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Hurricane Awareness

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 With the proper amount of awareness, a hurricane need not create the fear some people associate with the storm. Preparation before hurricane season and before storm arrival is the key to seeing a hurricane through safely. Remember, a hurricane consists of two factors, wind and water. Both of these hazardous conditions can be reduced by being prepared.

 

Hurricane Preparedness

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  1. Restock your emergency supplies, such as batteries, flashlights, and nonperishable foods. Make sure you have a portable battery operated radio in good working condition.
  2. Make sure your home is in good condition by making needed repairs as soon as possible.
    3. bulletCheck soundness of roof.
    bulletClean gutters and downspouts.
    bulletRemove dead branches from trees and trim shrubs.
    bulletAcquire storm shutters or lumber to board up windows and doors.
  3. If your home is well constructed and local authorities have not called for evacuation, stay home and make emergency preparations.
  4. Review your property insurance coverage.
  5. If you have no transportation, make arrangements with a relative, close friend, or neighbor to pick up your family in case you need to evacuate.
  6. Make arrangements for the safety of your pet and your boat or other recreational vehicle.
  7. Have gasoline in your car.
  8. Have an adequate supply of drinking water on hand.
  9. Refill prescription medications.
  10. Secure loose objects in your yard.

If evacuation announcements tell you to leave your home, due to a hurricane or tornado warning, go to the closest shelter or evacuation route.  If is important to stay informed about the shelters and evacuation routes in your vicinity. 

If staying in a home...
Turn your refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary. 
Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
Turn off propane tanks.
Unplug small appliances.
Fill bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes.

If winds become strong...
Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered.  Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway.  Close all interior doors.  Secure and brace external doors.  If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom or closet.  If you are in a multiple-story building and away from the
water, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object. 
Be Alert For:
TORNADOES which often are spawned by hurricanes and The calm EYE of the storm. After the eye passes, the winds will change and quickly return to hurricane force.

 

What About People With Disabilities?

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bulletPeople with physical or mental disabilities need special precautions.
bulletIf you use oxygen on a regular basis, ask your oxygen supplier or the Red Cross for bottled oxygen. Only the very sick will be admitted to hospitals.
bulletIf you are dependent on insulin, arrange for a small insulated container and dry ice during the storm watch period. Be careful handling dry ice; wear gloves, and be sure that they are dry. You will also need to carry food and syringes. Some types of insulin do not need refrigeration. Talk with your pharmacist.
bulletArrange a supply of special needs such as food supplements, medications, bladder control protection or colostomy appliances and bags. A supply of plastic bags is necessary.
bulletIf you are a walker or wheelchair dependent, keep these items with you always. Label all items with you name and address.
bulletIf you were recently hospitalized, consider a re admission for the duration of the emergency situation. Speak with your physician before the storm arrives.
bulletDon't be a missing person. Be sure to wear identification, preferably a wrist band. Also, list yourself with the County Registry for People with Special Needs if you cannot transport yourself and cannot identify any other means when faced with the need or requirement to evacuate. Should you have basic needs for routine medical assistance discuss this with your local county Office of Emergency Management to determine if they have the capabilities to care for you.

Public Shelters

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  If you feel the need to go to a public shelter, call your local Emergency Management for information. Specific shelter location will be announced according to the severity of the storm and local needs. DO NOT CALL 911 for shelter or storm information.   ONLY CALL 911 IF YOU HAVE A GENUINE EMERGENCY.

  Take to shelter: sufficient nonperishable food for two meals; medicine and baby formula; games for children; blankets and bedding for the entire family; and a flashlight with extra batteries. Trained personnel will be stationed in each shelter to maintain order and give assistance. PETS CANNOT BE TAKEN TO SHELTERS.

Shelters are located at the following locations:
PALATKA
    Palatka High School - Melon Road off St. Johns Ave.
    Jenkins Middle School - North 19th Street
    Kelley Smith Elementary - NOTE: for residents with special medical needs - located in Francis on Hwy. 20

WEST PUTNAM
    Interlachen High School - Hwy. 315 just North of Hwy. 20
    Ochwilla Elementary School, North on Hwy. 21 - off Hwy. 20 West of lnterlachen.

SOUTH PUTNAM
    Crescent City Junior-Senior High School (for residents with special medical needs) - U.S. 17 North of Crescent City
    Crescent City Elementary School - 1020 Huntington Road

EAST PALATKA - SAN MATEO
    Browning-Pearce Elementary School - San Mateo, off U.S. 17

NOTE:
All shelters may not be open during each storm. Opening of shelters depends on needs and severity of the emergency. Check with local news media or the Department of Public Safety for openings, 329-0380.

 

During the Hurricane

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   Remain indoors during the hurricane. Blowing debris can injure or kill. Travel is extremely dangerous. Be especially wary of the "eye" of the hurricane. If the storm passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting for a few minutes to half an hour. At the other side of the "eye" the winds will increase rapidly and will come from the opposite direction. Stay away from windows and listen to your local radio and TV station. Remain indoors until local authorities announce that hazardous conditions have subsided.

After the Hurricane has passed

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  1. If you are in a public shelter, remain there until informed by those in charge that it is safe to leave.
  2. Stay out of heavily damaged or flooded areas which could be dangerous and where your presence will interfere with essential rescue and recovery activities.
  3. Do not drive unless you must. Roads should be left clear for emergency vehicles and recovery crews.
  4. Watch for and avoid downed power lines, broken glass and standing water. Stay clear of utility repair crews working in your neighborhood.
  5. Limit phone calls to emergencies only.
  6. If power is out, be careful with candles which could start a fire.
  7. Check food and water for contamination.
    8.
After The Storm - If You Stayed at home
1. Keep listening to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio.  Wait until an area is declared safe before entering
2. Roads may be closed for your protection.  If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, turn around and go another way!
3. Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads. Do not drive into flooded areas.
4. Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. 
5. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
6. Check gas, water, and electrical lines and appliances for damage.
7. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated.
8. Avoid using candles and other open flames indoors.  Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. 
9. Use the telephone to report fife-threatening emergencies only.
10. Be especially cautious if using a chainsaw to cut fallen trees.

Storm Terms

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FLOOD WATCH:   An alert that significant wind-forced flooding is expected in low-lying areas.

FLOOD WARNING:   A warning that significant wind-forced flooding is imminent in low-lying areas.

HURRICANE WATCH:   An alert that hurricane conditions are a real possibility; it does not mean that they are imminent.

HURRICANE WARNING:   A warning that sustained winds of 74 miles an hour or higher associated with a hurricane are expected for a specific time.

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY:   An alert to small craft operators in coastal water for winds from 20 to 30 knots inclusive or for sea conditions which are considered potentially hazardous to small boats.

TORNADO WATCH:   Indicates that weather conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop.

TORNADO WARNING:   Indicates a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar.

TROPICAL STORM WATCH:   An announcement for a specific area that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING:   A warning for tropical storm conditions including possible winds within the range of 39 to 73 mph which are expected in a specified area.

This information was graciously provided by the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners, Division of Emergency Management.

Storm Categories: Saffir - Simpson Scale

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CATEGORY 1 Winds of 74 - 95 m.p.h.

Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees, and unanchored mobile homes. No real damage to other structures. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Low-lying coastal roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft anchored in unprotected areas torn from moorings.

CATEGORY 2 Winds of 96 - 110 m.p.h.

Considerable damage to shrubbery and tree foliage; some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes. Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs; some damage to roofing materials of buildings; and some window and door damage. No major damage to buildings. Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water two to four hours before arrival of the hurricane's center. Considerable damage to piers. Marinas flooded and small craft anchored in unprotected areas torn from moorings.

CATEGORY 3 Winds of 111 - 130 m.p.h.

Foliage torn from trees; large trees blown down. Practically all poorly-constructed signs blown down; some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door damage; and some structural damage to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller structures near coast destroyed; low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water three to five hours before the hurricane's center arrives.

CATEGORY 4 Winds of 131 - 155 m.p.h.

Shrubs and trees blown down; all signs down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows and doors; complete failure of roofs on many small residences; complete destruction of mobile homes. Major damage to lower floors of structures near shore due to flooding and battering by waves and floating debris.

CATEGORY 5 Winds greater than 155 m.p.h.

Shrubs and trees blown down; considerable damage to roofs of buildings; all signs down; very severe and extensive damage to windows and doors; complete failure of roofs on many residences and industrial buildings; extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors; some complete building failures; small buildings overturned or blown away and complete destruction of mobile homes. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water three to five hours before the hurricane's center arrives.

<> Hurricane Awareness <> Hurricane Preparedness <> What About People With Disabilities? <>
Public Shelters <> During the Hurricane <> After the Hurricane has passed <> Storm Terms <> Storm Categories

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Palatka Weather Page (c) 1995 - 1999 property of Billy@GBSO.NET
This information was graciously provided by the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners, Division of Emergency Management and the Palatka Daily News.