Hurricane Tracking Blog

This is a quick hurricane checklist. During a hurricane:

• If you must use candles, do not leave them unattended – keep them in safe holders and away from flammable material such as curtains, paper and wood.
• In case of heavy winds and severe electrical lightning, turn off and unplug electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics.
• If you are using a portable generator, plug appliances into the generator, using extension cords if necessary. For your safety, place the portable generator outside the house so that it (the generator) gets proper ventilation. Always turn it off when refueling.

If you are in an advanced stage of pregnancy (seven to nine months), when a hurricane threatens there are certain precautions you should take. During an emergency or disaster, many pregnant women go into labor. This has happened many times in the past, particularly during extremely dangerous storms. Here are some general precautions:

• Be sure to have necessities for the birth of the baby and for yourself in a waterproof bag or plastic. Take them with you wherever you go.
• If you live alone, get a friend or relative to stay with you or move to one of their homes before the hurricane begins.
• If you live in an area that is likely to be affected by a storm surge or flooding, plan to move to a safer area.
• If your house does not offer adequate protection, leave for one that is safer.
• If you live very far from the hospital or nursing home where you are to be delivered, arrange to stay with a friend or relative who lives closer.
• Keep an extra supply of any special medication you will need.
• If possible, visit your doctor or midwife before the hurricane strikes to ensure that your baby and yourself are fine.
• Be sure to pack your medical insurance card with your and the baby’s things. You may need it of you have to go to a hospital where you are required to pay.
• Keep calm. This very important for you and your baby. Worry and anxiety can be harmful to you both.

To better understand the type of damage you may experience, hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale based on their intensity. The scale starts at 1, which is a minimal hurricane, and 5 being the strongest.

CATEGORY 1
Wind speed: 119-153 km/h 974-95 mph)
Damage potential: Minimal damage primarily to shrubbery, trees and foliage; some coastal flooding and possible minor damage to boats.

CATEGORY 2
Wind speed: 154-177 km/h (96-110 mph)
Damage potential: Moderate damage to trees; some roof, window and door damage; coastal flooding requiring evacuation; damage to boats.

CATEGORY 3
Wind speed: 178-209 km/h (111-130 mph)
Damage potential: Extensive damage experienced with large trees blown down; structural damage to small buildings, serious coastal flooding; evacuation necessary; coastal structures damaged and destroyed.

CATEGORY 4
Wind speed: 210-249 km/h (155 mph)
Damage potential: Extreme damage experienced; extensive destruction of trees and buildings, large-scale flooding, major damage to structures, and possible evacuation from low ground within about 16 km of shore.

CATEGORY 5
Wind speed: 250 km/h (> 156 mph)
Damage potential: Catastrophic; trees down, extensive building damage; coastal area below 3m flooded up to 10 km inland, major damage to coastal structures, beaches eroded and massive evacuation near coast.

With there always being the possibility of a hurricane during the on-going season, here are six must-have hurricane survival kits for every household:

Survival Kit 1: Water

• Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles
• Store one gallon of water per person, per day
• Keep at least a seven-day supply of water for each person in the household. Do not forget water for your pets if you have any. There are also members of your family.

Survival Kit 2: Food

• Store at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation of cooking and little or no water. These types of foods include: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; Canned juices; Crackers; Jams

Survival Kit 3: First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit should include:

• Adhesive bandages in all sizes
• Sterile gauze pads
• A small pair of scissors
• Needle and thread
• Assorted safety pins
• A supply of prescription medication, if you are taking any
• A supply of non-prescription medications such as over-the-counter painkillers
• Alcohol and cotton

Survival kit 4: Tools & Supplies

• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Candles
• Lanterns (Home Sweet Home lamps)
• Flashlight, one per person, with extra batteries for each
• Cash
• Can opener
• Utility knife
• Plastic sheeting to protect valuable documents, etc.

Survival Kit 5: Sanitation

• Toilet paper
• Soap
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene products
• Plastic bucket with a tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household bleach

Survival Kit 6: Clothing & Bedding

• Include at least three complete change of clothing and footwear per person
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Here’s a quick look at some of the more popular hurricane terms that you should know:

1. Tropical Storm
   An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and top winds of 63 kph (39 mph) to 118 kph (74 mph).
2. Hurricane Watch
   Hurricane conditions possible within 36 hours.
3. Hurricane Warning
   Hurricane conditions expected within 24 hours.
4. Hurricane
   An intense tropical weather system well-defined circulation and wind speeds of 118 kph (74 mph) or higher.
   Hurricane wind speeds:
   - Category One: winds 74-95 mph
   - Category Two: winds 96-110 mph
   - Category Three: winds 111-130 mph
   - Category Four: winds 131-155 mph
   - Category Five: winds 156 mph upwards