Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697640334303.pdf (Bahamas)
What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone in which maximum average wind speed near the center (or eye) exceeds 74 mph or 119 km/h.

The winds rotate in a counter- clockwise spiral around a region of low pressure.

In the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific they are called HURRICANES.

In the Western Pacific, including the Philippines – TYPHOONS, near Australia – WILLY WILLY and the Indian Ocean – in CYCLONES.

Tropical cyclones are given names for easier identification and tracking.
There are four stages of tropical cyclone associated wind according to development intensities.

Phases Tropical Disturbance A weather system which gives rise to a specific area of cloudiness with embedded showers and thunderstorms.

Tropical Depression A tropical cyclone system with definite counter- clockwise wind circulation and maximum sustained winds of less than 38 mph (61 km/h).
Formation & Initial Development Stages of Tropical Cyclones Tropical Storm Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the World Meteorological Organisation to define weather systems in which winds exceeds 34 knots or 63 km/h.

These are rotating intense low pressure systems of tropical oceanic origin.

Conditions that favour tropical cyclone development include: 1.

A warm sea temperature in excess of 26 degrees Celsius or 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
A tropical cyclone, with maximum sustained surface winds greater than 38 mph (61 km/h), but less than 74 mph (119 km/h).

Hurricane A tropical cyclone with wind speed greater than 74 mph (119 km/h).

The weather system is now better organized and the eye is well defined.

The Saffir-Simpson Scale Hurricanes.

is used to classify 2.

High relative humidity (degree to which air is saturated by water vapor.)

Category 3.

Atmospheric instability.

4.


A location of at least 4-5 latitude degrees from the equator.

1 2 3 4 5 Wind Speeds (mph) 74-95 96-110 111-130 131-155 155+ Surge (feet) 4-5 6-8 9-12 13-18 18+ Damage Minimal Moderate Major Destructive Devastating Enter the Hurricane Season Prepared If you live in a coastal area, identify your evacuation route.

Your community’s hurricane evacuation plan includes designated safe areas/ shelters.
Get information on emergency planning by contacting the National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA].

Hurricanes can cause extensive flooding, not just along the coastline, but far inland as well.

Flood insurance is valuable financial protection.

Meet with your flood insurance agent/broker and go over your policies and coverage to avoid misunderstanding.

Make sure your property is properly valued and insured for its true value.
If your property is undervalued at the time of a hurricane, you will end up with less money for repairs than you may have expected.

Your annual preparations for the hurricane season should include checking on the following:  Supply of non-perishable food  Drinking water & water containers  3-weeks supply of prescribed medication  Lantern and fuel  First aid kit  Fire extinguisher  Battery-powered radio   Flashlights  Extra batteries  Blankets or sleeping bags  Personal Hygiene deodorant, etc.)
Infant necessities  Items (toothbrush,  Keep turned to local radio/ television station for the latest advisory/warning as well as special instructions from NEMA.

 Check battery-powered equipment.

Your battery-operated radio could be your only source of information, and flashlights will be needed if utility services are interrupted.

Buy extra batteries.

 Keep your car fueled should evacuation be necessary.

Also, service stations may be inoperable after the storm strikes.
 Store drinking water, and water in general in clean large containers, buckets, jars, and bottles as your water system may be contaminated or extra disrupted prescription medications and medical supplies.

storm.

Obtain the by  Secure outdoor objects that might become debris.

Garbage cans, garden tools, toys, signs, porch furniture, and a number of other harmless items become deadly missiles in hurricane winds.
 Moor your boat securely well before the storm arrives, or move it to a designated safe area early.

Do not stay on the boat or you may drown.

   Feed animals and pets and move indoors or loose.

Know where you are going to shelter.

Clear debris which may block drains    If you live inland away from the beaches and low-lying coastal areas, your home is well constructed, and local authorities have not called for evacuation in your area, stay home and make emergency preparations.
Establish and review family plan and identify the nearest shelter.

Ensure the roofs and foundations are secure.

On Hearing an Advisory Continue normal activities but stay tuned to radio and television for further messages.

On Hurricane Watch    Review emergency preparedness requirements, especially family emergency plans.

Be ready to take action in case of a warning.

Establish contact points.

On Hurricane Warning    Stay tuned to the radio for information.
Protect property and personal possessions.

Pick fruit and trim trees if they are near the house.

During the Hurricane Remain indoors during the hurricane.

Blowing debris can injure and kill.

Travel is extremely dangerous.

Be especially wary of the “eye” of the hurricane.

If the storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to half-an-hour or more.
Hurricane force will then come from the opposite direction and it is therefore very important to remain indoors.

After the Hurricane has Passed If you are in a public shelter, remain there until informed by those in charge that it is safe to leave.

Keep tuned to your local radio/ television station for advice and instructions local government agencies about emergency medical, food, housing, and other forms of assistance.
Stay out of disaster areas which could be dangerous and where your presence will interfere with essential rescue and recovery work.

Do no use the telephone except for rescue, serious injuries or emergencies.

Do not drive unless you must.

Debris filled roads streets are dangerous.

Roads should be left clear for emergency vehicles.

Along the coast, soil may be washed from beneath the pavement or bridge supports, which could collapse under the weight of a car.
Avoid loose or dangling wires, and report them to the Electricity Corporation, Police, or the National Emergency Management Agency.

Report broken sewer, gas, or water mains to the appropriate utility company.

Check buildings for possible collapse before re- entry.

If power has been cut off, check refrigerated food for spoilage.

Do not use tap or well water until you are sure it is not contaminated.

Make you plans and preparations for a hurricane emergency the subject of family discussion.
Share your a family’s plan with friends and relatives.

Hurricane preparedness is a team effort for everyone the neighborhood and community.

in THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY [NEMA] Government of The Bahamas Tel: (242) 322-6081/5 ♦ Fax: (242) 326-5456 E-mail: nema@bahamas.gov.bs Website: www.bahamas.gov.bs/nema May 2011 s e n a c i r r u Preparation For & Safety Tips Preparations for Preparations for