Goals

1
Beaches Communities Hurricane Preparedness
Training Spring of 2006
2
General Information

• Hurricanes are devastating powerhouses of wind,
  rain, and surf.
• Wind gust can reach 200 mph.
• Can bring 6 to 12 inches of rainfall.
• Storm surge can lift the ocean 15-24 feet or more
  above main sea level, with additional wave
  action.
• Tornadoes are likely.
• Loss of power and communication abilities likely.

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Formation of a Hurricane

• The ingredients for a hurricane  include a
  pre-existing weather disturbance, warm tropical
  oceans, moisture, and relatively light winds
  aloft.
• A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which
  is a generic term for a low pressure system that
  generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is
  accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern
  Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of
  winds near the earth's surface.

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Hurricane Formation

• The process by which a tropical cyclone forms
  and subsequently strengthens into a hurricane
  depends on at least three conditions shown in the
  figure below
• A pre-existing disturbance with thunderstorms.
• Warm (at least 80ºF) ocean temperatures to a
  depth of about 150 feet.
• Light upper level winds that do not change much
  in direction and speed throughout the depth of
  the atmosphere (low wind shear).

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Hurricane Anatomy

• The main parts of a hurricane (shown below) are
  the rainbands on its outer edges, the eye, and
  the eyewall. Air spirals in toward the center in
  a counter-clockwise pattern, and out the top in
  the opposite direction. In the very center of the
  storm, air sinks, forming the cloud-free eye.

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Hurricane Terminology
7
Continued Hurricane Information

• Just as many factors contribute to the birth of a
  hurricane, there are many reasons why a hurricane
  begins to decay. Wind shear can tear the
  hurricane apart. Moving over cooler water or
  drier areas can lead to weakening as well.
  Landfall typically shuts off the hurricane's main
  moisture source, and the surface circulation can
  be reduced by friction when it passes over land.

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Hurricane Terminology

• Tropical Storm Watch An alert given when a
  tropical storm ( wind speeds of 39-73 mph) poses
  a threat to a specific area within 36 hours.
• Tropical Storm Warning An alert given when a
  tropical storm poses a threat to a specific
  coastal area within 24 hours.
• Hurricane Watch An announcement for specific
  coastal areas that hurricane conditions are
  possible within 36 hours.
• Hurricane Warning A warning that sustained winds
  of 74 mph or higher associated with a hurricane
  are expected in a specified coastal area within
  24 hours or less.

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Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

• The scale below categorizes storms based on
  sustained wind speeds.
• Cat storm Winds Surge (FT)
  Example
• Category 1 74-95 MPH 4-5
  Irene 1999
• Category 2 96-110 MPH 6-8
  Floyd 1999
• Category 3 111-130 MPH 9-12
  Alicia 1993
• Category 4 131-155 MPH 13-19 Hugo
  1989
• Category 5 Greater than155 MPH 19
  Andrew 1992
• Surge Indicator Poles, located in each community
  indicate the maximum expected surge per category.
  Cat-1 red, Cat -2 orange, Cat-3 yellow,
• Cat-4 green, and Cat-5 purple.

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Hurricane Storms Surge

• Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward
  the shore by the force of the winds swirling
  around the storm. This advancing surge combines
  with the normal tides to create the hurricane
  storm tide.
• In addition, wind driven waves are superimposed
  on the storm tide. This rise in water level can
  cause severe flooding in coastal areas,
  particularly when the storm tide coincides with
  the normal high tides. Because much of the
  Atlantic coastline is less than 10 feet above
  mean sea level, the danger from storm tides is
  tremendous. Waves may reach 20 feet.
• The level of surge in a particular area is also
  determined by the slope of the continental shelf.
  A shallow slope such as the our area, allows a
  greater surge to inundate coastal communities.,
  although large breaking waves can still present
  major problems.

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Hurricane Storm Surge

• During Katrina, debris line was recorded at 12
  ft. 5 miles inland.

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Hurricane Flooding Problems

• Typically 6-12 inches of rainfall produced.
• Drowning is the 1 cause of deaths related to
  hurricanes.
• 59 of children killed by hurricanes
• drowned in freshwater flooding.
• 23 of all victims drowned while trying to
  abandon their vehicles.
• Will be a significant inland problem.

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Flooding from Hurricane Frances
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Hurricane Tornadoes

• Most hurricanes produce tornadoes. They
  occur in thunderstorms embedded in the
  rain-bands.
• Weak Moderate Strong
• less 110 MPH 110-205 MPH 205 MPH

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Category 1 2(Minimal to moderate damage)

• Possible outcomes
• Wind damage
• Substandard structures
• Signs, trees, power lines
• Significant damage
• Pier
• Marina boats
• Waterfront property
• Flooding
• Structural damage to homes and businesses
• Barrier islands

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Category 3, 4, 5(Extensive/catastrophic damage)

• Possible outcomes
• Many complete building failures and marinas/boats
  destroyed.
• Failure of communications (Telephone, cell
  phones, radios).
• Extensive damage to city infrastructure (power,
  water, sewer).
• Bridges destroyed.
• Severe flooding.
• Roadways covered with sand, washed out and not
  passable.
• Potential loss of life.
• Disruption of government services.

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CHARLEY Landfall August 13th, Cat 4-138 MPH,
Punta Gorda Claimed 22 lives, 6.8 Billion US
damages
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JEANNE Landfall Sept 25th, Cat 3-120 MPH, south
end of Hutchinson Island in Martin County
Claimed 6 deaths in Florida 6.2 Billion US
damages
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Hurricane Jeanne, Local Damage(Tropical force
winds)
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FRANCES Landfall Sept 5th, Cat 2-105 MPH, north
of Stuart in Martin County Claimed 15 lives
2.5 Billion US damages
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Hurricane Frances Local Damage
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Hurricane Frances Damage Locally
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Hurricane FrancesCategory 2
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Hurricane Frances
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Hurricane Frances Flooding
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Hurricane Frances, Aftermath
27
Hurricane IVAN Sept 16th, Cat 3-130 MPH,
landfall near Gulf Shores, Alabama and Escambia
County Florida. Claimed 60 lives, largest
hurricane of the 2004 season.
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The 2005 Hurricane Season

• 28 named storms
• 15 hurricanes, 7 landfalls , 104 Billion damage,
  1400 lives lost.
• 3 cat 5 storms Katrina, Rita, and Wilma
• Hurricane Katrina was the costliest (80 billion),
  and one of the deadliest hurricanes in American
  history (over 1300 lives lost). It was the
  eleventh named storm, fifth hurricane, third
  major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane
  of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, and was
  the sixth-strongest Atlantic hurricane ever
  recorded.

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Wilma in Honduras, 2005
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Hurricane Wilma in the Keys 2005
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Hurricane Katrina 2005Chalmette, LA
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What Can We Expect in 2006Dr. William Gray

• The 2006 Atlantic hurricane season will be much
  more active than the average 1950-2000 season.
  We estimate that 2006 will have about 9
  hurricanes (average is 5.9), 17 named storms
  (average is 9.6).
• Do not expect as many US landfalls.
• No El Nino conditions likely, El Nina
  conditions may exist.
• We are in a period of heightened hurricane
  activity for next few years. (Increased Atlantic
  water temp, little El-Nino activity).

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A Beach Community after a major hurricane..
Prepare
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What damage could we expect from a Cat-3
hurricane force winds (115 MPH), flooding, wave
action, and possible tornadoes.
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Preparing Your Home

• Ensure you have ample insurance/flood/mold.
• Utilize shutters (metal or plywood) to protect
  against flying debris.
• Secure all outside objects.
• Unplug all electrical equipment. Store equipment
  elevated and covered with plastic.
• Inventory property and photograph.
• Use cautions with generators (CO and electrical
  issues.)

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Boats Owners Preparation

• For trailerable boats
• - Take them with you if possible.
• - Secure all equipment and tarps.
• - Secure the boat if possible.
• Boats at a marina (Do not stay aboard)
• - If possible move to a sheltered area (gunk
  hole) and secure with multiple anchors.
• - If left at the dock , strip all equipment and
  anything that might blow, secure with multiple
  lines and pad (fenders).
• - Leave room for the tidal variations 5-10 ft
  if not a floating dock.

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Pets and Hurricanes

• Most public emergency shelters do not allow pets
  because of health and safety regulations. Animals
  who assist people with disabilities are usually
  the only animals allowed in shelters. This year
  there will be several shelters allowing pets in
  Duval County.
• - Take pets with you if possible.
• - Find a safe pet refuge ahead of time.
• - Take supply of food/water/ collar
  with ID .
• - Make a list of Vets and meds, first
  and kit , and recent photos.
• - If you have to leave them, have
  food, water, and an escape route for
  them.
• - Have a suitable travel container.

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Sample Evacuation Kit

• Prepare for a 3-4 day stay. Make plans to go
  somewhere.
• Radio, flashlight, batteries.
• First aid supplies and sanitation supplies.
• Medications and baby supplies.
• Bottled water.
• Clothing.
• Bedding.
• Food, non perishable.
• Extra money.
• Pets and supplies.
• Copy of important papers and documents
• Re-entry pass (Residents can pick up at city
  hall)

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General Population Evacuation

• The Mayors of Duval County announce the
  evacuation.
• All citizens should seek shelter well inland.
• Shelter information will be announced over radio
  and TV broadcasts. The telephone book has a
  detailed section on evacuation.
• Special needs Transportation available .
• Have a destination, stay out of flood zone.
• There are no shelters for pets.
• Take evacuation kit with you and fill up fuel
  tank on vehicle.
• Ensure your house is secure and shuttered if
  possible.
• Plan you route, however law enforcement may have
  to re-direct traffic to keep it flowing.

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Special Needs Population

• Special needs is defined as those with special
  medical needs( dependent on medical care,
  electricity for support equipment, chronic
  condition, or contagious condition that requires
  isolation) or those that need transportation to
  a shelter.
• Residents of nursing homes or elderly housing
  facilities should check with their facility
  about evacuation plans.
• Register each year in the spring with Co/Jax EOC,
  3 ways.
• Telephone EOC _at_ 630-2472
• On-line at www.coj.net
• At City Hall ( Pick up a Special Needs form)

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After a Hurricane What Then?

• Listen to media (radio and TV) for information
  on re-entry.
• Realize it will be a slow process. Be patient.
• Emergency operations will be coordinated with
  each city through the Beach Complex to Co/Jax
  EOC.
• Power will usually be out. And may take days to
  restore. City Government will be trying to get
  water, sewer, and power restored.
• The first priority will be damage assessment and
  search and rescue operations.
• Debris will be everywhere. Each city has plans
  for debris removal.
• Curfews may be necessary.

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Re-Entry Process

• May be days before residents are allowed back
  due to safety.
• Re-entry Checkpoint
• Residents must show a valid re-entry pass.
• Business managers/owners will be allowed back
  into the beach area but should have a pass.
• Law enforcement will coordinate re-entry
  operations.

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Local Recovery Efforts

• For a major event, the County will be divided
  into four sections utilizing the NIMS management
  system and ICS. The beach cities are in the
  Beach Complex.
• Each beach city is responsible for directing
  their own recovery efforts, however it will be
  coordinated through the Beach Complex to Co/Jax
  EOC to utilize County, State and Federal
  assistance/resources.
• After a initial damage assessment, search/rescue
  efforts will be the first priority, while at the
  same time restoration of power, water, and sewer
  services.
• Debris management will also be initiated early on
  to clear major roadways.
• Recovery will be a slow process.

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FEMA What can they do?

• Federal Emergency Management Association may
  provide assistance to victims of a disaster.
• - Low interest loans.
• - Those who become unemployed may receive
• unemployment benefits.
• - Temporary housing.
• - Special Grants.
• - Disaster recovery centers for assistance.
• - For Public Assistance offer several mitigation
  grants.

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Questions/Information

• We have members from each beach communities, the
  Co/Jax EOC, and a State Insurance
  representative to try and answer any of your
  questions.
• There is also hand out material that will give
  you more detailed information..
• There is a lot of hurricane preparation
  information on the web that will assist you in
  making early preparations.
• Preparations is the key.