StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM WSAV.COM
Transcription
StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM WSAV.COM
During & After A Storm During A Storm • Remain Calm. Continue to watch WSAV Storm Team 3 for weather coverage and updates. • Stay indoors until the storm has passed. The eye of the storm produces calm weather conditions. But this calm is deceptive, bordered as it is by maximum force winds and torrential rains. After the eye passes, hurricane conditions will reoccur and will likely be more violent than the weather conditions in front of the eye. Do not go outside until you get the All Clear that the storm has completely passed. • Turn off circuit breakers before the power goes out. Leave one circuit breaker on with a lamp so you will know when power is resumed. • Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, during the storm. • Stay in your safe room even if you hear breaking glass. Do not expose yourself to the hurricane’s winds. • Place animals in carriers. • If your house starts to break apart, cover yourself with a mattress. If your safe room is a bathroom with a bathtub, get in the tub under a mattress. • Use the phone for urgent calls only. Don’t use the phone if you hear thunder. • If you’re in a very tall building, avoid the top floors, as wind speeds are stronger the higher you go. Go to a safe room. Use extreme caution. After A Storm • If your house is damaged, get out until it is inspected by officials. • Find the fire extinguisher before turning on the power. • Stay away from all downed power lines and nearby water puddles. Report downed or sparking power lines and broken gas or water mains. Do not pile debris near power lines. • Avoid driving because of debris and road blockage. • Call your out-of-town emergency contact and communicate that you’re all right. • Do not drink the tap water until officials have announced it is safe. • If filing a claim, notify your insurance agent as soon as possible of an address and phone number where you can be reached. • Inspect your home for damage. Take photos of damaged areas and possessions. • Read the safety manual for your chain saw. Wear at least the following: a helmet system; cotton or leather gloves; chain saw protective chaps or pants and protective work boots with steel toes. Carry the saw with the engine off. Cut fallen tree limbs into pieces 4 feet or less. Place garbage in tied heavy plastic bags and limit weight to 50 lbs. Power Outage Safety • Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting, not candles. • Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. • Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. • If you use a computer, keep files and operating systems backed up regularly. Consider buying extra batteries and a power converter if you use a laptop computer. • Get a high quality surge protector for all of your computer equipment. • If you have an electric garage door opener, find out where the manual-release lever is located. • Have a standard or cellular telephone that does not require electricity. Generator Safety • Buy a generator that is listed with the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM). • If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system. • Do not use indoors, including inside a garage. • Be sure to let the generator cool down before refueling. Water Safety To treat water, first filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to remove solid particles. 1. Bring it to a rolling boil for one full minute and cool 30 minutes. 2. Add 12 drops of 2 percent tincture of iodine per gallon, or 3. Add 16 drops of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Let stand 30 minutes, or 4. Use water purification tablets. Make Corded Phone Part of Your Hurricane Plan Hargray Communications When storms arrive, will your family be prepared to communicate with E911, safety officials, and loved ones? A hurricane, tropical storm, or even an electrical storm and heavy wind can easily disrupt electrical service, and therefore your cordless telephone service. Since power outages can also occur for reasons other than severe weather, you should always have at least 2 one corded phone in your home that is not dependent on electricity to operate. This could be your only method of communication during and after a storm. In the case of a major hurricane, your area could be without electrical power for days or weeks. Without electricity, you cannot rely on the following: VOIP: A popular trend is to have home phone service The 2006 Hurricane Season was a nonevent for the Coastal Empire and Low Country. While the 2005 Hurricane Season made weather history with 26 named storms in the Atlantic Basin, only one 2006 tropical storm, Alberto, had any impact on our area. While the Atlantic Basin had its share of activity, all of the major hurricanes missed us by a mile. This might leave people with a false sense of security, and that’s dangerous. Weather and Emergency Management experts know it’s just a matter of time until a major hurricane hits the Georgia and South Carolina coast. Now is the time to put your hurricane preparedness plans into place, and News 3 On Your Side is ready to help. WSAV is the only station with a team of three full-time certified meteorologists. Our team of weather scientists is an important tool in your arsenal of protection against the worst that Mother Nature brings. And News 3’s commitment to bringing you the best coverage transcends our weather department. When severe weather strikes, our entire station becomes part of Storm Team 3. News 3 Anchor, Russ Riesinger: “Seldom is there a time when our jobs as broadcasters become more significant than when a hurricane is approaching. Making sure your family is prepared and up-to-date in a weather emergency is one of the most important ways that we are On Your Side.” News 3 Anchor, Tina Tyus-Shaw: “It’s critical for everyone to be prepared and follow official emergency warnings. When a tropical storm or hurricane threatens the Coastal Empire and Low Country, you can be sure we’re On Your Side, with around-the-clock weather and information reports.” News 3 Chief Meteorologist Ben Smith: “It’s my passion to help you get the latest, most accurate information for your family’s protection. Storm Team 3 and all of WSAV share a commitment to keeping you and your loved ones out of harm’s way. We’re On Your Side with this commitment all year long.” over the internet. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone service requires a computer and Internet service, which requires electrical power. You will not have VOIP phone service during a power outage. Cordless phones require electricity for the receiver, which will not work during a power outage, rendering your cordless phone useless. Wireless or cellular phones. Cellular towers and antennas can suffer extensive storm damage, which can cause StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM considerable disruption. Even with tropical storm winds, antennas can be blown off alignment, resulting in poor coverage. Also, you cannot recharge your cell phone battery without electricity. Here’s an important tip: Post emergency telephone numbers by your corded phone, and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. For safety’s sake, make a corded phone part of your emergency and hurricane plan. Your Family Plan Update your Family Plan every year before hurricane season. Everyone should have a role in the plan, including children. List the following vital information now for your Family Plan. 1. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. 2. Know where you will evacuate (i.e. shelter, friend, relative, hotel). 3. Locate a safe room or safest area(s) in your home for each hurricane hazard. This is usually an interior room on the lowest floor, with no windows or exterior walls, such as closets, bathrooms and utility rooms, which will give you a second level of protection from airborne debris. 4. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. 5. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact so all your family members have a single point of contact. 6. Make a plan for what to do with your pets if you stay or need to evacuate. 7. Inquire if your employer provides special shelter for your family. 8. If a family member requires life-support equipment, make special plans for them. • Register with your county office of Emergency Management for a Special Care shelter. • Bring supplies, medication and special equipment for three days. Ask your medical supply vendor about any services they provide in the event of a hurricane and/or power failure. 9. Plans to safeguard your home: Did you purchase or check shutters? If not, did you purchase and store half inch or thicker plywood? 10. Put valuables, photos and copies of important papers in waterproof bags and store in safe place (i.e. safe deposit box). Include photos of interior and exterior of your home, driver’s license, list of medications, important names, addresses, phone numbers (doctors, lawyers, insurance agents, family and friends), account numbers and policy numbers (health, flood, auto and home). 11. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. 12. Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowner’s insurance. 13. Stock your Must-Have Supplies. 14. Use an NOAA weather radio and change the batteries every six months. Keeping Your Family Safe in the Storm evacuate due to a hurricane, you’ll need to make some other arrangements. Fill your gas tank within 24 hours after a hurricane watch is issued. Prepare emergency kit for your car complete with a first aid kit, food, water, booster cables, fire extinguisher and maps. Turn off your gas, electricity and water before leaving. Secure any outside items, such as grills and lawn furniture. Make arrangements for pets, since most shelters won’t accept them. Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards. standing water, drain them so mosquitoes cannot lay more eggs there. Also be aware of snakes in piles of debris or in high standing water. If you spot one, remember what it looks like, just in case you or someone in your home is bitten. You may have to identify it to medical personnel. If you are bitten, keep the bite clean and bandaged and seek medical treatment immediately. Some of the most serious damage from storms comes from mold infestation. Mold can cause minor health problems, like asthma attacks and nasal and sinus congestion or more severe reactions on some people. Water intrusion can also lead to the release of toxic substances from wet surfaces. If you encounter mold or standing water inside your home, use gloves and boots before attempting to clean up. You may also want to photograph damage for insurance claims. Once you begin cleanup, The National Center for Health Housing recommends you first remove all standing water. Then throw away all wet material including furniture and carpeting. If possible, hire a professional to treat the most severe cases. For less severe mold infestation, use detergents on any washable surface. If that doesn’t work, dilute bleach by using one cup to every nine cups of water. Once electricity is restored, use fans and dehumidifiers to completely dry out your home. Mold can also grow in hidden spots like crawl-spaces, air ducts and wall cavities. WSAV Health Reporter Karen Schradin What do hurricanes, pandemic flu and bioterrorism have in common? The answer is preparedness. No matter what type of emergency we may experience, you can help your family now by being prepared. Each of these types of emergencies require the same types of preparation. Best of all, you can take most of these steps now before an emergency arises. As hurricane season approaches, you can start by stocking up on essential supplies. Locate and secure important papers, including medical information and insurance policies, wills, etc. Register any friends and family who have special needs by calling your local health department. Purchase a three-to-five-day supply of water and non-perishable food for each of your family Buy vitamins to ensure your family is getting adequate nutrition. Re-stock your first aid kit. Replace batteries in flashlights and radio. Stock up with at least one month supply of all prescription medicine. Buy extra hygiene supplies like soap and toothpaste. Purchase extra baby supplies like formula and diapers. These supplies can help you stay home and out of harms way for at least one week following an emergency. If you have to If a hurricane, earthquake or other emergency situation threatens our water supply, boiling is the safest way to purify it before drinking. According to the Red Cross, water must be boiled for three to five minutes and then cooled. If you have enough notice, fill household bathtubs with tap water before trouble strikes. If you return home after an evacuation, there are many precautions you should take. If you find dead rodents in or around your home, do not touch them. Instead, remove them by using a shovel. Be sure all garbage is removed from your home, and store all food supplies in airtight containers. Mosquitoes often carry disease, so use insect repellent containing DEET. Wear long pants, socks and long sleeves while cleaning up outdoors. If you find sources of WSAV.COM • StormTeam 3 3 Protecting Your Property A good homeowner’s (or renter’s) insurance policy is critical to recovering from a severe hurricane. Discuss the following with your insurance representative: • Value of land and structure. Ask about policy and exclusions. • Value of home contents. Prepare a complete home inventory. Take photos or videotape when possible. Store the information at the office or in a safe deposit box. • Ask if your policy covers the value (replacement cost less depreciation) or replacement cost. • Is it worth picking up riders on special items? • Do you need flood insurance? Contact your local emergency management office, building department or floodplain management office for information. You can also visit your town or city hall department that has access to flood maps or order a map for a fee from FEMA at 1-800-358-9616 or www.fema.gov. Different areas have different flood risks. The zone you live in will determine if you need flood insurance and if so, the related cost. • Do you require a windstorm insurance policy? After a Hurricane • Stay tuned to WSAV Storm Team 3 for updates and instructions. Insuring Your Home for Hurricane Damage WSAV News 3 Consumer Reporter Joanne Merrigan Hurricane season poses an annual threat to homeowners in the Coastal Empire and Low Country. For peace of mind, check with your insurance agent now to understand what is and is not covered under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. What is covered is fire, lightning, falling trees wind and hail damage. When it comes to destruction caused by high winds, a standard policy will likely cover such things as broken windows or the roof being blown off. What is not covered is flooding, i.e. damage that’s caused by rising water. For that protection, you need a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance 4 • Take photos of damaged areas and possessions. • Make temporary repairs to protect your home or property from further damage. Cover holes in the roof or walls with plywood and use heavy-duty plastic to cover broken windows. • If you can’t make repairs yourself, check the contractor’s references with your insurance agent, chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau. • Get an estimate first and discuss payment terms. Be sure to receive a receipt for the labor and materials. • Keep records, bills and paid invoices until your insurance representative visits. • If damage is of sufficient magnitude and severity, federal disaster assistance may be available. Filing a Claim • Notify your agent as soon as possible. Give an address and phone number where you can be reached if you have vacated your home. • Present your photos and inventory to help your adjuster assess the damage. • Be patient. Cases are expedited based on severity or hardship. Program. Although it’s a federal program, your local agent often serves as the “conduit” to buy this coverage. Typically, it takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to go into effect, which is why planning ahead is essential. If you live in a flood zone, flood insurance may not necessarily be required, but may be a good idea. Depending upon the area, you may be eligible for coverage under the “preferred flood zone” plan. This package offers the best rate and lowest deductible but coverage is pre-set for categories such as dwelling or contents. Check with your agent to see if you qualify for this preferred rate. For those that live in a higher risk zone, flood insurance will be more expensive, but you can alter your coverage in various categories to suit your individual needs. (If you are a renter or own a condominium, check with an insurance agent on how to best protect your personal belongings.) Agents suggest that you take pictures of the inside and outside of your house and create an inventory of everything inside.This list helps insurance adjusters better assess the value of your losses. But remember, if you need to evacuate, take the records and photographs with you. Some even suggest that you create the record and store it elsewhere, such as a safety deposit box. However, because there’s always concern that your records might not be safe anywhere you might store them in a hurricane area, another idea is to make copies and send them to relatives in other parts of the country. That way, you can be assured that your records will be available even if your home and public buildings in your area are destroyed. StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM Our Technology WSAV is proud of Storm Team 3 … the most experienced team of meteorologists in the Coastal Empire and Low Country. Meet the dedicated team who will take you through any severe Storm Mother Nature brings in 2007, and stay On Your Side every day! Ben Smith WSAV Storm Team 3 Chief Meteorologist Ben Smith knows accurate weather forecasting is On Your Side. Ben is a native of Fredericksburg, Va., and attended school at East Carolina University. While in North Carolina he tackled several hurricanes including Bertha, Dennis, Fran and Floyd. Ben’s commitment to the community has him practically living at the WSAV studios during hurricane season to provide fast, accurate information to WSAV viewers. He has the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. Whatever 2007 brings, Ben’s commitment will continue. Lee Haywood Waking you up each weekday morning with accurate weather forecasts is WSAV’s Coastal Sunrise Meteorologist Lee Haywood. A 6-year veteran of WSAV, Lee enjoys the challenges of forecasting in the Coastal Empire and Low Country. Lee is a graduate of the University of North Carolina/Asheville with a B.S. in Atmospheric Sciences. He is also a part-time faculty member at Armstrong Atlantic State University, where he teaches Meteorology. Lee holds the television Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association. It’s hurricane season, and from June through November, timing and accuracy are everything. WSAV Storm Team 3 is better equipped to keep you and your family up-to-date and safe when hurricanes threaten. Our TrueView technology gives the experienced WSAV Storm Team 3 meteorologists the power of precise identification and severe weather tracking, for the most accurate forecasts throughout the Coastal Empire and Low Country. At the heart of WSAV Storm Team 3’s TrueView technology is live Titan Radar. This powerful radar provides early-warning identification of weather systems. It allows WSAV Storm Team 3 meteorologists to determine the power, speed and direction of storms more quickly than ever before. Coupled with our Curious Mapping system, WSAV Storm Team 3 meteorologists can pinpoint storms threatening large and small neighborhoods, show it to you in the most clear and understandable graphic presentation, and give you as much time as possible to take action to safeguard yourself and your family. During hurricane season, trust the WSAV Storm Team 3 combination of experience, knowledge and technology to best serve the severe weather needs of all the Coastal Empire and Low Country. Mike Fuori WSAV’s Weekend Meteorologist Mike Fuori is the guy you look to at the end of a long work week. He’s earned the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society and was recently awarded their newest seal: Certified Broadcast Meteorologist. Mike grew up in Roswell, Ga., and is a graduate of Florida State University. Weather is always a favorite topic at the Fuori house: Mike’s wife, Ashley, is a meteorologist, too. Hurricane Evacuation Routes From Chatham County and the city of Savannah 1) Take US 80 away from the coast toward Statesboro and points northwest or; 2) Take SR 204 West to US 280 toward Claxton and points west or; 3) Take SR 21 North across I-95 and northward toward Sylvania or; 4) Take I-16 West toward Macon. From Bryan County Take SR 144 West, cross I-95 and continue west toward Glennville. From Liberty County Take US 84 West to SR 196 West. Continue west to US 301 (Glennville). From Hilton Head Island Take the William Hilton Parkway (US 278 Business) or the Cross Island Parkway toll facility (US 278). As these two roads merge, a third outbound lane will be created by reversing flow on the inside eastbound lane of US 278. This lane will carry the traffic from the toll facility. When US 278 reaches I-95, lane assignments will be as follows: • The right lane on westbound US 278 will exit to I-95 northbound. • The left lane on US 278 westbound will continue on US 278 to Hampton and eventually North Augusta. • The reversed lane will take SC 170 to SC 46 to US 321, then to SC 3 to SC 125 and onto North Augusta. Should a third lane not be necessary, both lanes on US 278 will be routed to I-95 with the right lane to I-95 north, and the left lane continuing on US 278. Access to I-95 southbound is available, but severe congestion may be encountered. From Beaufort Evacuees will use the two present northbound lanes on US 21. These lanes will be turned onto US 17 south to I-95 at Exit 33 (point south) where the left lane will go to I-95 south and the right lane to I-95 north. WSAV.COM • StormTeam 3 5 Tracking Chart How to Use This Tracking Chart Watch Storm Team 3 or log on to WSAV.com for up-to-theminute storm positions, given in latitude and longitude. Lines Of Latitude run horizontally and are used to find north/south, or vertical, positions on your tracking map. Lines Of Longitude run vertically and are used to find the east/west, or horizontal, positions on your tracking map. 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Names Andrea Barry Chantal Dean Erin Felix Gabrielle Humberto Ingrid Jerry Karen Lorenzo Melissa Noel Olga Pablo Rebekah Sebastien Tanya Van Wendy The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Intensity Scale Category 1 2 3 4 5 6 StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM Wind Speed 74–95 mph 96–110 mph 111–130 mph 131–155 mph 155 + mph Storm Surge 4–5 ft. 6–8 ft. 9–12 ft. 13–18 ft. Over 18 ft. WSAV.COM • StormTeam 3 Actual storm surge values may vary considerably depending on coastal configuration, slope of the ocean floor, and other factors. 7 Phone Numbers Liberty County *Phone numbers are area code 912 unless noted. Area-wide Red Cross: 876-3975 Canoochee Electric: 368-2252 Coastal Electric: 884-3311 Water Services: Hinesville 876-3564; Midway 884-3344 Coastal Communications: 369-9000 Liberty Regional Medical Center: 369-9400 Emergency Management Agency: 368-2201 American Red Cross: 651-5300 American Red Cross Disaster Coordinator: 651-5311 BellSouth Help Line: 1-800-448-1110 Emergency Help: 911 (area police, fire and medical) Georgia Emergency Management Agency: 1-800-879-4362 Federal Emergency Management Agency: 700-220-5200 Department of Agriculture (Livestock): 404-656-3667 National Weather Service: 843-744-0303 Salvation Army: 651-7420 Long County County Government: 545-2143 City of Ludowici: 545-9611 Chatham County AGL (natural gas): 1-800-427-5463 Candler Hospital: 818-6000 (general); ER: 819-6037 Emergency Management Agency: 201-4500; hearing impaired 201-4519 Georgia Power: 1-800-390-2834 (outage hotline); 1-800-437-3890 (customer service) Humane Society: 354-9515 Memorial Health University Medical Center: 350-8000 (general); ER: 350-8113 Public Works: 652-6840 (county); 651-6565 (Savannah) St. Joseph’s Hospital: 819-4100 (general); ER: 819-2419 Appling County County Sheriff: 367-8120 County Manager: 367-8100 McIntosh County County Commission: 437-6671 City of Darien: 437-6686 Montgomery County County Offices: 583-2363 City of Mount Vernon: 583-2323 Screven County County Sheriff: 564-2013 County Health: 564-2182 County Hospital: 564-7426 Tattnall County Emergency Management Agency: 557-6820 911 Emergency Facility: 557-1911 County Sheriff: 557-6778 Bacon County City of Alma: 632-5917 Bryan County Emergency Services North: 653-4018 Emergency Services South: 756-2181 County Sheriff: 653-3800 County Fire Department: North Bryan 653-4772; South Bryan 727-3033 Blichton Fire Department: 858-2316 County Health Department: 653-4331 Evans Memorial Hospital: 739-2611 Liberty Regional Medical Center: 369-9400 Police: Richmond Hill 756-5645; Pembroke 653-4414 Georgia Power Company (Claxton): 1-888-660-58890 Pembroke Telephone: 653-4389 Coastal Communications: 369-9000 Toombs County County Government: 526-3311 City of Lyons: 526-6318 Vidalia Police Department: 537-4123 Vidalia Fire Department: 537-4018 Wayne County City of Jesup: 427-5900 City of Odum: 586-2211 City of Screven: 579-2211 Beaufort County, S.C. Red Cross: 843-757-7437 County Emergency Management Agency: 843-470-3100 Beaufort Memorial Hospital: (Toll Free) 1-877-532-6472; 843-522-5200 County Animal Shelter: 843-846-3904 Low Country Health Department: 843-525-7603 Hilton Head Regional Medical Center: 843-681-6122 Palmetto Electric: 800-922-5551 South Carolina Electric & Gas: 800-251-7234 Bulloch County EMS Rescue: 764-6188 Public Safety: 489-1661 Candler County Metter Fire Department: 685-2384 Metter Police Department: 685-2415 Public Works: 685-2527 Effingham County Hampton County, S.C. Sheriff’s Department (Non-Emergency): 754-3449 City of Guyton: 772-3353 City of Springfield: 754-6666 City of Rincon: 826-5745 Public Works: 754-2141 County EMS: 803-943-7523 County Sheriff: 803-943-7575 County Fire Department: 803-943-7534 Palmetto Electric: 800-922-5551 South Carolina Electric & Gas: 800-251-7234 Evans County Jasper County, S.C. County Emergency Management Agency: 843-726-7607 County Animal Shelter: 843-726-7799 County Public Works: 843-726-7740 Palmetto Electric: 800-922-5551 South Carolina Electric & Gas: 800-251-7234 SC Department of Social Services: 843-470-4600 Coastal Carolina Medical Center, Hardeeville: 843-784-8000 Evans Memorial Hospital: 739-2611 County EMS: 739-1514 County Fire Department: 739-3111 Red Cross: 739-7632 Jeff Davis County County EMS: 375-6628 County Sheriff: 375-6600 Must-Have Supplies Drinking Water (at least 7 gallons per person) Manual Can Opener First Aid Kit Battery-operated TV, Radio and Clock Waterproof Matches/Butane Lighter Spare Batteries and Flashlights Toilet Paper Diapers and Wipes Baby Food and/or Formula Books, Magazines and Toys Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm) Plastic Sheeting/Tarp Duct or Masking Tape Nails and Rope 8 Outdoor Extension Cord Charcoal Lumber Disposable Tools and Work Gloves Plastic Garbage Bags Insect Repellent and Sunscreen Rain Gear Fire Extinguisher Fuel for Generators and Cars in approved containers Cellular Phone Ice Chest and Ice Soap and Detergent Prescription Medicine (2-week supply) Disinfectant Unscented Bleach, Tincture of Iodine, or Water Purification Tablets Sterno and Propane Gas (for grills) and Lighter Fluid Plates, Glasses and Utensils Camera and Film Non-Perishable Food Canned Meats (fish, tuna, ham) Canned Fruits, Vegetables and Soups Dried Fruits and Nuts Cereal, Crackers and Cookies Coffee, Tea and Powdered Drinks Packaged Ketchup, Mustard and Mayonnaise Peanut Butter and Jelly Packaged Puddings and Snacks Dried Foods (spaghetti, rice, etc.) Powdered, Evaporated or Parmalat Milk Pet Food and Medicine Hurricane Terminology Tropical Depression A tropical system with the maximum sustained surface wind of 33 knots (38 mph) or less. Tropical depressions can produce tremendous rainfall amounts. Tropical Storm A tropical system in which the maximum sustained surface wind ranges from 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph). A tropical storm can produce a lot of rainfall and wind; this can cause some beach erosion and boat damage. Tropical Storm Watch An announcement that a tropical storm or tropical storm conditions pose a threat to coastal areas generally within 36 hours. Tropical Storm Warning A warning that a tropical storm or tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, will affect a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less. Hurricane A tropical system with maximum sustained surface wind of 64 knots (74 mph) or greater. A hurricane is the worst and strongest of all tropical systems. Hurricane Watch An announcement that hurricane conditions pose a possible threat to coastal areas generally within 36 hours. Hurricane Warning A warning that hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less. High winds and coastal flooding will develop many hours before the eye of the storm actually comes ashore. Hurricane Eye The calm center of the storm. In this area, winds are light and the sky often is only partly covered by clouds. The period of calm may only last 10–20 minutes before the severe weather returns. Storm Surge An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm. StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM Pet Preparation Taking care of your pet should be part of your Hurricane Plan. Consider the following: • If you plan to evacuate, determine whether you will board your pet or take it with you (service animals are the only pets allowed at Red Cross shelters.) • If you plan to leave your pet behind, put it in a pet carrier in an interior closet or bathroom with an ample supply of drinking water, food, toys and blankets. • Include pet food, water and any medication in your Hurricane Plan. • Vaccinate by mid-May, and consider spaying or neutering. • A portable pet carrier is a must. Exotic pets need special containers (not glass) so they cannot escape. • Identify your pet by current license and rabies tags and/or microchipping, tattooing or freeze branding. • Store photos of your pet with your important papers. Shelter For Your Pet • Bring pet food, bottled water and any medications (enough for three days). • Contact boarding facilities early to reserve a space for your pet. Space is limited, and standard boarding fees apply. • Animals must be vaccinated (proof required). Pets must wear an ID collar and a leash. After The Storm • Use caution outdoors. If your pet is lost or if you find someone else’s pet, contact veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, The Humane Society and Animal Control. Animal Control may be forced to destroy some strays after a devastating storm. Pet-Friendly Hotels Evacuation due to the threat of a hurricane is a fact we live with. But what should you do with your pets? Even the most thorough evacuation plan can be derailed if you don’t prepare for pet care beforehand. Here is a list of pet-friendly hotels along evacuation routes (with toll free reservation phone numbers). But, even with pet-friendly hotels, check before you book to confirm the details of their policy. Best Western: 1-800-780-7234 Days Inn: 1-800-329-7466 La Quinta: 1-866-725-1661 Motel 6: 1-800-466-8356 Red Roof Inn: 1-800-733-7663 Travelodge: 1-800-578-7878 Hurricane Evacuation Planning WSAV News 3 Community Reporter Paul Rea During hurricane season, there’s one main lesson everyone who lives along the coast should remember: When a hurricane is coming, get out of the way. Scenes of people stranded on roofs and stuck in cities without power or supplies shock us. Many of us wonder how we will react when it happens here. Most counties have detailed hurricane evacuation plans, but it depends on you to know where you are going and how you plan to get there. You can check evacuation routes in this guide or contact your county for specific recommendations. About 14 hours before the first winds of a storm reach our shore; the evacuation order will go out on television and radio. All four lanes of 1–16 will be going west all the way to Dublin. You should take only what you can carry but focus on water, cash, credit cards, prescriptions and your most important papers. If you don’t have transportation of your own there are a couple of options. First, arrange, in advance, with a neighbor who can take you with them when they evacuate. Barring that, get to a bus stop. A plan is in place for Chatham Area Transit buses to pick up evacuees and take them to the StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM Savannah Civic Center. School buses will then take you to safety outside the storm’s path. Again, in other counties, check now with your local officials about their plans to help you evacuate. If you need special medical attention and can’t get out of town on your own, you need to be on the Special Needs Registry with the Chatham County Health Department. They will help come up with a plan to evacuate you, but they can’t help if they don’t know you are in need. Call 303-1917 for information on the Special Needs Registry. Your survival depends on you taking action, making a plan, and being prepared to get out when evacuation orders come. 9 Boat Safety The boating community frequently suffers large losses when a hurricane comes ashore. Watch WSAV Storm Team 3 to stay up-to-date on the latest forecasts. Remove loose items and electronic gear from on and around the boat. General Preparation Before Hurricane Season Keep boat insurance policy up-to-date. Take photos and keep a written description of vessel. Keep vessel in good condition. Check bilge pump, electronics and marine hardware, and keep batteries charged. Boats On Land Park the trailer close to a building or in a garage. Attach the boat to the trailer tongue to a firm spot in the ground. You can partially fill the boat with water, but do not allow the water to touch the engine or batteries. Protect trailer springs from the additional weight by placing wood blocks between the frame and axle. Safety Tips for Hurricane Power Outages Palmetto Electric Cooperative Inc. Don’t let weather-related outages leave you powerless. Follow these electric safety tips. Before Have a battery-powered radio on hand. Listen to local TV or radio stations for upto-date storm information or evacuation orders. Plug appliances into surge protectors, or have a system installed to help safeguard electronics and appliances from serious damage, or simply disconnect electronic equipment to help avoid surges. During Avoid using the telephone during a storm. Electric shock is possible through phone lines, unless the phone is cordless. Also, avoid water sources (shower, sink and bath tub), as lightning can enter a home through plumbing. Remember to disconnect sensitive electronic devices to protect them from surges that can occur during weather-related outages. After Minimize opening freezers and refrigerators. 10 Offshore Boating During Storms Cancel all boating plans. Head back to port immediately if a storm is forecasted. Boats In The Water If you leave your vessel in a marina, double all lines. Rig crossing spring lines fore and aft. Attach lines on the highest pilings possible to allow for storm surge. It is safer to move vessels into a river or as far inland as possible as opposed to keeping your vessel in a bay. Check bilge for loose debris that might get caught below the auto switch. If debris gets caught under the switch, the pump won’t shut off and will drain your battery. Fill the vessel’s fuel and water tanks. Make sure your vessel is as watertight as possible. Should you need assistance at sea, call the local Coast Guard as soon as possible. A fully loaded freezer can keep food frozen up to 48 hours if the door is not opened. Use a quality flashlight, not candles, for illumination, as there may be a gas leak. Leave on a single light to alert you when electric service is restored. If your neighbor’s power is restored and yours is still out, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in your home. Be aware that your neighbor’s home could also be supplied with electricity from a different electrical supply circuit. Stay clear of fallen utility lines and avoid tree limbs and debris that could hide fallen lines. The limbs may carry electricity, especially if they are wet. Do not pile debris near utility poles or other electric devices after cleaning up outside. Report all outages and downed lines immediately. Only one call per household is needed. Generator Safety Portable generators are helpful in the event of a temporary power outage, but misuse can cause serious injury or death. To protect yourself, your neighbors and utility workers, please follow these tips when using a backup generator. Before you use your generator, thoroughly read and understand all of the manufacturer’s instructions. Isolate your generator from the utility power lines and connect appliances directly to the generator with the appropriate size grounded three conductor electrical cords. It is recommended that you also turn off the main breaker inside the breaker panel at your home. If you want to connect a generator directly through your home’s wiring, use a licensed electrician. Never refuel a generator while it is operating. Provide adequate ventilation and aircooling around the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic exhaust fumes. Do not install a generator in the basement, attached garage or any closed area. The exhaust gases from the generator contain carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless, poisonous gas. Maintain your generator engine according to the maintenance schedule for peak performance and safety. Regularly test your generator. Keep gas fresh. If you do not plan to use your generator for up to 30 days, use a gas stabilizer. StormTeam 3 • WSAV.COM