General Hurricane/Tornado Procedures and Facts

HURRICANE

The intensity of a landfalling hurricane is expressed in terms of categories that relate wind speeds and potential damage. According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

The strongest winds usually occur in the right side of the eyewall of the hurricane. Wind speed usually decreases significantly within 12 hours after landfall. Nonetheless, winds can stay above hurricane strength well inland. Hurricane Hugo (1989), for example, battered Charlotte, North Carolina (which is 175 miles inland) with gusts to nearly 100 mph.

TORNADOES

Hurricanes can also produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane. However, they are also often found elsewhere embedded in the rainbands, well away from the center of the hurricane.

Some hurricanes seem to produce no tornadoes, while others develop multiple ones. Studies have shown that more than half of the landfalling hurricanes produce at least one tornado. Nonetheless, the effects of tornadoes, added to the larger area of hurricane-force winds, can produce substantial damage.

Tornado Facts

• When associated with hurricanes, tornadoes are not usually accompanied by hail or a lot of lightning, clues that citizens in other parts of the country watch for.
• Tornado production can occur for days after landfall when the tropical cyclone remnants maintain an identifiable low pressure circulation.
• They can also develop at any time of the day or night during landfall. However, by 12 hours after landfall, tornadoes tend to occur mainly during daytime hours.

Hurricane hazards come in many forms storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for you to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare yourself for the disaster accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

You should be able to answer the following questions before a hurricane threatens:

• What are the Hurricane Hazards?
• What does it mean to you?
• What actions should you take to be prepared?


1. Familiarize yourself with your dorm building. Know your dorm's vulnerability to flooding and wind.
2. Locate a safest areas in your dorm. These areas would be the same instructions that are listed In the Campus Safety website for Tornado Procedures section.
3. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
4. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call (Campus Safety) 1234.
5. Stock nonperishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
6. Use a NOAA weather radio located in various locations on campus, click here for info and campus locations. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors. Click here for the NOAA web site.
7. Knowing First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes is always a plus.

DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
  • nonperishable packaged or canned food / juices
  • foods for infants or the elderly
  • snack foods
  • non-electric can opener
  • cooking tools / fuel
  • paper plates / plastic utensils
• Blankets / Pillows, etc.
• Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
• Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
• Flashlight / Batteries
• Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
• Keys
• Important documents - in a waterproof container insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
• Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled