative in supplying information. Special during hurricanesdrowned due to the storm surge. thanks are extended to Ms Polly Luther for her profes- Hurricane Carla's storm surge reached a maximum height sional typing of the many drafts, of 21 feet and extended inland more than 10 miles in some areas. Houses were floated off their foundations and were destroyed by continued wave action superimposed upon the waters of the storm surge. High winds, continual waves, and floating debris made swimming to safety almost impossible for people fleeing from their flooded homes. To obtain maps that show the areascovered by previous storm surges, see Appendix II I. Another aspect of the storm surge, which is lesscommon but moredeadly, is the "seiche" pronounced"sayche"! When the storm surge reachesland, it sometimes forms a seriesof fast-moving, steep wave fronts higher than the averagestorm surge!, which can inundate areas rapidly. Survivors have said that a seiche occurred at Galveston during the 1900 hurricane when an estimated 6,000-8,000 people died, and at Corpus Christi in 1919 when 300-600 people lost their lives. During the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900, a weather observer, Dr. I. M. Cline, reported wit- nessinga seiche: The water rose at a steady rate from 3:00 p,m, Fig. 2. A Texas State Highway Department employe until about 7:30 p,m., when there was a sudden maintains radio communications by using an auxiliary rise of about 4 feet in as many seconds. I was generatorin Corpus Christi during Hurricane Celia, standing at my front door, which was partly open, August 1970. Photo courtesyof the TexasState Highway watching the water which was flowing with great Department.! rapidity froin east to west. The water at this time was about 8 inches deep in my residence and the sudden rise of 4 feet brought it abovemy waist Flooding causedby heavyrains usuallyextends farther beforet couldchange my position, inland than other types of damage, For example, Hurricane The high winds of a hurricane or tropical storm are of- Agnes973! madelandfall alongthe Florida coastbut ten strong enough to damagealmost any structure. Short causedextensive flooding in Pennsylvaniaand New Jersey. wind gusts lessthan one minute in duration!, which can Appendix IV in Volume II contains a shortlist of rivers exceed sustained wind velocities by 50 percent, develop a inundated by Beulah 967!, a Texas hurricane that swinging action in signs, trees, and other bendable structures. flooded over two million acres. Rainfall accounted for Gusty winds causeextensive damage becauseof this rock- almost three-fourths of Beulah's tlooding, and storm ing effect, alternately pushing a structure to its limit and surge accounted for the remainder. allowing it to swing back before the cycle is repeated. Trees and signs are often uprooted or snapped.

Window glassis blown in on the windward side of IV. HELP FROM NATIONAL AGENCIES buildings and out on the downwind side. A device has beendeveloped that is saidto protect windows seeAppendix When a tropical disturbance is detected usually by I II!. Homeownersshould board their windows to prevent satellite!, the National HurricaneCenter NHC! in Miami, damageby wind or flying debris. At hurricane speedsair- Florida, swings into action. The disturbance is monitored borne debris become lethal projectiles-imagine a 4- x continually, and bulletins are issued to the Hurricane 8-foot sheet of tin roofing sailing through the air at these Warning Service Network and the news media. Aircraft speeds! may fly into the cycione to gather data and to evaluate Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes that can cause the possibility of intensification. If the disturbance matures extensive damage. Smaller than its Great Plains cousin, into a tropical storm, a feminine name is assigned. Appendix the hurricane-spawnedtornado usually affectsan area less l V lists names for tropical storms and hurricanes from 1975 than 300 yards wide and a mile long; nevertheless,it is through 1984, just asdeadly. Two Texas hurricanes hold records for the When the disturbancebecomes a tropical storm, the highest number of associated tornadoes. Beulah had more NHC calls the hurricane warning system to full alert and than 100 tornadoes actualcount not known!,and Carla issuespublic advisories. Advisories are numbered consecu- is a poor second with 26. Generally, more than 90 percent tively and are issuedevery six hours at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., of tornadoes are found within angiesof 10 to 120 degrees 5 p.m,, and 11 p.m Central Daylight Time CDT!. They to the right of the direction of hurricane movement and include information on location, direction, speed of between 60 to 240 miles from the eye. movement,intensity, radiusof storm and galeforce winds, andcentral pressure.When a tropicalstorm or hurricane Bulletinscontaining additional information about the approachesland, the HurricaneWarning Office HWO!in tropical cycloneare issued at two-hour intervals,or mare that areaissues local warnings.Generally, the HWOpre- often if necessary,as long asthe disturbanceretains its paresadvisories if the starm is movingthrough its areaor identity or threatenslife and property. mayprogress there within 12 hours.The advisories are Local Weather Service Offices issue Local Action issuedsimultaneously by the NationalHurricane Center. Statements at two- or three-hour intervals, or more frequent- Additionally, for the 1975 hurricaneseason the NHCwill ly if conditionswarrant, when tropical cyclonesthreaten initiate the Hurricane Disaster-Potential Scale as an estimate the Texas coast. These statements, which amplify of expecteddamage. Specifics of the scaleare given in releasesfrom the Hurricane Warning Office, specify: Appendix VI. ~ Coastal and bay areas or counties where warnings lUleteorologistsat the NHCand HurricaneWarning apply. Offices New Orleans,Washington, D.C., SanFrancisco, and Honolulu! forecastthe movement,development, and ~ Detailed recommendations for evacuation and sug- stormsurge heights of all tropicalcyclones that maystrike gested completion times. the United States. They alsoanalyze tropical cyclonesof Places and times of storm surge, including times the previousseason to developmore accurateforecasting when critical roads or escaperoutes are expected to methods. In recentyears the forecastaccuracy for paths be flooded. of tropical cycloneshas increased more than 10 percent; the average24-hour displacementerror is now lessthan ~ Otheremergency actions and the timesfor completion. 100 nautical miles. ~ Tide readings,wind canditions,rainfall measurements, The National Weather Service Hurricane Warning Office and areasof possibleflooding from excessiverainfall, in New Orleans issueshurricane warnings for the Texas WeatherService Offices in the coastalregion of Texasare coast. Advisoriesand bulletins seeAppendix I for located at Port Arthur, Galveston, Houston, Victoria, definitions! issued by that office include: CorpusChristi, and Brownsville.These offices have direct ~ Hurricane watch or warning. communicationswith disasterpreparedness officials and the ~ Estimate of storm tide and flood danger in coastal media via telephone, teletype, and radio. areas. The U.S.Army Corpsof Engineersalso plays an ~ Cautionaryadvice to small craft. importantrole in minimizinghurricane damage. The Corps Gale warnings along the periphery of the cyclone. has made extensive surveys of damagecaused by past ~ Tornado forecast information. hurricanes.These surveys provide backgroundinformation needed for construction of seawalls to reduce storm surge damage,and levees and improved drainage to minimize flooding by rivers. Someof theseprotective structures have been completed along the Texas coast. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are two of the manyagencies involved in natural disaster recoveryoperation. In cooperationwith stateand local officials, the RedCross plans in advanceto operaterelief centersand sheltersand to supply vital services,food, andclothing. The SalvationArmy assistsin solving individual and family problems.

V, PLANS OF STATE AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

At all levels of government, preparations for recovery from man-made and natural disasters are reflected in laws andemergency operating plans. The TexasDisaster Act of 1973, S. B. No. 786, provides state and local governments with the generalauthority for coordinatingand implement- ing emergency actions when a hurricane threatens. Fig. 3. Hun'icaneCorbin September1961 left floodwaters The state EmergencyOperations Center EOC! is located that hindered recovery operations, Photo courtesy of the in the Department of Public Safety Building in Austin. The TexasState Highway Department,! state Director of Defense and Disaster Relief activates the it is authorized under the Disaster Act of 1973 to have a joint disasterprogram and organization with one coordinator appointed and authorized by both the city and the county. Some of the outstanding disaster programs in the State are joint city-county ef I'orts. It is desirable for the county judge or his appointed disaster coordinator to appoint a disaster coordinator for each unincorporated town or community in the county, Many of the unincorporated towns in Texas have volunteer fire departments as one of the few organized community efforts for providing a community service and the local leadership might be found in suchan organization. The local EOC of a coastal community should have plans to deal with hurricane problems. These plans should include: ~ Communication systems-local, state, and national. ~ Methods of warning citizens. ~ Dissemination of evacuation and shelter information. ~ Operation of shelters in cooperation with the American Red Cross. Fig. 4. A weary electric power line crewman taAesa breaA ~ Provisions for police and fire protection. during the recovery period from Hurricane Carla, September ~ Maintenance of public health systems. 1961,at Bay City. Photo courtesyof the TexasState HighwayDepartmen t.i Operation of utilities. Plans adopted for the specific needs of the individual community. Center whenever an actual or threatened disaster, such as a tropicalcyclone, is reported.The EOCoffers advice and During a disaster, local government assumesprimary dispatches needed materials to affected areas. importancebecause it is the only authority in the affected Most EOC assistanceis in the form of manpower, i.e,, area. At such times the local EOC has increased authority members of the Department of Public Safety, the National to take emergency actions, suchas: Guard, and the State Highway Department, Heavy equip- ~ Control movement of people. ment also may be sent by the Center. ~ Control accessto areas and enforce curfews. Cities and counties have local Emergency Operating Centers. Executive Order DB-8, dated October 1, 1973, ~ Control supply and rationingof food and supplies. states in part: ~ Commandeer equipment and vehicles when necessary. The Mayor of each incorporated town in this State ~ Operate shelters in cooperation with the Americari will be recognizedas the MunicipalDisaster Coor- Red Cross, dinator/Director for his jurisdiction. ~ Managethe situation as well aspossible, suspending The County judge of each county will be recog- civil law if necessary. nizedas the County DisasterCoordinator/Director for the area of the county outside the corporate limits of the municipalities in the county. VI. PREPARATION BY CITIZENS The intent of Executive Order DB-8 is elaborated further on page4 of Disaster Planning A Manual For Local Ultimately, the responsibility for hurricane preparedness Governments. lies with you, the individual. When a storm is brewing in the Gulf, local officials are preparing for the emergency In either case,these officials may appointor select and cannot assist you with planning or background infor- by court orderor city ordinancea coordinatorof mation. So knowthe dangers and be preparedfor them disaster servicesto administer the local program. before hurricane seasonbegins. Such coordinator will be responsible to the county First,determine if youa.re in a vulnerablearea. What judge or mayor, as the case may be. is the elevation of your home above sea level? How far are If a city and county concur in such an arrangement, you from the coast? What is the maximumstorm surge heightthat could occur in your area? Is your area During passageof the storm, help may not be able to susceptibleto freshwaterflooding? The elevationmay be reach the stricken area. People in public shelters or private included on the construction plan or plat of your house. homes will have to care for themselves. Here are some If you do not know, seeAppendix Ill, Part4, for instructions. precautions and suggestions: If the elevation of your house is lessthan 25 feet above ~ Someone should stay awake at all times to monitor mean sea level and you are less than 20 miles from the radio broadcasts and serve as guard against fire, coast,then you could be highly susceptibleto flooding by snakes,and other hazards. the storm surge. The nearest National Weather Service Keep a window partially open on the downwind Of fice has estimates of the highest potential storm surge side of the house to stabilize pressure inside the for each point along the coast and the approximate extent house.This will helpreduce the risk of windowsor of inland flooding. The Officealso can supplyflood stage doors beingblown out due to largepressure differences information for streams and bayous, caused by the storm. Second, insure your house and possessions. Purchase ~ Remaininside until the storm passes;do not venture insurance from a reputable company and request coverage outside during passageof the eye except for necessary for all typesof hurricanedamage. ln the past,some policies repairsthat can be accomplishedquickly. Rerriember, did not cover damagecaused by rising or windblown water. tlie calm winds associatedwith the eye seldomlast Third, know what to do in and aroundyour houseto more than 20 minutes. minimizedamage. A few precautionscan reduceyour losses.Check where to go if you areforced to evacuate ~ Several people should know where emergency suppliesand equipmentare stored. and know what to take with you. Local EOC officials can supplythis inforination. Appendix ll contains checklists and advice about preparing for a hurricane, remainingat home,and evacuatingto safety. Vill. PICKING UP THE PIECES

Whilea hurricaneis in progress,excitement, apprehension, VII. ENDURING THE STORM fear, and thoughtsof survivalleave little time for desponden- cy. After the hurricanepasses, however, the extent of When the storm arrives with its fierce winds and driving property damagecan causewidespread shock, rains,everyone must seek protection. If your planninghas Buildingsmay be leveled,and areasmay remainflooded beenthorough, there is not muchto do exceptwait for the for daysor weeks. Roads,bridges, and highwaysmay be storm to pass. impassable.Communications, utility, and public sewage systemsmay be disruptedseverely. Health hazardsabound. Privatewells and municipalwaterworks can be contaminated, anddrinking water may not be available.Without electricity for refrigeration,foods may be inedible. United StatesPublic Law 93-288provides for immediate federalassistance to hurricane-damagedareas that havebeen declareda "major disasterarea" by the President.This declarationis madeat the requestof the stateGovernor, who is advisedby county EOCofficials. The Federal DisasterAssistance Administration, in the Departmentof Housingand Urban Development, can allot federal funds for repairingproperty and minimizinghealth hazards, including removalof debris. Manpowersupplied by the military servicesand heavyequipment such as bulldozerscan be provided. The U.S.Corps of Engineers may be summonedif local resourcesare exhausted. ln cooperationwith stateand local health officials, fed- eralfood anddrug teams survey the healthsituation in affected areas, Contaminated foods and drugs must be Fig.5. JVotionalGuardsmen control the entronce into o destroyed.The National Disaster Control Agency and the disaster area at Poiocios ofter Hurricane Corfa, September U.S. PublicHealth Service assess the dangerof infectious 1961. Thesehouses were f looted onto the highway by high diseasesand possible epidemics. Drinking water is checked waters, Photo courtesy of the Texas State Highway by laboratorytests, and vaccinesare distributed to prevent Department.! typhoid,diphtheria, and other communicable diseases. The U,S. Department of Agriculture, through service state governmental chain extending from the Governor organizations and state welfare departments,provides through the Defense and Disaster Relief Council to local surplus foods for families and emergency supplies for civil authorities. County-level agenciescan request livestock feeding. The American Red Crossgives grants, assistancefrom state and federal agencieswhen local basedon need not loss!,to assistfamilies during the resourcesare inadequate. disaster period. In addition, the Red Cross and the County or municipalorganizations are expected to Texas Division of the Salvation Army distribute food arrange for the disposition of dead animals, clearingof and materialsfrom mobile canteensduring and immedi- debris, and repair of water and sewagesystems, roads, ately after hurricanes. Funds and other assistancealso bridges, and public buildings. Local civil authorities help may come from charitable foundations, churches, clubs, coordinate state, federal, private, and military efforts. and private citizens. Restoration of public utilities is handled by local repair The Texas National Guard, the Texas State Guard, crews, but utility companies outside the disaster area are and units of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, called if needed. The record of these companies in quirkly and Coast Guard may aid affected communities. After restoring such vital servicesas electricity, natural gas, a severe storm, Guard units maintain civil order, direct and telephone lines is commendable. traffic, establishroadblocks, provide manpowerfor transportation, and distriibute food, clothing, and other supplies. Regular military units, which also assist in these IX. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! tasks,are requested when authorities feel that local resources are inadequate. Hurricanes and tropical storms will continue to hit the Insurancecompanies usually send extra adjusters to a Texas coast,and each one is a potential killer. Even with disaster area to help process insurance claims. Many in- increasedstandards of construction, some degree of damage surancecompanies will make an advance payment on proof must be expected. However, good planning and prepara- of lossof identified items without requiringfinal adjustment. tion are the surestmeans of reducing the number of This partial payment allows time to determine total loss casualtiesand the amount of property damage. State, and to make a suitable settlement under less hectic condi- federal,military, and civilian agenciesor organizations tions. will be able to provide help during natural disasters, but The primary responsibility for recovery and rehabilita- the ultimate responsibilityfor your survivaland for your tion of hurricane-stricken areas,however, lies with the family's survivallies with you.

APPENDIX I: HURRICANE GLOSSARY

8uileti n: A public releasefrom a Weather Service Hurricane Eye: The roughly circular area of comparatively light WarningOffice issued at timesother thanthose when winds and fair weather at the center of a hurricane. advisoriesare required. A bulletinis similar in form to an advisorybut includesadditional generalnewsworthy Ga/e Warning: A notice added to small craft advisories information. when windsof 38-55 m.p.h. are expected.

Cautionary Advice to Sma/i Craft; When a hurricane is Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of within a few hundred miles of a coastline, small craft 74 m.p.h. 4 knots! or greater. operatorsare warned to takeprecautions and to avoidentering the open sea. HurricaneWarning: A warningthat within 24 hours or lessa specifiedcoastal area may be subjectto a! Cyc/one:A closedsystem of cyclonic counterclockwise sustainedwinds of 74 rn.p.h.4 knots!or higherand/or direction!circulation characterizedby Iow pressureand b! dangerouslyhigh water or a combinationof danger- inclement weather. ously high water and exceptionallyhigh waves,even though winds expected may be less than hurricane Extreme Hurricane: A tropical cyclonewith maximum force. winds of 136 m.p.h. 18 knots! or higherand minimum centralpressure of 28.00 inchesHg 11.20 mm Hgor Hurricane Warch: The first alert when a hurricaneposes 948,19 mb! or less. a possible, but as yet uncertain, threat to a certain coastal area, or when a tropical storm threatens the describing the storm, its position, anticipated movement, watch area and has a 50-50 chance of intensifying and prospective threat. into a hurricane. Small craft advisories are issuedas part of a hurricanewatch advisory. Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with sustained windsof lessthan 39 m.p.h. 4 knots!. i and Subsidence: The sinking of the land, caused mainly by the withdrawal of undergroundwater from wells Tropicai Storm.' A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of supplying cities and industries. This phenomenon may 39 to 73 m.p.h. 4 to 63 knots!. cause coastal areas to become more vulnerable to flooding.

Local Action Statement: A public releaseprepared by a APPEND I X I I Weather Service Office in or near a threatened area Presentedhere are three hurricane-safetychecklists for givingspecific details for its areaof responsibilityon weatherconditions, evacuation notices, and other evaluatinghorne safety, deciding whether or not to remain at home,and evacuatingthe area. Individualsare urgedto precautions necessaryto protect iife and property. usethese checklists now, to reviewthem periodically,and to share them with friends. Extra copies that may be tom biajor Hunicane: A tropical cyclonewith maximum windsof 101m.p.h, to 135m.p.h. 88 to 117knots! out are included in the back of this booklet. To keepthese lists available, it isconvenient to specify and a minimum central pressureof 28.01 to 29.00 one location, suchas the insideof a closetdoor, as the inchesHg 11.45 ta 736.60 mm Hgor 948.53 to emergencycenter of the house. A frameworkcan be 982.05 mb!. installed to hold a first-aid kit, snake-bite kit, flashlight, candles,waterproof matchbox, and bookletson erst aid, Seiche: A series of fast-moving waves that sometimes civil defense,tornado safety, and hurricanepreparedness. aresuperimposed upon the storm surge. This pheno- A fire extinguisheris recommended.Emergency phone menonmay causetotal destructionand greatloss of numbers should be listed on the door in large letters that life. can be readin poor light and without glasses. Storm Surge,' An abnormal rise in the level of the sea producedby the hurricane. This inundationis usually responsiblefor the greatestloss of life and destruction A, Checklist for Evaluating Home Hurricane Safety of proper ty. YES/NO Storm N'arning: A notice addedto smallcraft advisories when winds of 56-73 m.p.h. are expected. Bath 1. Is your homewithin 20 milesof the coast? galeand storm warningsindicate the coastalarea to be 2. Is your home less than 25 feet above mean sea affectedand the expectedintensity of the disturbance. level? 3, Is your homein an areasusceptible to flash Tornado: A violently rotating column of air, nearlyalways floods or river system floods? observable as a funnel cloud. 4. Doyou livein a mobilehome within 50 miles Tornado Forecast Information: An advisory stating that of the coast? If your answer is "yes," plan to conditions are such that tornadoes may occur. evacuateyour homeand proceedto the evaluation checklist. Tornado Warning: An advisory stating that a tornado actuallyhas been sighted by humaneye or indicated If you haveanswered "yes" to any questionsabove, by radar. completeChecklist A. Then proceedto the checklist applicableto your plansfor weatheringa hurricane-remain- TropicaiCyclone: A generalterm for the nearlycircular ing at home or evacuating the area. cyclonesthat originateover tropical ocean~.It includes tropical depressions,tropical storms,and all typesof 5. Is your insurance coveragesuitable? hurricanes. 6. Haveyou storedyour valuablepapers, TropicoiCyclone/Hurricane Adv/sari est Messagesissued jewelry, keepsakes,etc. in a bank vault or simultaneously by the Hurricane Warning Offices and secure place that will be safe from storms, the Nationai Hurricane Center in Miami every six hours fires, or looters? B. Checklistfor Remainingat Horne duringa Hurricane stove. For assistance, see Appendix VI I.

YES/NO 10. Do you have sufficient medication and prescription drugs? Are you aware that mobile homes are more susceptible to damage by high winds than 'l1. Do you have a portable radio in working other types of housing? Your mobile home condition so that you can listen to local should be tied at all times, When a hurricane stations for storm watches and warnings and approaches,/eave for more substantial shelter. for instructions from the local EOC?

If you own a boat, is it moored securely? I2. Do you have an axe and wrecking bar Do not attempt to ride out a storm on your immediately available? If the house shifts boat or to return to check its moorings after or falls, these tools may be needed to open the storm has arrived. Small boats can be doors or to rescue trapped individuals. tied close to the house and filled with water to keep them from being blown away. 13. Have you moved furniture away from exposed windows and doors? Tape windows to re- 3 Do you havea full tank of gasolinein your duce the possibility of flying glass. car? Authorities may advise you to evacuate if conditions worsen and your home is no 14. Do you know that it is exrremely important longer safe. If electric power is off, filling to stay inside during the storm and not to stationsmay not be able to operate pumps go out during the lull while the eye is passing? for severaldays, 15. Do you know how to shut off the maingas valve and to pull the main power switch if Have you stored or secured outdoor objects that could be blown away or uprooted? the house starts to flood? Flooding will extinguishpilot lightsand gasmay leak. Garbagecans, garden tools, awnings, TV antennas,signs, outdoor furniture, and toys High water can causeshorting of electric lines, which could start fires. It is unlikely can become lethal projectiles in hurricane- that help will be available to control or force winds. extinguish fires. Are windows boarded or shutters in place? 16. Are you awareof the dangers flying debris! Usegood lumberand make sure it is fastenedsecurely. Makeshiftboarding or of opening a door or window on the windward side of the house? Exit on the down- plywood may come apart when wet and do more damagethan not havingtaken wind side if possible. any precautions.! 17. Are you prepared to evacuate if required? Take only necessaryclothing, lt is 6. Do you havestrong bracing for outsidedoors? advisableto havea suitcasepacked.! See 7, Are flashlightsand/or emergency lights work- Appendix Ill, Part 5. ing? Do you have extra batteries? 18, If you have to evacuate at the last minute, do you know which evacuation route to use? 8. Do you havea sufficientsupply of drinking Keep up-to-date on the best route by water on hand? Since city water service may listening to the radio in your area. be interrupted, you should sterilize the bath- tub, jugs, bottles, pots and pans, then fill them with water. Water in the hot water tank a. Use route to may be used for drinking. A supply of water purification tablets is recommended. b. Use route to

9. Haveyou stockednon-perishable food that c. Use route to doesnot need refrigeration and can be eaten without cooking or with little preparation? 19. Do you have the location and telephone Remember that eiectric power may be off number of the nearest Red Cross shelter and you may be without refrigerator or posted in your house? information will be

10 givenover radio concerningavailable shelters. See Appendix III, Part 5. Remember that the list may not include the shelter closest to your home, 10. Haveyou shutoff themain gas valve and pulledthe main power switch before leaving? a. Address Phone 11. Do you know that downedelectric power linesare extremely dangerous?Do not move b. Address Phone or touch them.

c. Address Phone 12. Are you familiar with the best evacuation route to use? 20. Do you know that downedelectric power lines are extremely dangerous? Do not a. Use route to move or touch them, b. Use route to

c. Use route to C. Checklist for Evacuating the Area 13, If you aremarooned, do you know the loca- lf you decideto evacuate,try to leaveduring daylight tion and telephone number of your nearest hourswell in advance of the storm. Heavy rains and high Civil Defense or Red Cross sheiters? winds usuallyprecede the storm by six hours. a. Address Phone YES/NO

b. Address Phone 1. Haveyou tied down your mobile home? SeeAppendix VII I. c, Address Phone 2. Is a car with a full tank of gasoline ready if needed? Walk to shelter when possibleto help alleviatetraffic congestion. APPEND I X I I I 3. If you own a boat,is it mooredsecurely? Do not attempt to ride out a stormon Generalinformation that may be usefulin preparingfor your boator to returnto checkits moorings a hurricane is presented here, after the stormarrives.! Small boatscan be tied next to the house and filled with water 'I. Device for protecting windows. Scientists at Texas to keep them from being blown away. A@M Universityhave designed a protectivedevice for windows. This10-inch aluminum disc, when clampedonto windows 4. Haveyou storedor securedoutdoor objects with an aluminum bar, is said to enable windows to with- that mightbe blownaway? Garbage cans, standwinds up to 240 miles per hour. This deviceis better gardentools, awnings, T Vantennas, signs, protection than boardsor shuttersand is easierto install. outdoor furniture, and toys can become It is recommended for upper-story windows, which are lethalprojectiles in hurricane-forcewinds. affectedless by flying debris. Ground-levelwindows should be boarded. For further information about this disc, write 5. Are windows boarded or shutters in place? to Dr. john Reading,Physics Department, Texas A&M Tapingwindows helps to reduceflying glass. University,College Station, TX 77843

6. Doyou havestrong bracing for outside doors? 2. jiedown for mobile homes. If you live in a mobile home,you shouldbe preparedto evacuate.However, your 7. Haveyou moved furniture away from exposed mobile home should be tied throughout the year. A windows and doors? booklet entitled "ProtectingMobile Homes from High Winds" can be obtained from your local Civil Defense 8. Do you havesufficient prescriptiondrugs or office or by writing the U.S. Army AG Publications medicines? Center,Civil DefenseBranch, 2800 FasternBlvd., Baltimore, MD 21220. Appendix Vill containsan excerpt from this 9. Have you taken only necessaryclothing? booklet.

11 3. Mopsof oreoscovered by storm surgesof previous ~ Firearms, other weapons, or fireworks. hurricanes. "HurricaneAwareness Program Materials" may Family pets. Do not leave pets tied or confined. be obtainedfrom the TexasCoastal and MarineCouncil, However, if you do not wish to leave your pet to fend P.O, Box 13407, Austin, TX 787 1 I. Included in these for itself, evacuate from the area and place the materials are maps showing the extent of storm surge flood- animal in commercialfacilities.! iiig from pasthurricanes. Storm evacuationmaps may be Whenevacuating to a knownplace i.e., the homeof a obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National relativeor friend!, take: Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Survey,Distribution Division,C44, Riverdale,MD 20840. ~ Medication the family requires. These maps, $2 each, are large scale and cover a small area Extra eyeglassesif needed. in greatdetail. Specifythe location for the map requested. Durable work clothes for returning to the disaster Mapsare availableat this time for the following areas: area to make house repairs. Alvin Beaumont Galveston Refugio When returning to the disaster area, leave young children Anahuac CorpusChristi Houston Rockport and pets behind, if possible, until utilities and public AransasPass Freeport PortArthur Winnie services drinking water,etc.! are restoredand until home repairs and cleanup have been completed, 4. Information on land eievation. The local city engineer 6. Evacuation vehicie. Take a vehicle in good should be able to tell you the land elevation of an area. mechanical condition since repairs and servicesmay not be The engineeringoffice in a DrainageDistrict also has the available. A larger car is preferable becauseit will drive information. The U.S.Department of Agriculture-Soil through deeper water, will not be blown off the road as ConservationService USDA-SCS!can supplythe information easily as a smallercar, and will rarry more people and items. for rural as well as urban areas. There are SCS offices in Do not overload,however. Wateron the road may cause the following cities: brakes to malfunction and the engine to stall. Traffic may be bumper-to-bumper so demonstrate your best Anahuac Edna Port Lavaca San Benito driving skill and judgment on the evacuation trip. A Angleton Har1 ingen Raymondville Sinton motorcycle should be used only as a last resort. Bay City Houston Refugio Victoria Beaumont Kountze Robstown Wharton Edinburg Liberty Rosenberg

5. Possessionsto toke whenevacuating. A hurricane APPENDIX IV shelterwill be the most suitablebuilding in the area,such as a school, church, or courthouse. Roomsand halls will Listedhere are namesof Atlantic hurricanesand tropical be lined with folding cats. Foodswill be simpleand stormsfor the period 1975-1984. Each set of names is rationed. Privacywill be minimal,and all refugeesmust repeatedevery 10 years, In the eventof anextremely help to maintainpublic healthand sanitation. With good damaginghurricane, that nameis retired permanentlyand humor andcooperation everyone can endure, and many a new name is substituted. lastingfriendships may beginunder such conditions. Expect to remainin theshelter one to three days. Whenevacuating 1975-Amy, Blanche,Caroline, Doris, Eloise, Faye, to a shelter, take: Gladys, Hallie, Ingrid, J ulia, Kitty, Lilly, Mabel, ~ One changeof durableclothing heavy shoes, work Niki, Opal, Peggy,Ruby, Sheila, Tilda, Vicky, clothes,etc,!. Winnie. ~ Specialmedicine the family needs. 1976-Anna, Belle, Candice, Dottie, Emmy, Frances, ~ Specialfood any familymember requires. Gloria, Holly, Inga, J ill, Kay, Lilias, Maria, Nola, Orpha, Pamela, Ruth, Shirley, Trixie, ~ Specialclothes for babies, especially disposable diapers. Vilda, Wynne. ~ Extra eye glassesif needed. 1977-Anita, Babe, Clara, Dorothy, Evelyn, Frieda, Minimal toilet articles, Grace,Hannah, lda, Jodie, Kristina, Lols, Mary, ~ Papertowels, kleenex, etc. Nora,Odel, Penny,Raquel, Sophia, Trudy, Virginia, W illene. ~ Bedding,if time and spacepermit. 1978-Amelia, Bess,Cora, Debra, Ella, Flossle,Greta, Hope, Irma, juliet, Kendra, Louise,Martha, Do not take: Noreen, Ora, Paula, Rosalie,Susan, Tanya, Alcoholic beverages. Vanessa,Wand a. 12 1979-Angie, Barbara, Cindy, Dot, Eve, Franny, Gwyn, Hedda, Iris, J udy, Karen, Lana, Molly, Nita, Ophelia, Patty, Roberta, Sherry, Tess, Vesta, Wend a. 1980-Abby, Bertha, Candy, Dinah, Elsie, Felicia, Georgia,Hedy, Isabel,June, Kim, Lucy, Millie, Nina, Olive, Phyllis, Rosie, Suzy, Theda, Violet, Will et te. 1981-Arlene, Beth, Chloe, Doria, Edith, Fern, Ginger, Heidi, Irene,J anice,Kristy, Laura,Margo, Nona, Orchid, Portia, Rachel, Sandra, Terese, Verna, Wallis. 1982-Agnes,Betty, Carrie,Dawn, Edna,Felice, Gerda, Harriet, Illene,Jane, Kara, Lucile, Mae,Nadine, Gale Warning. Two RED pennants displayed by day and a Odette, Polly, Rita, Sarah, Tina, Velma, Wendy. WHITE light abovea RED light at night to indicatewinds 1983 Alice, Brenda, Christine, Delia, Ellen, Fran, within the range39 to 54 m.p.h,4 to 47 knots!are fore- Gilda, Helen, Imogene, Joy, Kate, Loretta, cast for the area. Madge,Nancy, Ona, Patsy,Rose, Sally, Tam, Vera, Wilda. 1984-Alma, Becky, Carmen, Dolly, Elaine, Fifi, Gertrude, Wester,Ivy, Justine, Kathy, Linda, Marsha, Nelly, Olga, Pearl,Roxanne, Sabrina, Thelma, Viola, Wilma.

APPENDIX V

Colored pennants and lights are displayed in some ports Night and areas of the Texas coast to warn of hazardous sea conditions. Moderntechnology, however, has reduced the Storm Warning. A single square RED flag with a BLACK number of flag stations needed along the coast. Now center displayed during daytime and two RED lights at emphasisis placedon continuousmarine broadcasts trans- night to indicate winds within the range55 to 73 m.p.h. mitted at 162.55 MHz. 8 to 63 knots! are forecastfor the area.

Nigh

Small Craft Advisory. One RED pennant displayed by day and a RED light over a WHITE light at night to indicate HurricaneWarning. Two squareRED flags with BLACK the winds and seas, or sea conditions alone, considered center displayedduring the day and WHITE light between dangerous to small craft operations are forecast. Winds two RED lights at night to indicate that winds 74 m.p.h. may rangeas high as 38 m.p.h. 3 knots.! 4 knots! and aboveare forecastfor that area. 13 APPENDIX VI

The following excerpt is reprintedfrofn NOAA Marjrzzine, ScaleNo. 2-Windsof 96 to 110 miles per hour. Consider- Volume 4, Number 3, J uly 1974. able damage to shrubbery and tree foliage, some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes. Hurricane Disaster-Potential Scale: e Extensivedamage to poorly constructedsigns. Somedamage to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door The hurricanedisaster-potential scale is an experimental damage. No major damage to buildings. Or: storm surge effort by the NationalWeather Service to givepublic 6 to 8 feet abovenormal. Coastalroads and low-lying safety officials a continuing assessmentof the potential escaperoutes inland cut by rising water 2 to 4 hours before for wind and storm-surgedamage from a hurricaneafter it arrival of hurrirane center. Considerable damage to piers. reachesa point where it could be a threat to their coastal Marinasflooded Smallcraft in unprotectedanchorages populations. tom from moorings. Evacuation of some shoreline Scalenumbers are madeavailable to public-safety residencesand fow-lying islandareas required. officials when a hurricane is within 72 hours of landfall. Scalenumbers range from 1 to 5-with ScaleNo. 1 having ScaleNo. 3-Windsof 111 to 130 milesper hour. at least the threshold windspeed of a hurricane of 74 Foliage tom from trees, large trees blown down. Practically miles per hour, or a storm surge 4 to 5 feet above normal all poorly constructedsigns blown down. Somedamage water level--and Scale No. 5 having a windspeed of 155 to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door milesper hour or more, or a stormsurge more than 18 feet damage.Some structural damage to small buildings, Mo- above normal. bilehomes destroyed. Or: storm surge9 to 12 feet above The Weather Service emphasizesthat the disaster- normal. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller potential numbersare not forecasts,but will be basedon structuresnear coastdestroyed; larger structures near observedconditions at a giventime in a hurricane'slifespan. coastdamaged by batteringwaves and floating debris. They represent an estimate of what the storm would do low-lying escaperoutes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 to a coastalarea if it wereto strike without changein de- hours before hurricane center arrives. Flat terrain 5 feet structivepower. Scaleassessments will be revisedregularly or lessabove sealevel flooded inland 8 miles or more. asnew observationsare made,and public-safetyorganizations Evacuation of low-lying residenceswithin several blocks will be continually advised of new estimates of the hurricane's of shoreline possibly required. disaster potential. The Disaster-PotentialScale gives probable property ScaleNo. 4--Windsof 131 to 155 milesper hour. damageand evacuation recommendations as follows: Shrubsand treesblown down, all signsdown. Extensive damageto roofing materials,windows and doors. Complete ScaleNo, 1-Windsof 74 to 95 milesper hour. Damage failure of roofs on manysmall residences.Complete primarily to shrubbery,trees, foliage and unanchored mobile destructionof mobile homes. Or: storm surge13 to 18 homes, No real damageto other structures. Somedamage feet above normal. Flat terrain 10 feet or less above sea to poorly constructedsigns, Or: storm surge4 to 5 feet level flooded inland as far as6 miles. Major damageto abovenormal. Low-lyingcoastal roads inundated, minor lowerfloors of structuresnear shore due to flooding and pier damage,some small craft in exposedanchorages tom batteringby wavesand floating debris. Low-lyingescape from moorings. routesinland cut by risingwater 3 to 5 hoursbefore

Definition of the Scale

Cantral Pressure Category mill ibars! Winds lrnphl Surgelft! Example

> 980 74-95 4-5 Agnes1972 Fla. coast! 965-979 96-1 10 6-8 Cleo 1964 945-964 111-130 9-12 Betsy 'l 965 920-944 13] -155 13-18 Donna 1960 Fla,, Carla 1961 Tex. < 920 > 155 > 18 1935 Storm on Fla. Keys

Qeveiopedby HerbertSsffir. DadeCounty consulting engineer, snd Dr. RobertH. Simpson.former NationalHurricane Center Director hurricane center arrives. Major erosion of beaches. Massive publication TR-75 when ordering this booklet from your evacuation of all residenceswithin 500 yards of shore local Civil Defense office or from the U.S. Army AG possibly required, and of single-story residenceson low Publications Center, Civil Defense Branch, 2800 Eastern ground within 2 miles of shore, Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21220.

ScaleNo, 5-Winds greater than 155 miles per hour. Tied own IVlobile Homes for Safety Shrubs and trees blown down, considerable damage to roofs of buildings; all signs down. Very severeand exten- Tiedowns offer the most consistent and effective means sivedamage to windowsand doors. Completefailure of for minimizing mobile home damage from high winds. Two roofs on many residencesand industrial buildings, typesof ties are needed: ! the "over-the-top" tie, Extensive shattering of glassin windows and doors. Some and ! the frame tie. The first keepsthe unit from over- complete building failures, Small buildings overturned turning, and the second preventsit from being blown off or blown away. Complete destruction of mobile homes. the supports. Or: storm surge greater than 18 feet above normal. Frame ties can also reduce the chance of overturn, but Major damageto lower floors of all structuresless than many mobile homes do not have enough internal strength 15 feet above sea. level within 500 yards of shore. Low- to transmit high wind loads to the supporting steel frame. lying escaperoutes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 Thus, installation solely of frame ties will secure the frame, hours before hurricane center arrives. Massive but the unit restingon the frame may blow away. There- evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to fore, the DefenseCivil PreparednessAgency recommends 10 miles of shore possibly required. use of both over-the-top ties and frame ties to secure 10-, 12-, and 14-ft.-wide mobile homes. Double units 24 ft. in width are quite stable, and do not require use of over- the-top ties-only frame ties. APPE ND I X VII Ties are made of wire rope or rust-resistant steel strap which "tie" the mobile home and its steel frame to Food is an important item for survival and must be ob- anchors embedded in the ground. The cable or strap is tained before the disaster strikes. The food selected must secured to the anchor with a yoke-type fastener and meet several requirements, such as nourishment, taste, and tensioning device, or with clamps and turnbuckles. easy preparation, perhaps without heat or refrigeration. One Commercially available ties, ronsisting of galvanized listing of a disaster diet has been published by the Govern- steelstrapping '/4" x.035"!, with a minimumbreaking ment PrintingOffice. When ordering from the Public Docu- strength of more than 4,750 lb., or galvanized steel cable ments Distribution Center, Pueblo, CO 81009, include the i32" 7x7, ar /4" 7 x 19!, with a breakingstrength of publication numbers from the following information: more than 4,800 lb., are acceptable. The over-the-top tie is secured to an anchor on each 28j DISASTER DIET. This folder describes a side af the mobile home. Frame ties connect the steel Disaster Diet Kit and tells how it should be designed beam supporting the unit to the anchors. Severalof each to provide nourishment for a family isolated from type of tie, with connectionsand anchors, must be used normal food sources for several days by hurricanes, for an effective tiedawn of the whole unit. floods, winter storms,etc. 1974. 8 p. t.25 Over-the-topties should be located within 2 feet of C55.2:0 63/2 5/JV03I7-00236 each end of the mobile home, and others as needed at intervals between, at stud locations. Commercially Another food list for disasterdiets is being published by available adapters or wood blocks should be used to the Home Extension Service of Texas A&M University. preventsharp bends in over-the-topties, and to keepthem Copies of this pamphlet will be available before the 1976 from cutting into the unit whentension is applied. hurricane seasonand may be obtained at the county agent's Manufacturers of mobile homes increasingly are including office or by writing the Agricultural Extension Service, concealed tiedown straps under the skin in new units. The Texas A& M University, CollegeStation, TX 77843. homes are thus more attractive than when exposed tiedowns must be used. The concealed straps still must be secured to groundanchors, and frame ties must alsobe installed. Tiedownsshould be installedby ALL mobile home APPENDIX VIII owners. If your unit is in a mobile home park and your neighborsdon't tie theirs down, other units could be The following excerpt is taken from 8 otecting IIfob11e blown into yours in a severestorm. Homes From High yliinds, a 1974 publication that includes detailed information about and drawings of piersand footings, ties, and anchors for mobile homes. Specify

15 REFERENCES

ESSATechnical Memorandum lS'BTN SR-50, A Reassess- NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ment of the Hunicane Prediction Problem. U.S. Washington, D. C. 1970. Department of Commerce, Environmental Science ServicesAdministration, Washington, D. C. February Hurricanes,WTVT WeatherService, Tampa, Florida. 1973. 1970. Neurnann, C. j. NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS DI'sasterPlanning-A Manual for Local Governments, The SR-62,An Alternateto the Hunan HurricaneAnalog! Stateof TexasDepar tment of PublicSafety Division of TropicalCyclone Forecast System. U.S. Department Disaster Emergency Services,Austin, Texas. 1974. of Commerce,National Oceanic. and Atmospheric Administration,National Weather Service, Washington, Grice,G. K. An investigationof the TornadoesAssociated D. C. january 1972. wI'th Hurricane 8eulah. Unpublished thesis. Texas A&M University,College Station, Texas. August1968. Neumann, C. J . et al. NOAA Technical Memorandum NWSSR<3, A StatisticalMethod of Combining Hope, J. R. and C. J. Neumann. NOAA Technical Memo- Synopticand Empirical TropicaiCyclone Predicti'on randumNWS SR-55, Digitized Atlantic TropicalCyclone Systems. U.S.Department of Commerce,National Tracks. U.S.Department of Commerce,National Oceanicand AtmosphericAdministration, National Oceanicand AtmosphericAdministration, National WeatherService, Washington, D. C. May 1972. WeatherService, Washington, D. C. J uly 1971. Neumann, C. J. and M. B. Lawrence. NOAA Technical TheHomeport Story: An imaginaryCity GetsReady for MemorandumNWS SR-69, Statistical-Dynamical a Hurricane. U.S.Department of Commerce,National Predictionof TropicalCyclone Motion NHC 73!. Oceanicand AtmosphericAdministration, National U.S.Department of Commerce,National Oceanic and WeatherService, Washington, D. C. 197l. AtmosphericAdministration, National Weather Service,Washington, D. C. April 1973. HurricaneAwareness Briefings 7974. TexasCoastal and MarineCouncil, P.O. Box 13407,Austin, Texas. NOAA TechnicalMemorandum N yliSTM SR-53, 1974. TheDecision Processin Hurricane Forecasting. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Hurricane,The Greatest Storm on Earth. U.S.Department AtmosphericAdministration, Washington, D. C. of Commerce,National Oceanic and Atmospheric J anuary 197 i. Administration,Washington, D. C. 1971. Survivalin a Hurricane.U.S. Department of Commerce, Hurricaneinformation and Atlantic TrackingChart, U.S. NationalOceanic and AtmosphericAdministration, Departmentof Commerce,National Oceanic and Washington, D. C. 1970. AtmosphericAdministration, Washington, D. C. 1971. Tannehill, l. R. Hunicanes. PrincetonUniversity Press, HurricaneSafety Rules. U.S. Department of Commerce, Princeton, New Jersey. 1945.