What Is
a Hurricane?
A hurricane
is a tropical storm that has rotating winds of at least 73 mph, but
rarely exceeding 150 mph. Hurricanes are usually accompanied by rain, thunder,
and lightning. These severe storms, which are spawned by low-pressure
depressions moving over warm, tropical waters, originate in the Atlantic Ocean
from June to October. In an average year, approximately six Atlantic tropical
storms mature into hurricanes. (Hurricanes that originate in the Pacific Ocean
are referred to as typhoons.)
As the warming
air rises and gains moisture, it begins to spin and gain speed near the calm
center, known as the eye of the hurricane. Surrounding the eye is a
towering wall of moisture laden clouds whirled by strong winds.
At the center
of the hurricane, the low pressure allows the surface of the ocean to be drawn
up into the eye, forming a mound of water one to three feet higher than the
surrounding surface. Driven by winds, this mound of water becomes the storm
surge; as the storm makes landfall, the storm surge can tower up to
twenty feet higher than the normal high tide.
What
Happens When a Hurricane Makes Landfall?
Once a
hurricane hits land, it loses contact with its primary source of energy, the
warm ocean waters, and begins to slow down. As the hurricane passes over land,
increased friction contributes to the break-up of the storm.
The greatest
threat posed from a hurricane is from the heavy rainfall and from flooding
caused by the storm surge. However, hurricane-force winds and flying debris can
cause extensive damage until they dissipate. Hurricanes can also spawn tornadoes
that are extremely dangerous and that contribute to the overall damage.
Hurricanes can
cause catastrophic damage and potentially large losses of life. In recent
years, the death toll from hurricanes has been greatly diminished by timely
warnings of approaching storms and by improved programs of public awareness. At
the same time, losses from hurricane-related property damage in the United
States continue to climb; this is primarily due to an increase in population
and construction.
Hurricane
Forecasting
The National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Hurricane Center in
Miami, Florida uses satellite imagery, radar, and weather balloons to spot
conditions that could trigger a hurricane.
As the storm
nears land, NOAA and the Air Force use special aircraft to fly through the
hurricane, measuring wind speed and barometric pressure and gathering other
data. The information gathered is analyzed by computer models that estimate the
storm's strength, rate of development, path, and estimated storm surge. Based
on this information, NOAA issues a tropical storm warning, a hurricane watch,
or a hurricane warning.
A tropical
storm warning may be issued if winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected in an
area. Such a warning will not be issued first if a hurricane is expected to
strike.
A hurricane
watch is issued for coastal areas when a tropical storm or hurricane
conditions threaten within 24 to 36 hours.
A hurricane
warning is issued for specific coastal areas when hurricane-force winds are
expected to strike within 24 hours or less.
Usually,
warnings allow sufficient time to prepare against hurricane damage and to make
decisions for evacuation of personnel, if proper preparation had been taken at
the beginning of the hurricane season. Use the checklists on the following
pages to review essential steps in hurricane preparedness, response, and
recovery.
Emergency
Preparedness: Before the Hurricane
At the
beginning of the hurricane season:
o Establish an Emergency Preparedness Plan
(EPP) that takes prevention, emergency response, and
disaster recovery into consideration. If an
EPP is already in place, review and update it as needed for hurricane readiness.
o Designate an Emergency Coordinator and an EPP
Team. Assign responsibility to specific employees for advance arrangements to initiate the
plan.
o Insure that your insurance carrier claims
reporting information is up to date.
o Brace outside storage tanks and outer
structures.
o Inspect all battery powered equipment and
backup power.
o Inspect sewers and drains.
o Check all drainage pumps.
o Inspect the roof and flashing for
serviceability.
o Check the landscaping; prune dead branches.
o Have a supply of plastic or tarpaulins on
hand ready to cover water-sensitive equipment.
At the approach
of the hurricane:
o Inspect
roof drains and piping; are they clear of debris and fully functional?
o Check
floor drains and sumps; are they clear of debris and fully functional?
o Check
all storm water catch basins and grates to be sure they are clear of debris.
o Be sure
that roof flashing is secure.
o Make
sure that doors and windows will remain latched.
o Protect
windows from flying debris.
o Walk
the grounds; move objects inside that could become missiles in high winds.
o Anchor
any equipment stored outside that could be moved by high winds.
o Move supplies stored outside to inside
storage.
o Assemble supplies for the emergency crews and
for emergency repairs.
o Protect vital records against flooding and
wind.
o Secure backup records.
o Inspect fire protection equipment.
o Top off fuel in the emergency generators ;
test run.
o Evacuate non-essential personnel.
o Have remaining personnel take shelter.
o Check the supply and serviceability of
sandbags.
Emergency
Response: During the Hurricane
o Patrol the facility continuously, as long as
it is safe to do so.
o Check for any damage to the structure.
o Check for leaks and fire systems impairment.
o Complete any emergency repairs that are
possible and safe to perform.
o Shut off any valves where pipes have been
broken.
o Watch for flooding. Use sandbags when
necessary.
o Watch for reverse winds after the eye of the
storm has passed. They will affect different areas and perhaps break trees that had been blown
in the other direction.
Emergency
Recovery: After The Hurricane
o Conduct a roll call of all personnel on the
premises.
o Assess the damage.
o Check for safety hazards (downed trees,
branches, downed power wires, leaking gas, blocked roof drains, reptiles).
o Make temporary repairs to protect the
structure and supplies.
o Photograph and document any damage.
o Promptly report the loss to your insurance
carrier, contact your Senn Dunn Service Team for
assistance. Visit www.senndunn.com to get
detailed information on claim reporting.
o Begin salvage operations.
Hurricane
Related Websites & Mobile Applications
The following sites provide additional information and resources on hurricane (windstorm) preparedness and mitigation:
“Hurricane “App by the American Red Cross –
in iTunes for iOS and Google Play for Android
National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)- National Hurricane Center (NHC)
-
Hurricane Categories Defined (Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale)
Category 1 Very dangerous winds will produce some
damage - storms usually cause no significant structural damage to
building structures; however, they can topple unanchored mobile homes, as well
as uproot or snap trees. Poorly attached roof shingles or tiles can blow off.
Coastal flooding and pier damage are often associated with Category 1
storms. Examples of storms of this
intensity include: Hurricane Alice (1954), Danny
(1985), Jerry
(1989), Ismael (1995), Gaston
(2004), Humberto (2007), Claudette (2003), Hanna
(2008), and Barbara (2013).
Category 2 Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage - storms are strong enough that they can lift a house, and inflict damage upon poorly constructed doors and windows. Vegetation, poorly constructed signs, and piers can receive considerable damage. Mobile homes, whether anchored or not, are typically damaged, and many manufactured homes also suffer structural damage. Small craft in unprotected anchorages may break their moorings. Hurricanes that peaked at Category 2 intensity, and made landfall at that intensity, include Diana (1990), Erin (1995), Alma (1996), Marty (2003), Juan (2003), Dolly (2008), Alex (2010), Ernesto (2012), and Arthur (2014).
Category 3 Devastating damage will occur - tropical
cyclones and higher are described as major hurricanes in the Atlantic or
Eastern Pacific basins. These storms can cause some structural damage to small
residences and utility buildings, particularly those of wood frame or
manufactured materials with minor curtain wall failures. Buildings that lack a
solid foundation, such as mobile homes, are usually destroyed, and gable-end
roofs are peeled off. Manufactured homes usually sustain severe and irreparable
damage. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures, while larger
structures are struck by floating debris. Additionally, terrain may be flooded
well inland. Examples of storms of this
intensity include Carol (1954), Alma
(1966), Alicia (1983), Fran (1996), Isidore (2002), Jeanne (2004), Lane
(2006), Bertha
(2008), and Karl (2010)
.
Category 4 Catastrophic damage will occur - hurricanes
tend to produce more extensive curtain wall failures, with some complete roof
structural failure on small residences. Heavy, irreparable damage and near
complete destruction of gas station canopies and other wide span overhang type structures
are common. Mobile and manufactured homes are leveled. These storms cause
extensive beach erosion, while terrain may be flooded far inland.
Category 5 Catastrophic damage will occur - is
the highest category a tropical cyclone can obtain in the Saffir-Simpson scale.
These storms cause complete roof failure on many residences and industrial
buildings, and some complete building failures with small utility buildings
blown over or away. Collapse of many wide-span roofs and walls, especially
those with no interior supports, is common. Very heavy and irreparable damage
to many wood frame structures and total destruction to mobile/manufactured
homes is prevalent. Only a few types of structures are capable of surviving
intact, and only if located at least 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 km) inland. They
include office, condominium and apartment buildings and hotels that are of
solid concrete or steel frame construction, public multi-story concrete parking
garages, and residences that are made of either reinforced brick or
concrete/cement block and have hipped roofs with slopes of no less than
35 degrees from horizontal and no overhangs of any kind, and if the
windows are either made of hurricane resistant safety glass or covered with
shutters. Storms of this intensity can
be severely damaging. Storms reaching category 5
status and made landfall include the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, the 1959 Mexico Hurricane, Camille in 1969, and Gilbert in 1988, Andrew in 1992, Dean, and Felix (Both 2007).
If you need to report a claim please call: 800-598-7161 extension 2001.
You may also report directly to your carrier but you may also contact us with any questions or concerns.
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