Ebooks

KNOW YOUR HURRICANE TERMINOLOGY EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS) A digital system designed to give emergency information and instructions from federal, state and local authorities. The system is interfaced with the cable television system as well as radio and television stations. When activated, it broadcasts the latest information on weather reports, road conditions, evacuations, shelter locations and re-entry information. HURRICANE WATCH An announcement of possible hurricane conditions for a particular area within 36 hours. HURRICANE WARNING An advisory that a hurricane is expected to strike a specified area within 24 hours or less. EYE The low-pressure center of a hurricane. It is surrounded by the most intense area of the storm, and in contrast to the eye wall, winds are usually calm and sometimes the sky clears. FLASH FLOOD WATCH The National Weather Service issues this type of watch when local flooding can be expected within 12 to 24 hours. Stay alert. KNOTS A measure of speed. It is one nautical mile that measures speed. A nautical mile is one minute of one degree of longitude and is slightly longer than the ordinary statute mile as used in the United States. MILLIBAR A metric measure of air pressure. STORM SURGE A great dome of water, often 50 miles wide, that comes sweeping across the coastline near the area where the eye of a hurricane makes landfall. MITIGATION OF DAMAGES In the immediate aftermath of a storm, take the necessary steps to mitigate damages. This includes "drying in," which is the placement of tarps or openings in the roof and plywood over blown out doors and windows, and "drying out," which is the removal of wet carpet and drywall to prevent the growth of mold. 5

• Cover