Hurricane Safety & Preparedness
 2006
Hurricane Evacuation Contraflow Routes (PDF, 457KB)
Introduction
Hurricanes cause massive
damage and loss of life. From the 1900 storm that devastated Galveston
Island, killing more than 6,000 people, to Hurricane Alicia in 1983, Texas
has weathered 10 of the 30 worst hurricanes in United States history.
Since then, thousands of new residents have moved into high-risk areas
with little or no experience of preparing for or surviving storms of such
magnitude. Many other Texans have acquired a false sense of security
believing that, "It won't happen to me." Don't be a casualty of
our next hurricane. Plan ahead...the following information will help.
For quicker
navigation each sub-topic has been hyperlinked in this
document. Click on the subtopic or scroll down to view the
entire contents of this page.
GENERAL INFORMATION
BEFORE THE STORM
Disaster Shelters
Evacuation
Disaster Supplies
AFTER THE STORM
OTHER INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Definitions
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Scale
A 1-5 rating based on the
hurricane's present intensity. This is used to give an estimate of
the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a
hurricane landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the
scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the
continental shelf in the landfall region.
Tropical Cyclone
A warm-core cyclone or storm
not associated with a cold front. A tropical cyclone will have
organized deep convection or thunderstorm activity and a closed surface
wind circulation about a well-defined center.
Tropical Depression
A type of tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of less than 39 miles per hour.
Tropical Storm
A type of tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of between 39 mile per hour and 73 miles per hour.
Hurricane
The most extreme form of
tropical cyclone in which maximum sustained winds are greater than 73
miles per hour.
Tropical Storm
Watch
An announcement for specific coastal
areas that tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning
A warning that sustained winds
within the range of 39 to 73 miles per hour associated with a tropical
cyclone are expected in a specific coastal area within 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch
An announcement for specific
coastal areas that hurricane conditions are possible within 24 hours.
Hurricane Warning
A warning that sustained winds
of 74 miles per hour or higher associated with a hurricane are expected in
a specific coastal area within 24 hours. A hurricane warning can
remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of
dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though
winds may be less than hurricane force.
Eye-wall
An organized band or of
thunderstorm clouds that surround the eye or relatively calm storm center.
Storm Surge
The abnormal rise in sea level
caused by the effects of wind from a hurricane or other intense
storm. Storm surge is not a sweeping tidal wave.
Storm Tide
If the storm surge arrives at
the same time as high tide, the water height will be even greater.
The storm tide is the combination of the storm surge and the normal tide.
Flooding
Flooding may result from
either rainfall or storm surge inundation. A large amount of
rainfall within a short period of time causes the fallen water to
collect outside the normal boundaries of ditches, rivers, streams,
lakes, and flood canals. Depending on natural and man-made
factors, the following associated hazards are possible:
-
Drowning
-
Electrocution from fallen
live wires
-
Sickness from drinking
contaminated water
-
Property damage or loss
-
Possible attacks from
pets and wild animals (snakes, dogs, alligators, rats, etc.)
escaping the flood waters
2006 Tropical Storm & Hurricane
Names
| Storm Name |
|
Alberto |
|
Beryl |
|
Chris |
|
Debby |
|
Ernesto |
|
Florence |
|
Gordon |
|
Helene |
|
Isaac |
|
Joyce |
|
Kirk |
|
Leslie |
|
Michael |
|
Nadine |
|
Oscar |
|
Patty |
|
Rafael |
|
Sandy |
|
Tony |
|
Valerie |
|
William |
Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Scale
|
Scale Number
(Category) |
Sustained Winds
(MPH) |
Damage |
|
1 |
74 - 95 |
Minimal |
|
2 |
96 - 110 |
Moderate |
|
3 |
111 - 130 |
Extensive |
|
4 |
131 - 155 |
Extreme |
|
5 |
>155 |
Catastrophic |
The extent of wind damage is based upon the hurricane's strength or
wind speed. The National Hurricane Center uses the Saffir-Simpson
Scale to classify hurricanes by their wind speeds into five categories.
|
Category |
Damage Examples |
|
1 |
 Minimal
structural damage
Mobile
homes at risk
Power
lines, signs, and tree branches blown down
Storm
surge - 4 to 5 feet |
|
2 |
Moderate
structural damage to walls, roofs, and windows
Mobile
homes at greater risk
Large
signs and tree branches blown down
Storm
surge - 6 to 8 feet |
|
3 |
Extensive
structural damage to walls, roofs, and windows
Trees
blown down
Storm
surge - 9 - 12 feet |
|
4 |
Extreme
damage to structures and roofs
Trees
uprooted
Storm
surge - 13 to 18 feet |
|
5 |
Catastrophic
damage
Structures
destroyed
Storm
surge - 18 feet or higher |
PLEASE NOTE: Flying debris or projectiles such as signs,
trees, glass, roof shingles, lawn furniture, and toys can cause severe
property damage as well as major injuries or even death.
Am I at risk from a hurricane?
Look at the color-coded maps below to find out how you
would be affected by a hurricane. It shows the areas at risk
from winds, rain, and storm surge associated with hurricanes. There are five of
these risk areas, each shown in a different color and each corresponding
to one of the five categories of hurricanes on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.
The stronger the storm, the greater the inland impact will be and the more
risk areas affected. Notice Sweeny is in Risk Area 5 the lowest risk
area.
 |
 |
| Brazoria County Hurricane Risk Map |
Brazoria County Flood Risk Map |
BEFORE THE STORM
How will I know when to evacuate?
Your local officials will
tell you. During a "hurricane watch," listen to your radio or
television constantly. Emergency officials can interrupt routine
broadcasts to give special weather updates, warning messages, and
evacuation information. Tune to KTRK, 740 AM; KPRC, 950 AM or KLOL,
101.1 FM for this information. For 24-hour weather broadcasts from the
National Weather Service, tune to NOAA Weather Radio on the
high-band FM frequency 162.55 megahertz (MHz) that broadcasts from
Galveston, 162.40 MHz that broadcasts from Houston, or 162.425 MHz that
broadcasts from Bay City. Information will also be posted on our
home page.
What can I do to prepare for a storm?
While there are no sure
ways to predict when and where a hurricane will come ashore in Texas, both
cities and counties have emergency managers whose job is to prepare the
community and its citizens for these storms and other disasters. For
answers to specific questions you may have concerning hurricanes and
preparing for them, contact your local Emergency Management Office.
However, a wide variety of information has been posted on this Web
page.
How should I prepare for an evacuation?
Prepare a "disaster
supplies kit" and put it in your vehicle. Make sure your car is in
good repair and full of gas. Secure your home: turn off the gas, water,
and electricity; board up the windows and draw drapes across them; brace
garage doors; bring in or secure any loose objects in the yard; and lock
all windows and doors. If you have a boat, secure it on a trailer near
your house and fill it with water. Make arrangements for pets before you
leave; most public shelters, and many hotels and motels do not allow them.
Leave a note telling where you plan to go. Designate an out-of-area
contact that family and friends can call to get information on your
whereabouts. Finally, designate a meeting point for your family should you
get separated.
The City of Sweeny
urges residents who leave the area during hurricanes to e-mail us
with your plans and contact information to assist emergency
responders during times of disaster and recovery. Use this
link: info@ci.sweeny.tx.us.
What if I need help to evacuate?
Arrange beforehand with
friends or family to help you evacuate. If you have no one to turn or you
have special needs, get in touch with your local officials now. They need
to know who you are, where you live, and what kind of help you need so
they can be ready to provide aid when a storm threatens. Call the
Sweeny Police Department to provide this information, or e-mail the
information to us. Use this link: inbox@sweenypolice.org.
The information will be placed in a database for
quick and easy retrieval in times of emergencies.
How long will it take to evacuate?
That depends on the size of
the storm and the number of people who evacuate. Remember, the goal
is to get everyone out of the threatened area before evacuation routes
become impassable or unsafe due to flooding or high winds. This will
happen when the storm is still many hours away from landfall. So, don't be
surprised if there are no clouds and the sun is shining when local
officials tell you to evacuate. Follow their instructions; your health and
safety are their main concern.
Where should I go?
Inland...away from the
coast. Use the evacuation routes shown on a map. Most of these roads are
marked with blue hurricane evacuation signs. If you have friends or family
at an inland location, arrange beforehand to stay with them. If you plan
to stay in a hotel or motel, make reservations prior to departure to
ensure you have a room. Cities and towns along the main evacuation routes
may open public shelters, but these will be crowded and the "creature
comforts" limited. If you need to use a public shelter, listen to
your radio as you are evacuating to find out where shelters are open.
Hurricane Survival Tips
When Officials Recommend an
Evacuation
- Coordinate your departure with the
people who will be traveling with you
- Notify an out-of-area person of your
evacuation plans
- Notify the City of Sweeny via e-mail
of your evacuation plans
- Secure your home
- Pack your disaster supplies kit into
your vehicle. Double check your evacuation route and leave
Who Should Plan to Leave Early?
- Persons living on the coast, on barrier
islands, or in low-lying or flood-prone areas
- Persons who live in manufactured housing
- Persons with special needs – including
health or mobility-related concerns
Secure Your
Home
- Turn off gas, water, and electricity
- Board up windows
- Draw drapes across windows
- Brace garage doors
- Bring in outdoor furniture and other
loose objects; anchor those items you cannot bring inside
- Place boats on trailers; locate near
home; and fill boats with water
- Lock all windows and doors
- Make arrangements for pets before
leaving; most shelters and many hotels and motels do not allow them
Evacuation
Tips
- Keep your vehicle in good repair with a
full tank of fuel
- Check on friends and neighbors who may
have special needs
- Prepare your disaster supplies kit now
and take it with you when you evacuate
- Secure your home quickly; evacuate when
asked to do so
- Have an out-of-area point of contact
whom family and friends can cal to learn your evacuation plans
- Designate a meeting point for your
family should you get separated
- If possible, have a CB radio or other
form of communication to take with you. Use it only for emergencies
- Monitor local radio and television
constantly for the latest news and information
Your Disaster Supplies
Kit
- Can opener
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Bedding or sleeping bags
- Fire extinguisher
- Bleach (without lemon or other
additives)
- Mosquito repellent
- Extra prescription medicine or refill
information
- Baby food, diapers and formula
- First aid kit
- Water (one gallon per person per day)
- Eating utensils
- Tarp, rope and duct tape
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Battery-operated or crank radio
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Extra keys
- Extra eyeglasses or prescription
information
- Hearing aid or other special-need items
- Important papers including insurance
- Money, checks, or credit cards
- Name, address, and telephone number of
an out-of-area contact person
AFTER THE STORM
Returning Home
Returning home after a major disaster can be both dangerous and
difficult. Be careful entering a disaster area. Before
returning to an area that has been evacuated, make sure that local
officials have advised it is safe to travel through areas between
where you are and home.
Following a major hurricane, it may take several weeks to restore
services and clear roads and several months to remove all the debris
from the neighborhoods. Be patient and also keep in mind that
the better prepared you are, the less inconvenienced you will be.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Return home only when authorities advise it is safe to do so.
- Stay tuned to the radio (battery-operated) for information about available
emergency assistance.
- Drive only if absolutely necessary. Avoid sightseeing.
- Check for injured or trapped persons and provide first aid, if
trained.
- Wear heavy shoes or boots for protection.
- Beware of snakes, insects, or animals driven to higher ground by
flood water.
- Enter your home with caution.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry the home.
- Check food and water supply before using them.
- Check your home for structural damage or defects.
- ALWAYS HAVE UTILITIES TURNED BACK ON BY A PROFESSIONAL.
Inspect utilities:
- Check the gas, electrical, and water lines for damage.
- Check for fires and extinguish all open flames.
- Check utility lines and appliances for damage. If
electrical wiring appears to be shorting out, close the switch at
the main meter box or disconnect the main fuse.
- Open windows and leave the building if gas appears to be
leaking. Call the fire department, police department, or gas
company (City of Sweeny).
- Plug bathtub and sink drains to prevent backup.
- If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company (City of
Sweeny). Do not use water from the tap. Obtain emergency
water from hot water tanks, toilet tank (not bowls), and melted ice
cubes.
Life may never return to "normal" for victims of a major disaster.
Experiencing a major disaster such as a hurricane can be a traumatic
experience that changes peoples lives forever. A sense of security
may be lost and in most cases, there is some sort of property loss
involved.
OTHER INFORMATION
More Information
Survival
in a hurricane
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/hurricane.htm
Hurricane Awareness Information Kit
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem
Hurricane
Name Lists
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml
References
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