Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
 

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Scientists can now predict hurricanes, but people who live in coastal communities should plan what they will do if they are told to evacuate.

Prepare for Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

• Get a kit of emergency supplies and prepare a portable kit in case you have to evacuate.

• Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.

• A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.

• A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If the county issues an evacuation order, leave immediately! The life you save may not only be your own but the lives of rescue workers trying to assist you!

• Prepare to secure your property.

• Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.

• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. These items could become missiles!

• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed.

• If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.

 

Plan to Evacuate

 

• Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.

• If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating.

• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.

• Identify several places you could go in an emergency, a friend's home in another town, a motel or public shelter.

• If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.

• Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.

• Take your emergency supply kit.

• Lock the door behind you.

• Take your pets with you, the Emergency Pet Shelter is at the St Mary’s County Fairgrounds. Service animals are allowed at the Leonardtown High School Emergency Shelter.  See pages 14 and 15 for Pet Preparedness.

• If time allows:

• Call or email the "out-of-state" contact in your family communications plan and tell them where you are going.

• Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.

• Check with neighbors who may need a ride.

If you are not able to evacuate, stay indoors away from all windows. Take shelter in an interior room with no windows if possible. Be aware that there may be a sudden lull in the storm as the eye of the hurricane moves over. Stay in your shelter until local authorities say it is safe.

 

Stay informed

 

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available. See the Emergency Information page for a list of local radio and TV stations.

• Stay out of flood waters, if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged. However, should you find yourself trapped in your vehicle in rising water get out immediately and seek higher ground.

• Be alert for tornadoes and flooding. If you see a funnel cloud or if the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning take shelter underground, if possible or in an interior room away from windows. If waters are rising quickly or NWS issues a flood or flash flood warning, seek higher ground.

• Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

• Do not return to your home until county officials say it is safe. Even after the hurricane and after flood waters recede, roads may be weakened and could collapse. Buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated. Use common sense and exercise caution.

Hurricane Categories on the
Saffir-Simpson Scale

Commonly used terms about Hurricanes and Tropical Storms:

Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in the lower level of the sea, produced by a hurricane or tropical storm. To find out if your home is in a Storm Surge area see the Emergency Preparedness Map.

Storm Tide: The actual sea level resulting from astronomical tide plus storm surge.

Tropical Depression: A tropical low pressure system in which the maximum sustained wind is 38 mph or less.

Tropical Storm: A tropical low-pressure system in which the maximum sustained surface wind ranges from 39-73 mph.

For more information check the following web-sites:

• http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/maps/Chesapeake_Bay.shtml