Hurricane Season

The season is

Pre-planning is the key !

What To Do Before A Hurricane Threatens


Getting ready- What to do if a Hurricane WATCH is issued

  • Stay tuned to local media for the latest alerts, warnings and advisories.
    Emergency Public Information Stations
    Make sure your car has gasoline.Develop your own emergency plan. It is recommended that you plan ahead and determine where you will be most comfortable - whether it is at family or friends or a public shelter.
    Stock non-perishable food items and water for your family to last one week. Once a watch is issued, these items disappear quickly from store shelves.
    Know the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
    Learn safe routes inland...Learn location of official shelters.
    Review needs and working condition of emergency equipment, such as flashlights, battery-powered radios, etc.
    Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand to last for at least 2 weeks.
    Make sure medical prescriptions are filled and medicines are packed to go.Obtain and store materials, such as plywood and plastic, necessary to properly secure your home.
    Check home for loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
    Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall or bump against the house. When trimming, try to create a channel through the foliage to the center of the tree to allow for air flow.
    Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
    Review your insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage.Individuals with special needs should contact their local office of emergency management.
    The Citizens Information Center provides emergency information. The latest information on an emergency is available by calling the Volusia County Emergency Manageement Services Citizen's Information Center (CIC) The Citizen's Information center will provide a variety of information ranging from weather conditions to shelter openings.  During emergencies, operators will be available to help callers with specific requests and concerns.  The purpose of the County's system is to provide the citizens of Volusia County with information without typing up emergency telephone lines or causing citizens to wait for information.

    The CIC hotline numbers are:  

  • Hurricane Shelters List and Map

What To Do When A Warning Is Issued

  • Monitor media reports
    Move garbage cans, awnings and other large outside objects into your house or garage or anchor them securely.
    Place protective covering over windows and garage doors.
    Garage or store vehicles you leave behind.
    Secure boats or place inside a building.
    Shut off water, electricity and gas.
    If you have a swimming pool, cover the pump filter.
    If you live in a mobile home, check tie-downs and always get out immediately and go to a safe place.

    If You Stay

  • If you live in a mobile home, check the tie-downs and leave immediately.
  • Get away from low-lying beaches or other locations which may be swept by high tides or storm waves. If passage to high ground is over a road likely to be under water, leave early. Don't run the risk of being marooned. On the coast, damage is from water, lots of it, and storm conditions may continue for many hours.
                                                 
    Do you need to evacuate?
    YES, if:
  • You live in a storm surge zone
    You live in a low-lying or flood prone area
    You live in a mobile or manufactured home
    You require a respirator or other electronic-dependent medical equipment.
    If you either live in a home or are in a hotel or motel on the beachside. 

          However, if you live in a sound structure and do not fall into one of these categories, you can stay home.

        If you decide to stay home:

  • Make sure your windows are protected and your house is secure.

  • Check your disaster supply kit

  • Clean your tub and other containers for drinking water storage (plan on 2-3 gallons per person per day).

  • Wait for the "all-clear" before going outdoors

            If you must evacuate: 

  • Decide NOW where you will go. Let friends or family know!

  • Plan on leaving EARLY if you are going out of the County!

  • Stay with family or friends, if possible.

  • Stay in a "Host Home"

  • Stay in a hotel/motel that is INLAND.

  • Stay in a public shelter.

  • REMEMBER, Shelters offer spartan accommodations and should only be used as a last resort. Bring your own blankets and pillows. Not all shelters will be open at once, you should stay tuned to local news media for the latest information on which shelters will be available.

            Terms to Know

Tropical Depression: Rotary circulation at surface, highest constant wind speed 38 miles per hour (33 knots).
Tropical Storm: Distinct rotary circulation, constant wind speeds ranges 39-73 miles per hour (64 knots).
Hurricane: Pronounced rotary circulation, constant wind speed of 74 miles per hours (64 knots) or more.
Small Craft Cautionary statements: When a tropical cyclone threatens a coastal area, small craft operators are advised to remain in port or not to venture into the open sea.
Gale Warnings: may be issued when winds of 39-54 miles an hour (34-47 knots) are expected.
Storm Warnings: may be issued when winds of 55-73 miles per hour (48-63 knots) are expected. If a hurricane is expected to strike a coastal area, gale or storm warnings will not usually precede hurricane warnings.
A Hurricane Watch: is issued for coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.
A Hurricane Warning: is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles an hour (63 knots) and/ or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued.
Eye The low pressure center of a tropical cyclone. Surrounded by the most intense area of the storm and at a huge contrast inside the eye winds are normally calm and sometimes the sky clears.
Eye wall The ring of thunderstorms that surrounds a storm's eye. The heaviest rain, strongest winds and worst turbulence are normally in the eye wall.
Storm Surge The dome of water that builds up as a hurricane moves over water. As this water comes ashore with the storm, it causes flooding that is usually a hurricane's biggest killer.
Tornadoes spawned by hurricanes sometimes produce severe damage and casualties. If a tornado is reported in your area, a warning will be issued.
Flash Flood Watch: means a flash flood is possible in the area; stay alert.
Flash Flood Warning means a flash flood is imminent; take immediate action.

            The 2001 Season-Hurricane names:
 Allison, Barry, Chantal, Dean, Erin, Felix, Gabrielle, Humberto, Iris, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Michelle, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, Wendy

2001 Hurricane Preparedness Guide
 This is a complete preparedness guide
National Hurricane Center
Storm information and Hurricane awareness guide

 

 Weather     Area Shelters