Joining Hands For Health: “Are You Prepared A Hurricane?”

Hurricanes are products of the Tropical Ocean and atmosphere. Powered by heat from the sea, they are steered unpredictably by the easterly trade winds and the temperate westerly winds, as well as by their own energy. As they move ashore, they bring with them a storm surge of ocean water along the coastline, high winds, tornadoes, torrential rains, and flooding.

The Atlantic Basin has been in an active hurricane cycle that began in 1995, and nine of the 11 hurricane seasons since then has been above normal, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). There were so many storms in 2005 that the National Weather Service had to use Greek letters when it used up its list of 21 names. This season is not expected to be as busy as last year, the busiest and deadliest on record with 28 named storms, including 15 hurricanes. But forecasters and emergency officials urged people to make preparations now. As stated by Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center United States of America (USA), "It is not all about the numbers, it just takes one hurricane over your house to make for a bad year."

Twenty one (21) Atlantic storms were named for this 2006 season. Thus far only two storms has formed, making landfall – Alberto (June 10) and Beryl (July 21). There have been no direct deaths but two (2) indirect deaths were reported. Nevertheless, the 2006 hurricane season, which began June 1 and ends November 30th is expected to be an active one. According to the NOAA, up to ten (10) big storms are expected. Of these four (4) to six (6) are expected to be of category three (3) strength, or higher, with maximum sustained winds topping eleven (11) miles per hour. Residence throughout the islands of The Bahamas is cautioned not to take this season lightly.

Three Category 3 storms -- Katrina, Rita and Wilma -- struck the Bahamas in 2005. These storms and resulting flooding caused only one (1) death but left some islands of The Bahamas, like Freeport Grand Bahama and San Salvador, devastated.

They also collectively (across affected regions in the USA) caused more than 1,300 deaths and an estimated $100 billion in damage, which, - according to the National Climatic Data Center, is the most expensive natural disaster in the history of America. It would prove beneficial for all residents on the islands of The Bahamas to be fully prepared for this year’s hurricane season; and all residents should strive not to be caught unawares.

Begin your preparation by familiarizing yourself with hurricane related terms to help identify a hurricane hazard. These include:

Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 MPH (33 knots) or less.

Sustained winds are defined as one-minute average wind measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) above the surface.

Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39–73 MPH (34–63 knots).

Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 MPH (64 knots) or higher.

Storm Surge: A dome of water pushed onshore by hurricane and tropical storm winds. Storm surges can reach 25 feet high and be 50–1000 miles wide.

Storm Tide: A combination of storm surge and the normal tide (i.e., a 15-foot storm surge combined with a 2-foot normal high tide over the mean sea level created a 17-foot storm tide).

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours. Tune in to a local (Bahamian) commercial radio station, or television for information on weather conditions throughout the islands of The Bahamas.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.

Short Term Watches and Warnings: These warnings provide detailed information about specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.

One of the most dramatic, damaging, and potentially deadly events that occur in a country is a hurricane. Each year on average, ten tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico. About six of these typically strengthen enough to become hurricanes. Many of these remain over the ocean with little or no impact on the islands of The Bahamas. However, about two hurricanes strike the islands of The Bahamas every year.

During a hurricane, homes, businesses, public buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed by many different storm hazards. Debris (flying objects) can break windows and doors, allowing high winds and rain inside the home. In extreme storms (such as Hurricanes Rita, Wilma and Katrina), the force of the wind alone can cause tremendous devastation, as trees and power lines topple and weak elements of homes and buildings fail. Roads and bridges can be washed away and homes saturated by flooding. Although not commonly experienced in The Bahamas, destructive tornadoes can also be present well away from the storms center during landfall. Yet, storm surge alone poses the highest threat to life and destruction in many coastal areas. These threats are not limited to the coastline -- they can extend hundreds of miles inland, under the right conditions. Therefore, residents are warned not to approach the beaches during a hurricane, especially after sunset.

Before a Hurricane

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

Gather family members and make sure each person is well informed on potential hazards and community plans. Discuss with them what you would do if family members are not home when a warning is issued

Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

If necessary, install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.

Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed. Trees with heavy tops tend to trap air causing them to become uprooted. Additionally, they can be carried by the wind causing damage to buildings and vehicles.

Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts, to allow rainwater to flow freely.

If you have a boat, determine how and where to secure your boat. Listening to the forecast will assist you in this decision.

Consider building a safe room onto your house.

Secure important documents, birth and other certificates, land paper, travel and other important document in plastic bags or waterproof containers, high up on shelves that are secure or move them from your home to a place that they will be safe and secure.

Stock enough food to feed your family for at least one month. These should include:

Canned goods – corned beef, tuna, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables, cooking oil.

DO NOT purchase large volumes of perishable foods – meats and dairy products, in the event of power outages.

Dried food items – flour, rice, grits, noodles etc.

Purchase powdered milk for baby

Water - 5 gallons per family member

Fill your vehicle with fuel (gas or diesel)

Purchase extra Matches and Batteries

Check and fill gas tanks.

Fill medication prescriptions (at least one month supply)

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane threatens the area where you reside, you should:

Listen to the radio or TV for information.

Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects (such as gas tanks, garbage bins, and outdoor furniture) or bring them indoors.

Turn off utilities (gas, light, water) if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

Turn off propane (gas) tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.

Tie up your boat if time permits. It is best to remove them from the sea and secure them away from direct wind passages.

Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.

If you live in a home that is sound or a temporary structure - such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.

If you live in a high-rise building (two or more stories high) - hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

If you live on the coast (your house is near the sea), or in an area that floods easily.

If you feel you are in danger.

Personal items to take with you to a shelter:

Canned/precooked/ready to eat foods like bread, peanut butter, and soups.

Drinking water

Toiletries – soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, comb

Blanket –

Battery operated radio and light

All medicines that you might be on. Be sure to stock up on a month supply of each.

Other medical supplies if you are diabetic, syringe and needle, swabs.

Change of Clothing.

Toy(s) for child/children to occupy them.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.

Close all inside doors—secure and brace external doors.

Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.

Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

After The Hurricane Passes

Do not leave your home until the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), via a (local, Bahamian-based) radio and/or television network that it is safe to do so, announces it. Be extremely careful as you leave your shelter (home). Watch out for fallen trees and downed electrical wires and other debris that might cause injuries.

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. Assistance will be available to residence in stricken areas via the relevant health and social agencies.

For further information on post hurricane safety see part 2 and 3 of this series in this paper. You may also contact: Mr. Leonard Miller the Department of Environmental Health – on environmental concerns at telephone number 323-2296; Ms. Carmelta Barnes at The Nutrition Unit on food safety concerns at telephone number 502-4844; Mrs. Sandra Coleby at the Department of Public Health at telephone 502-4850 or a Community Clinic for information relevant to health care.