#and a category system used by FEMA to grade disasters

[bigautomaton]

Thinking about the Waffle House Index. Do y’all think the Waffle Houses in America closed during the eyepocalypse? Like we know it was bad, wrong, and all kinds of awful but did it close the Waffle Houses? Did it fully staff them? I don’t know what would be worse?

[uberclimb-blog]

60 Hurricane Safety Tips: Learn What To Do Before, During & After A Hurricane

Introduction

 A hurricane also known as a typhoon (in Indian / Pacific Ocean) is a large storm.  It typically is identified by a low-pressure center around which there is high speed storm system, high winds together with thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rains.  Countries with major coast lines are especially at rise of such storms. They tend to occur every year.

 At the focal point of hurricane, air sinks instead of rises. For a suitably strong storm, the air may sink over a layer deep enough to smother cloud formation, in this way making a clear region also called an "eye" of the storm.

 Hurricanes take time to develop, usually a few days or more. They typically begin as thunderstorms then become stronger and stronger and grow in size into large scale weather disturbances.

 Hurricanes are effectively followed and checked by climate satellites & weather aircraft due to their regularity and potential for destructive damage. In this way, weather agencies are constantly monitoring hurricane movements.  Hence if you are in an affected area, it’s wise to keep up to date with latest warnings.

 Hurricanes are defined by 5 categories

Category

Wind Speed (mph)

Damage

1

74-95

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

2

96-110

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage

3

111-129

Devastating damage will occur

4

130-156

Catastrophic damage will occur

5

>157

Catastrophic damage will occur

 Or

Category 1: 74–95 mph . Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

Category 2: 96–110 mph . Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

Category 3: 111–129 mph . Devastating damage will occur

Category 4: 130–156 mph . Catastrophic damage will occur

Category 5: >157 mph . Catastrophic damage will occur

  Countries Affected

According to the US NOARA the main countries with most hurricane strikes since 1970 are:-

 ·       United States

·       China

·       Philippines

·       Japan

·       Mexico

·       Taiwan

·       Vietnam

·       Australia

·       Madagascar

·       Cuba

 Other Countries

·       Mexico – Western coast

·       New Zealand

 The main Caribbean islands that are struck by hurrianes on regular basis are:-

·       Island of Abaco

·       Saba, Netherland Antilles

·       Grand Bahama, Bahama

·       Habana, Cuba

·       Key West, USA

·       St. Eustatius, Netherland Antilles

·       Nevis, West Indies

·       Bimini, Bahamas

·       Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas

·       Tortola, British Virgin Islands

·       St. Maarten/St. Martin

 Hurricane Season

 Northern Hemisphere - May 1st to November 30th for the Atlantic and the Caribbean each year, and the Eastern Pacific hurricane season starts in mid-May.

 Southern Hemisphere - Seasons are the opposite of those in the northern, of course, and their hurricane season peaks in March and April.

 To help your preparation below are some tips. This is not meant to be exhaustive but more of a guide:-

 Before Hurricane Impact

 1.    Most importantly keep up to date with latest weather updates Useful to have a portable (battery/crank up) radio in case of power failure caused by the hurricane.

 2.    Check and ensure everyone is accounted for including pets. Also that they know what to do.

 3.    You could, if you have the funds/space consider purchasing a back up generator with full tank if fuel and a reserve fuel on hand.

 4.    Prepare for flooding with sandbags, and suitable stock of brooms, mops squeegees, and other absorbents to help remove water and other deposits.

 5.    If your have trees in your garden or grounds, consider trimming or remove large trees that could fall and damage your or your neighbouring properties.

 6.    Prior to a storm remove patio furniture, yard decorations and anything not securely fastened.

 7.    If your child’s school or child care center is in an area at risk from hurricanes, find out how its emergency plans address hurricanes.

 8.    Inside you home ensure you have enough supplies including spare batteries, first aid kit. Attach tape over windows to prevent any shattering.

You can find suitable types of first aid kits at https://www.uberclimb.com/gear/First-Aid

 9.    On the exterior of your home, remove/tie down any potential loose objects. Also, close all your home windows and doors.  

 10.Install permanent shutters to protect windows, doors and skylights from flying debris and wind. You could also, board up windows/doors if required.

 11.Strengthen your garage door by replacing it with a pressure-rated model or install a bracing system to prevent the door from failing.

 12.If you have to evacuate, ensure all members of your family are accounted for. Check you have full tank of fuel and familiarise with evacuation route & destination. Evacuate as soon as possible when you receive an evacuation notice or you feel in immediate danger.

 13.When moving outside avoid potential dangerous places. Especially avoid places where the riverbed is high or close to other waterways. Also, avoid areas likely to have landslides or flooding.

 14.Normally, it is advisable to stay indoors whenever possible. Try and avoid venturing outdoors if not necessary. There could be flying debris and other hazards caused by the hurricane.

 15.Try and avoid beaches where water can quickly flood in. Also best to avoid harbours areas/, river mouths. These will be venerable at at high tide/high water conditions such as caused by hurricanes.

 16.It also advisable to stay away from low lying coastal areas as tides will be much higher and waves much stronger at full tide. Levee breaks also cause serious disaster.

 If you are on or near alluvial areas be extra wary. These have increased risks of flooding. Exercise extreme caution because deltas (made of sediment carried by the river and deposited at the mouth of it) and floodplains (region made of accumulated sand carried by regular flooding) can easily be swamped.

 18.Also note that river basins and dry riverbeds can also present a serious/life threatening danger of flooding during storms, hence avoid venturing there or leave the area as soon as possible.

 Avoid developed land as this is normally made by breaking up hillsides and hence may contain unstable soil and terrain and therefore weaker ground. These areas may slide when downpours or water flooding loosen the ground.

 20.Torrential downpour caused by hurricane weather s may cause mountain landslides, and alluvial cones at the foot of a mountain may especially vulnerable.  Be especially wary of steep sloping lands of greater than 30° angles and heights of more than 5m may experience a landslide when there are heavy rains.

 If you live in mobile home it is safer to go to a shelter.

 22.     Be sure to fully charge all mobile phones and other battery powered devices. Also, print out emergency contact information in case you lose power.

 23.Stock up on groceries, water, medications, and any other necessities such as infant supplies to avoid the need for travel during the storm. You could storage water in a suitable container. One option can be found at

https://www.uberclimb.com/gear/hyrdration/naturehike-food-grade-water-container-large-capacity

 24.Ideally purchase appliances that come with built in surge protection or consider a surge protected sockets power strips to plug your electrical devices.

 25.Have some emergency cash in case you need to purchase items in areas where there is no power.

 26.Check and repair (if necessary) roof drains, gutters and gaps in walls.

 27.Remove TV and radio antennas as well satellite dishes from roof areas.

 28.Ensure that any storm drains, culverts and catch basins are cleared of debris.

 29.Prior to evacuation, bring identification, insurance papers, and other important documents for every family member in your family/group. Obey all special traffic signs and law enforcement orders. Bring adequate water, snacks, cash, and medications.

 30.Consider creating a family communications plan that can help ensure that everyone knows how to connect and where to meet during an emergency.

 31.Identify a family member or friend to serve as an out-of-state contact so all family members have a single point of contact. Write down or capture two contact methods for this individual such as telephone, cell phone, e-mail address, or social media. Determine safe places where your family can go for protection or to reconnect if separated.

 32.Consider signup with American Red Cross Safe and Well social media app.  Learn about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System.

 33.Remember, texting may work best before, during, and after a disaster as a text message may be more likely to reach the recipient as it requires far less bandwidth to send than making a phone call.

 34.Make sure that everyone, including children, knows how and when to call 9-1-1 for emergency help. Remember, only call 9-1-1 if there is a life-threatening emergency.

 35.Store at least one emergency contact under the names “In Case of Emergency” or “ICE” for all mobile phones and devices. This will help someone identify your emergency contact if needed.

 36.Those with special medical needs such as oxygen, dialysis etc should go to special needs shelters only. These typically only provide medical monitoring and limited medical care. Bring a caregiver if possible.

 It is good preparation to build a storm shelter or tornado safe room. The safest place may be a small, interior, windowless room such as a closet or bathroom on the lowest level of the structure.

 38.If possible ensure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer.

 Where possible, store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of (contaminated) water in case of flooding.

 Purchase flood insurance in advance of the storm.

 41.Create a disaster preparedness kit filled with critical supplies, including important documents and medications.  You can find a list here.

 42.It is advisable to keep your pets in a designated area in your home. Ensure to place enough water and food in that area. If your pet has special care needs, make sure to provide it. Animals, just like humans, can also feel scared.

  During The Hurricane

 43.Keep up-to-date on weather status especially in your area.

 44.Shut down all gas fired equipment and shut off main gas values.

 45.Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in “airplane” mode, and closing unnecessary apps that you do not need.

 46.Shut down all non-critical and non-essential electrical equipment.

 47.Stay in a secure room and away from windows.

 48.If your power goes out, report your outage immediately to your local power company.

 Be aware, it typically takes about two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and trucks.

 After Hurricane

 Ensure that the storm has completely passed before venturing outside.

 Also, stay away from downed power lines, flooded areas, and debris. Treat all fallen wires and anything touching them as though they are energized/live. Immediately report downed lines to your power company.

 52.If your power is cut, listen to your local radio stations for information and instructions.

 If you are encountering hot weather, close drapes and blinds on the sunny side of your house, drink plenty of fluids, take your pets to a cool basement location, and go to an air-conditioned civic center, mall, or library if necessary to stay cool.

 54.Remain patient. Every electric company has a detailed plan for restoring electrical service after a power outage.

 If possible, try and turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Also, to help ensure your food will keep longer, try and minimise opening the fridge door as much as possible if the power goes out.

 56.Check if your local community has a hurricane response plan.

 57.Do not move seriously injured individuals. There may be falling debris even more likely if you have high rise buildings.

 58.Provide search and rescue personnel with last known location and descriptions of any missing victims.

 59.Clear out roof drains, and remove debris from roofs.

 60.Check refrigerated items from spoilage if there has been a power failure.

 On entering your home do an inspection of every room. However, be careful in entering every room. Keep a lookout for reptiles or other wild animals that may have been driven by floodwaters to higher ground. If you happen to find one, don’t try and handle the animal - instead contact local wildlife authority or agency.

 You can find other useful articles at

https://www.uberclimb.com/index.php?route=extension/d_blog_module/category&category_id=1

  Useful Sites

 North America

 The Hurricane Watch Net

https://www.hwn.org

 Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane

 DHS Disaster & Emergancy Advice

http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

 National Hurricane Center

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

 Asia

Philippines

https://www.pgyc.org/weather.php

 Japan

https://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

 Taiwan

https://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/prevent/typhoon/ty.htm

 Vietnam

http://www.nchmf.gov.vn/web/en-US/43/Default.aspx

 Australia

http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/

[floridastorm-blog]

Make the smart investment and reduce the risks and damages of storm

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Easy-to-install and easy-to-transfer products make it a smart investment

Bolt Together Shelters DYI and bring two safe units together to protect maximum numbers of occupants from harsh weather conditions. You can use your skills and a special set of tools for installation. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instruction for installation purpose. You need to purchase a high-grade product from a certified and licensed manufacturer.

The manufacturer you can trust for high-grade products at a modest investment

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