Hurricanes Spawn Additional Threats
Release Date: September 11, 2008
Release Number: 3294-010
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AUSTIN, TX -- Hurricanes are not merely coastal events or wind events. Inland flooding, tornadoes, downed trees and power lines are all potential hazards that could be caused by hurricanes. Important points to remember about each condition are as follows:
Inland Flooding
Intense rainfall is not directly related to the wind speed of tropical cyclones. In fact, some of the greatest rainfall amounts occur from weaker storms that drift slowly or stall over an area. A tropical storm can produce more rainfall than a Category 5 hurricane. As all hurricanes weaken to tropical storms and move inland, the threat of torrential rains and high winds over large areas intensify the risks of flooding.
While storm surge is always a potential coastal threat associated with hurricanes, more people died from inland flooding over the past 30-plus years. Since the early 1970s, freshwater flooding has accounted for more than half (59%) of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths.
These floods are why 63% of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths during that period occurred in inland counties. 78% of children killed by tropical cyclones drowned in freshwater floods.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms, with whirling winds that can reach 300 mph. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Heed media updates and warnings.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sited or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
During a Tornado Watch
- Listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or commercial media for updates.
- Be alert for an approaching storm, particularly a revolving funnel-shaped cloud. Other tornado danger signs include a dark, almost greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; or a loud roar, similar to a freight train.
- Be warned that sometimes tornadoes develop so rapidly; there is no visible advance warning.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as an auditorium, cafeteria, supermarket or shopping mall.
- Be prepared to take shelter immediately. Gather household members, pets and disaster supplies.
During a Tornado Warning
- In a home/house or small building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement or storm cellar. If there is none, go to an interior room on the lower level like a closet, interior hallway. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to cover your head and neck.
- Do not open windows. Use the time to seek shelter.
- Go to the center of the room, avoiding the corners, which attract debris.
- In large public buildings, go to predetermined shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually safest. Stay away from windows and open spaces.
- In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest possible floor.
- Get out of vehicles, trailers and mobile homes immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building. Never try to outrun a tornado in a congested area.
- If caught outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential of flooding.
- Do not go under a bridge or overpass. You are safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris from tornadoes, the cause of most fatalities and injuries.
After a Tornado
- Listen to the media for the latest emergency information.
- Be aware of broken glass and downed power lines.
- Help injured or trapped persons. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury.
- Stay out of damaged buildings, returning only when authorities have deemed it safe.
- Use the telephone only in emergencies.
- Leave the area if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
- Take photographs/video of the damage for insurance purposes.
- Remember to help your neighbors, particularly those who may require special assistance.
Downed Trees and Power Lines
The destruction dealt by the devastating winds can result in destroyed buildings, downed trees and power outages. These strong winds have the capability to topple utility poles and snap tree limbs causing them to fall on power lines and disrupt electrical service.
Remember the following tips for dealing with a possible power outage:
- Check flashlights and portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries. A radio is an important source of critical weather and emergency information during a storm.
- If your water supply could be affected by a power outage (a well-water pump system), fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.
- Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door unnecessarily. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed).
- If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
- In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, computers, stereo, VCR, microwave oven, cordless telephone, answering machine and garage door opener. (Review the process for manually operating an electric garage door.)
- Be extra cautious when you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines, and keep children and pets away from them. Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Always assume a downed line is a live line. Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem.
Be alert. Be informed. Stay Safe.
More information about this disaster is available online at www.fema.gov or www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 11-Sep-2008 18:37:32