Hurricane Floyd, 1999/NOAA

hurricanes...

A PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Weather Service

Revised August 2001

Unleashing Nature’s Fury

FEMA
2

The term hurricane has its origin in the indigenous

religions of old civilizations. The Mayan storm god

was named Hunraken. A god considered evil by

the Taino people of the Caribbean was called Huracan.

Hurricanes may not be considered evil but they

are one of nature’s most powerful storms. Their

potential for loss of life and destruction of property

is tremendous. Those in hurricane-prone areas

need to be

prepared for

hurricanes and

tropical storms.

Even inland areas,

well away from

the coastline,

can experience

destructive winds,

tornadoes and

floods from

tropical storms

and hurricanes.

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone–an organized

rotating weather system that develops in the tropics.

Hurricanes rotate counterclockwise in the Northern

Hemisphere. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

■ Tropical Depression—An organized system of

persistent clouds and thunderstorms with a closed

low-level circulation and maximum sustained winds

of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.

■ Tropical Storm—An organized system of strong

thunderstorms with a well defined circulation and

maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph

(34-63 knots).

■ Hurricane—An intense tropical weather system

with a well defined circulation and sustained winds

of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. In the western North

Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons, and similar

storms in the Indian Ocean are called cyclones.

 1998 Atlantic Ocean Hurricane Season Summary/NOAA

Hurricane Iniki/NOAA
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Tropical depressions and tropical storms, while generally less dangerous than hurricanes, still can be deadly.

The winds of tropical depressions and tropical storms are usually not the greatest threat. Heavy rains, flooding

and severe weather, such as tornadoes, create the greatest threats from tropical storms and depressions.

On average each year, 10 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes,

develop in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico. In a

typical 3-year span, the U.S. coastline is struck on average five times

by hurricanes, two of which will be designated as major hurricanes.

Tropical cyclones are sometimes steered by weak and erratic winds,

making forecasting a challenge. Warnings issued from the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane

Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center continue to improve and

have greatly diminished hurricane fatalities in the United States. Despite

improved warnings, property damage continues to increase due to

growing population on our coastlines. Federal agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA), and organizations such as the American Red Cross, have combined with state and local agencies,

rescue and relief organizations, the private sector and the news media to improve preparedness efforts.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on the hurricane’s intensity. This scale estimates

potential property damage. Hurricanes or typhoons reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major

hurricanes because of their potential for loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still very

dangerous and warrant preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term “Super Typhoon” is used

for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph. For more information on the Saffir-Simpson

Hurricane Scale, go to www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshs.html.

Scale

Number

(Category)

1

2

3

4

5

 NOTE: Damage can vary greatly and may not apply to all areas, such as Hawaii.

Irene, 1999

Georges, 1998

Floyd, 1999

Betsy, 1965

Alicia, 1983

Andrew, 1992

Camille, 1969

Hurricanes

Hurricane Camille, Category 5

Hurricane/NOAA

Sustained

Winds

(MPH)

74-95

96-110

111-130

131-155

>155

Types

of

Damage

Minimal: Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees, foliage and unanchored

mobile homes. No real damage to other structures.

Moderate: Some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile

homes. Some damage to roofing materials, windows and doors.

Extensive: Large trees blown down. Mobile homes destroyed. Some

structural damage to roofing materials of buildings. Some structural

damage to small buildings.

Extreme: Trees blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes.

Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows and doors. Complete

failure of roofs on many small residences.

Catastrophic: Complete failure of roofs on many residences and

industrial buildings. Extensive damage to windows and doors. Some

complete building failure.
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How Hurricanes Form

Breeding Grounds

Hurricanes are products of a tropical ocean

and a warm, moist atmosphere. Powered by

heat from the sea, they are typically steered

by high-level easterly winds while in the tropics,

generally south of 25° north latitude and by

high-level westerly winds north of 25° north

latitude. When hurricanes become very strong,

they can create their own steering winds.

The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1.

For the United States, the peak hurricane

threat exists from mid-August to late October,

although the official hurricane season extends

through November. Over other parts of the

world, such as the western North Pacific,

typhoons can occur year-round.

Storm Structure

The process by which a disturbance forms and

strengthens into a hurricane depends on at least

three conditions. First, a disturbance gathers heat

and energy through contact with warm ocean

waters. Next, added moisture evaporated from

the sea surface powers the infant hurricane like

a giant heat engine. Third, the hurricane forms a

wind pattern near the ocean surface that spirals

air inward. Bands of thunderstorms form, allowing

the air to warm further and rise higher into the

atmosphere. If the winds at these higher levels

are relatively light, this structure can remain intact

and further strengthen the hurricane.

The center, or eye, of a hurricane is relatively

calm with sinking air, light winds and few clouds.

The most violent winds and rain take place in the

eyewall, the ring of thunderstorms immediately

surrounding the eye. At the top of the eyewall

(about 50,000 feet), most of the air is propelled

outward, increasing the air’s upward motion.

Some of the air, however, moves inward and

sinks into the eye, creating a cloud-free area.

NOAA

Hurricane Mitch/NOAA

Eye and

Ocean Surface

Eyewall Eyewall
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Storm Surge

Storm surge is a large dome of water often 50 to 100 miles wide that sweeps across the coastline near where

a hurricane makes landfall. The surge of high water topped by waves is devastating. The stronger the hurricane

and the shallower the offshore water, the higher the surge will be. Along the immediate coast, storm surge is

the greatest threat to life and property.

Storm Tide

The storm tide is the combination of the storm surge and the astronomical tide. If the storm surge arrives at

high tide, the water height will be even greater. For example, as a hurricane moves ashore, a 15-foot surge

added to the 2-foot high tide creates a storm tide of 17 feet. This mound of water, topped by battering waves,

moves ashore along an area of the coastline as much as 100 miles wide. The combination of the storm surge,

battering waves and high winds is deadly and causes great property damage.

■ More than 8,000 people were killed in the 1900 Galveston hurricane, most by the storm tide.

■ Hurricane Camille in 1969 produced a 24-foot storm tide in Mississippi.

■ Hurricane Hugo in 1989 generated a 20-foot storm tide in South Carolina.

■ Hurricane Andrew in 1992 generated a 17-foot storm tide in south Florida.

Before—Folly Beach, SC/NOAA

Hurricane Impacts

Storm Tide Facts

After Hurricane Hugo, 1989—

Folly Beach, SC/NOAA
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Winds

Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more,

can destroy buildings and mobile homes.

Debris, such as signs, roofing material,

siding, and small items left outside, become

flying missiles in hurricanes. Winds can

stay above hurricane strength well inland.

Hurricane Hugo (1989) battered Charlotte,

North Carolina—about 175 miles inland—

with gusts to near 100 mph, downing trees

and power lines.

Tornadoes

Hurricanes and tropical storms also produce

tornadoes. These tornadoes most often occur

in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands

well away from the center of the hurricane;

however, they can also occur near the eyewall.

Usually, tornadoes produced by tropical

cyclones are relatively weak and short-lived,

but still pose a threat.

Hurricane Hugo wind damage, Charlotte, NC/NOAA

■ Hurricane Andrew—August 16-28, 1992: Damage in the United States is estimated at $27 billion,

making Andrew the most expensive hurricane in U.S. history. Wind gusts in south Florida were

estimated to be at least 175 mph.

■ Hurricane Hugo—September 10-22, 1989: Wind gusts reached nearly 100 mph as far inland as Charlotte,

North Carolina. Hugo sustained hurricane-strength winds until shortly after it passed west of Charlotte.

■ Hurricane Agnes—June 14-22, 1972: Devastating floods from North Carolina to New York produced

many record-breaking river crests. The storm generated 15 tornadoes in Florida and 2 in Georgia.

Hurricane Andrew tornado damage, LaPlace, LA/NOAA
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All tropical cyclones can produce widespread

torrential rains often in excess of 6 inches.

This rain can produce deadly and destructive

floods. Heavy rain can trigger landslides and

mud slides, especially in mountainous

regions. Flooding is the major threat from

tropical cyclones to people well inland.

Inland/Freshwater Flooding

■ Tropical Storm Allison (2001) was the most costly

tropical storm in U.S. history with more than $5 billion

in flood damage to southeast Texas and southern

Louisiana. Twenty-three fatalities were reported in

Texas and one in Louisiana.

■ Hurricane Floyd (1999) brought extremely heavy

rainfall to many locations in the eastern United States.

Of the 56 people who perished in this country during

Floyd, 50 died from inland flooding, including 35 in

North Carolina.

■ Tropical Storm Alberto (1994) produced tremendous

rainfall along the Gulf coasts of Alabama and Georgia,

killing 33 people and producing damages exceeding

$750 million.

■ Hurricane Agnes (1972) fused with another

storm system, producing floods in the Northeast

United States which contributed to 122 deaths and

$6.4 billion in damage.

■ Hurricane Camille (1969) brought 27 inches of

rain in Virginia, causing severe flash flooding and

150 deaths.

Hurricane Floyd inland flooding, Franklin, VA/

Courtesy of Darnell Stewart and Kevin Michalek

Between 1970 and 1999, more people have

lost their lives from freshwater flooding

associated with landfalling tropical cyclones

than from any other weather hazard

related to tropical cyclones

Flash flooding, a rapid rise in water levels,

can occur quickly due to intense rainfall.

Longer term flooding on rivers and streams

can persist for several days after the storm.

Intense rainfall is not directly related to the

winds of tropical cyclones but rather to the

speed of movement and geography of the

area affected. Slower moving storms produce

more rainfall. Mountainous terrain enhances

rainfall from a tropical cyclone. Inland flooding

can be a major threat to people hundreds of

miles from the coast.
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Population Growth

The United States has a significant hurricane problem as the

coastal population continues to rapidly increase. More than

one in six Americans now live in a county abutting the eastern

Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico coast, and this does not include

those living in Puerto Rico or Hawaii. In the more popular

resort areas, numbers can swell 10- to perhaps 100-fold

when holiday, weekend, and vacation visitors arrive. From

Maine to Texas, our coastlines are filling with new homes,

condominium towers and cities built on sand. These homes

are waiting for the next storm to threaten its residents’ dreams.

In fact, the coastal population is expected to double between

1995 and 2010. The most significant danger to coastal

citizens is from the hurricane’s storm surge. Historically,

storm surge has caused the greatest loss of life and extreme

property damage.

Perception of Risk

Over the past several years, the hurricane warning system

has provided adequate time for people on the barrier islands

and the immediate coastline to move inland when hurricanes

threaten. However, it is becoming more difficult to evacuate

people from the barrier islands and other coastal areas

because roads have not kept pace with the rapid population

growth. The problem is further compounded because 80 to

90 percent of the population now living in hurricane-prone

areas have never experienced the core of a “major” hurricane.

Many of these people have been through weaker storms.

The result is a false impression of a major hurricane’s

damage potential. This can lead to complacency and delayed

actions resulting in injuries and loss of lives.

U.S. Hurricane Problem

NOAA

10

8

6

4

2

0

U.S Loss of Life

Thousands of Deaths

By Decades

1900 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 2000

8.8

1

2.1

1.3

0.4

1.3 1.2

0.4 0.3 0.2

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

U.S. Property Loss

Billions (2000 Dollars)

By Decades

1900 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 2000

1.5 3.5 2.2

6.1 5.5

18.9

25.2

20.6 21.4

56.6

Frequency of Hurricanes

During the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, major hurricanes striking the United States were less frequent than the previous

three decades. With the tremendous increase in population along the high-risk areas of our shorelines, the

United States may not fare as well in the future. Some hurricane experts think the frequency of major hurricanes

making landfall in the United States will increase over the next few decades.

In the final analysis, the only real defense against hurricanes is the informed readiness of your community,

your family and YOU.
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All Atlantic and Gulf coastal areas as well as the U.S. Pacific

Islands are subject to hurricanes/typhoons or tropical

storms. Although rarely struck by hurricanes, parts of the

southwest United States and Pacific Coast can experience

heavy rains and floods from the remnants of hurricanes

spawned off Mexico. Hawaii and the U.S. territories, such

as Guam, American Samoa and Puerto Rico, are also

subject to hurricanes. Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai, Hawaii,

on September 11, 1992, resulting in $2.5 billion in damage.

During 1992, Guam was battered by five typhoons. On

December 16, 1997, Guam was hit by Super Typhoon Paka,

causing over $520 million in damage.

Coastal Areas At Risk

Coastal Areas and Barrier Islands

National Climatic Data Center/NOAA

Miami Beach, FL/NOAA

Due to the limited number of evacuation routes, barrier islands such as the Outer Banks of North Carolina

and areas like the Florida Keys and New Orleans, Louisiana, are especially vulnerable to hurricanes. People

living near coastal areas may be asked by local officials to evacuate well in advance of a hurricane landfall.

If you are asked to leave your home, do so IMMEDIATELY!
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Tracking the Storm

Radar

When a hurricane gets close to the coast, it is monitored by

land-based weather radars. The NWS Doppler weather radars,

equipped with the latest advanced technology, add new

dimensions to hurricane warning capabilities. It provides

detailed information on hurricane wind fields and its changes.

Local NWS offices are able to provide accurate short-term

warnings for floods, inland high winds and any other weather

hazards associated with a tropical cyclone.

Reconnaissance Aircraft

The U.S. Air Force Reserve provides most of the hurricane

reconnaissance used by the National Hurricane Center. Pilots

fly into the core of a hurricane to measure wind, pressure,

temperature and humidity as well as to provide an accurate location

of the center of the hurricane. NOAA also flies aircraft into hurricanes to aid

scientists in better understanding these storms and to improve forecast capabilities.

Satellite

Geostationary satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude

of about 22,000 miles above the equator provide imagery

day and night. This satellite imagery is a valuable tool

helping to provide estimates of the location, size and

intensity of a storm and its surrounding environment.

National Hurricane Center Models

The NWS National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center use several different numerical

computer models to aid in forecasting the path, speed and strength of hurricanes. Data from weather satellite

sensors, reconnaissance aircraft and other sources are fed into these computer models. The National

Hurricane Center also has a computer storm surge model. This model provides guidance on storm surge

height and the extent of flooding it will cause.

Geostationary Operational

Environmental Satellite/NOAA

WSR-88D Radar/NOAA

WC-130H, Hurricane Hunters/

U.S. Air Force Reserve

Tropical Prediction Center’s
11

NOAA PA 96071 P4003A

Feb. 1995
12

NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) is the prime

alerting and critical information delivery

system of the NWS. NWR broadcasts

warnings, watches, forecasts and other

hazard information 24 hours a day. Known

as the “voice of the NWS,” the NWR

network has more than 590 stations,

covering the 50 states, adjacent coastal

waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin

Islands and U.S. Pacific territories.

Many weather radios are equipped with a

special alarm tone feature that sounds an

alert giving you immediate information about

a life-threatening situation. Routine weather

radio programming is interrupted during

tropical cyclone threats to send out the

special tone that activates weather radios

in the listening area. The hearing and

visually impaired can get these warnings

by connecting weather radios to devices

such as strobe lights, pagers, bed-shakers,

personal computers and text printers.

The NWS encourages people to buy a

weather radio equipped with the Specific

Area Message Encoder (SAME) feature.

This feature automatically alerts you when

important tropical cyclone information is

issued for your area.

More information on NOAA Weather Radio

can be found by contacting your local

NWS office or on the Internet at:

www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr.

NOAA Weather Wire Service

The NWS NOAA Weather Wire Service

(NWWS) provides reliable and timely warnings.

NWWS has been improved and now makes

limited graphic images available through a

standard computer.

Stay Informed!

Emergency Managers Weather

Information Network

The Emergency Managers Weather Information Network

(EMWIN) offers an economical way to receive all

products available on NWWS, plus graphical forecasts

and select satellite data. For details, go to

iwin.nws.noaa.gov/emwin/index.htm.

Interactive Weather Information Network

The Interactive Weather Information Network (IWIN) is

a Web site with live data similar to EMWIN. It is open to

all users and contains warnings in addition to many

routine NWS products. To view IWIN products, go to

http://weather.gov.

Internet Resources

More hurricane information and news is just a click away.

■ National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov

■ National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov

■ Central Pacific Hurricane www.nws.noaa.gov/pr/hnl/

Center: cphc/pages/cphc.shtml

Links to local NWS Offices

■ NWS Eastern Region: www.erh.noaa.gov

■ NWS Southern Region: www.srh.noaa.gov

■ NWS Pacific Region: www.nws.noaa.gov/pr

Historical Information

■ Nat’l Climatic Data Center: www.ncdc.noaa.gov

Other Emergency Information Sites

■ American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

■ FEMA: www.fema.gov

■ U.S. Geological Survey: www.usgs.gov/hurricanes

NOAA
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What To Listen For

National Hurricane Center and

Central Pacific Hurricane Center Products

PUBLIC ADVISORIES offer critical hurricane watch, warning and

forecast information.

FORECASTS/ADVISORIES provide detailed hurricane track

and wind field information.

PROBABILITIES OF HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM

CONDITIONS offer a measure of the forecast track accuracy.

The probabilities have no relation to tropical cyclone intensity.

■ HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WATCH: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in

the specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours. During a Watch, prepare your home and

review your plan for evacuation in case a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning is issued.

■ HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WARNING: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected

in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 24 hours. Complete storm preparations and

leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.

■ SHORT TERM WATCHES AND WARNINGS: These warnings provide detailed information on

specific hurricane threats, such as floods and tornadoes.

■ FLOOD WATCH: This product informs the public and cooperating agencies of possible flooding.

If you are in a Watch area, check flood action plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning

is issued or you see flooding.

■ FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WARNING: A flood/flash flood Warning is issued for specific

communities, streams or areas where flooding is imminent or in progress. Persons in the warning

area should take precautions IMMEDIATELY!

All of the above information must be used to make an informed decision on your risk and what actions

should be taken. Remember to listen to your local official’s recommendations and to NOAA Weather

Radio for the latest hurricane information.

Local NWS Office

Products

HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENTS

give greater detail on how the storm

will impact your area.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENTS

summarize watches/warnings in

effect and threats to local inland and

coastal areas.
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✔ Know the hurricane risks in your

area, e.g., determine whether

you live in a potential flood zone.

✔ Learn safe routes inland.

✔ Find out where official shelters

are located.

✔ Develop a family hurricane

action plan.

✔ Review working condition of

emergency equipment, such as

flashlights and battery-powered

radios.

✔ Ensure you have enough nonperishable food and water

supplies on hand.

NWS sponsors a Hurricane Awareness Week before each hurricane season. For dates and activities, listen

to NOAA Weather Radio and check NWS Web sites and local media. If you live in a hurricane prone area:

✔ Trim trees and shrubbery.

✔ Buy plywood or shutters

to protect doors and

windows.

✔ Clear loose and

clogged rain gutters

and downspouts.

✔ Determine where to

move your boat in an

emergency.

✔ Check policies to see

if you have flood and

wind insurance.

✔ Know your community

safety plan.

Before the Storm

When in a Watch Area...

✔ Frequently listen to radio, TV or

NOAA Weather Radio for official

bulletins of the storm’s progress.

✔ Fuel and service family vehicles.

✔ Inspect and secure mobile home

tie downs.

✔ Have extra cash on hand.

✔ Prepare to cover all windows

and doors with shutters or other

shielding materials.

✔ Check batteries and stock up on

canned food, first-aid supplies,

drinking water and medications.

✔ Bring in light-weight objects such

as garbage cans, garden tools,

toys and lawn furniture.

Plan to leave if you...

✔ Live in a mobile home. They are

unsafe in high winds no matter

how well fastened to the ground.

✔ Live on the coastline, an

offshore island, or near a river

or a flood plain.

✔ Live in a high-rise building.

Hurricane winds are stronger

at higher elevations.

Is Your Community Community

Preparedness Plans

Each community subject to a hurricane threat

should develop its own hurricane safety plan.

After you have developed a personal/family

safety plan, find out about your community

safety plan. Local officials should have detailed

information for your immediate area. Please

listen to and follow their recommendations

before, during and after the storm.

Are You Ready?

Before the Hurricane Season

FEMA

StormReady?

To help Americans prepare for

the ravages of hazardous

weather, the National

Weather Service has

designed StormReady,

a program aimed at

arming America’s communities with the communication

and safety skills necessary to save lives and property. More

information is available at www.nws.noaa.gov/stormready.
15

After the Storm

✔ Listen to radio, TV or NOAA

Weather Radio.

✔ Keep abreast of road conditions

through the media. Wait until

an area is declared safe before

entering.

✔ Do not attempt to drive across

flowing water. As little as 6” of

water may cause you to lose

control of your vehicle–2 feet of

water will carry most cars away.

✔ If you see water flowing across

a roadway, TURN AROUND

AND GO ANOTHER WAY.

Many people have been killed

or injured driving through

During the Storm

When in a Warning Area...

FEMA

flooded roadways or around

barricades. Roads are closed

for your protection.

✔ Stay away from moving water.

Moving water even 6” deep can

sweep you away.

✔ Do not allow children, especially

under age 13, to play in flooded

areas. They often drown or are

injured in areas appearing safe.

✔ If someone needs to be rescued,

call professionals with the right

equipment to help. Many people

have been killed or injured trying

to rescue others in flooded areas.

✔ Stay away from standing water.

It may be electrically charged

from underground or downed

power lines.

✔ Have professionals check gas,

water and electrical lines and

appliances for damage.

✔ Use a flashlight for emergency

lighting. Never use candles and

other open flames indoors.

✔ Use tap water for drinking and

cooking only when local officials

say it is safe to do so.

✔ Use the telephone only for

emergency calls.

✔ Notify neighbors and a family

member outside of the warned

area of your evacuation plans.

✔ Take pets with you. Leaving

pets behind is likely to result in

their being injured, lost or killed.

✔ Move to a safe area before you

are cut off by flood water.

If staying in a home...

Only stay in a home if you have

NOT been ordered to leave. Stay

inside a well constructed building.

Examine the building and decide

what you will do if winds become

strong enough to produce deadly

missiles and structural failure.

✔ Turn refrigerator to its coldest

setting and keep closed.

✔ Turn off utilities if told to do

so by authorities.

✔ Turn off propane tanks.

✔ Unplug small appliances.

✔ Fill bathtub and large containers

with water for sanitary purposes.

In strong winds...

✔ Stay away from windows and

doors even if they are covered.

Take refuge in a small interior

room, closet or hallway.

✔ Close all interior doors. Secure

and brace external doors.

✔ In a two-story house, go to an

interior first-floor room, such as

a bathroom or closet.

✔ In a multiple-story building, go

to the first or second floors and

stay in interior rooms away

from windows.

✔ Lie on the floor under a table or

another sturdy object.

✔ Listen closely to radio, TV or

NOAA Weather Radio for

official bulletins.

✔ Complete preparation activities,

such as putting up storm shutters,

storing loose objects, etc.

✔ Follow instructions issued

by local officials. Leave

immediately if told to do so!

✔ If evacuating, leave early (if

possible, in daylight). Stay with

friends or relatives, stay at a

low-rise inland hotel/motel, or

go to a predesignated public

shelter outside a flood zone.

✔ Leave mobile homes.

■ First-aid kit

■ Prescription medicines

■ Baby food and diapers

■ Cards, games, books

■ Toiletries

■ Battery-powered radio

■ Flashlight (one per person)

■ Extra batteries

■ Blankets or sleeping bags

■ Identification

■ Valuable papers (insurance)

■ Credit card or cash

What to Bring to a Shelter
ARC 5030 Revised August 2001 NOAA/PA 94050

Gather information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency

management office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and

how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your

risks and identify ways to make your home and property more secure.

Meet with your family to create a disaster plan. Discuss your plan with your family. Pick two places to meet:

a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in

case you can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your “family check-in contact” for everyone

to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

Implement your plan.

1 Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.

2 Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

3 Inspect your home for potential hazards (items that can move, fall, break or catch fire) and correct them.

4 Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher;

 and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.

5 Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number.

6 Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Store these

supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important documents

in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

Family Disaster Plan

Practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety

rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.

Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored

water and food every 6 months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross

chapter or emergency management office for a copy of “Your Family Disaster Plan” (L-191/ARC4466).

■ A 3-day supply of water

(one gallon per person,

per day)

■ Food that won’t spoil

■ One change of clothing and

shoes per person

LOCAL SPONSORSHIP:

■ Prescription medicines

■ One blanket or sleeping

bag per person

■ First-aid kit

■ Battery-powered NWR

and a portable radio

A Disaster Supplies Kit Should Include:

■ Emergency tools

■ Flashlight, extra batteries

■ Extra set of car keys and a

credit card or cash

■ Special items for infant, elderly

or disabled family members

Prepare for hazards that could affect your area with a family disaster plan. Where will your family be when disaster

strikes? They could be at work, school or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are

safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic

services—water, gas, electricity or telephones—were cut off?

Steps to Take

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