This particular page was designed as a component of SVGMETS public education programme.  Realising SVGMETS role in our small and developing economy must transcend the provision of "data"; we must seek actively to bring about changes in attitudes and behaviours of it's reliant users, especially the general public - so that lives and property maybe protected.
 
This page is not a substitute for, but a supplement to, the information dispensed by local town hall meetings and workshops of the Disaster Preparedness Organisation. We urge you therefore to attend all meetings sponsored by the National Emergency Management Organisation and held in your district.
 

TERMS TO KNOW

The official Hurricane Season occurs every June through November. Seldom however, does the formation of tropical cyclones occur outside this period.
 
By international agreement, all cyclonic circulations originating over tropical waters are classified by form and intensity as follows:
 
TROPICAL WAVE: An inverted, migratory wave-like disturbance or trough in the tropics that moves from east to west, generally best defined by a shift in winds (directions). It may also have associated cloudiness and rain. In a well-behaved wave, the low level convergence and associated convective weather occur on the eastern side of the wave axis. Normally, it moves slower than the atmospheric current in which it is embedded and is considered a weak trough of low pressure. It is often associated with possible tropical cyclone development and is also known as a Easterly Wave.

TROPICAL DISTURBANCE: An area of organized convection, originating in the tropics and occasionally the subtropics, that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more.  Rotary circulation slight or absent at the surface, but sometimes better developed aloft, no closed isobars (lines of equal atmospheric pressure) and no strong winds, a common phenomenon in the tropics. It is often the first developmental stage of any subsequent tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface winds are 39 miles per hour (33 knots) or less. Characteristically having one or more closed isobars and some rotary circulation at surface. It may form slowly from a tropical disturbance or an easterly wave which has continued to organize.

TROPICAL STORM: There are closed isobars (lines denoting areas of equal pressure), distinct rotary circulation, highest wind speed of 74 miles per hour (34-63 knots).
 
HURRICANE: There are closed isobars (lines denoting areas of equal pressure), strong and very pronounced rotary circulation, minimum wind speed of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or more.
 
THE SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE: The Saffir/Simpson Hurricane scale is an index that attempts to relate hurricane intensity to damage potential. This descriptive scale, which ranges over a scale of 1 to 5, is summarised below:
 
Category 1:
Winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour.  Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees, foliage, and unanchored mobile homes. No real damage to other structures. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. And/or: Storm surges 4 to 5 feet above normal.  Low-lying coastal roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft in exposed anchorage torn from moorings.
 
Category 2:
Winds of 96 to 110 miles per hour. 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; some window and door damage. No major damage to buildings. And/or: Storm surges 6 to 8 feet above normal.  Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 2 to 4 hours before arrival of hurricane center.  Considerable damage to piers. Marinas flooded. Small craft in unprotected anchorage torn from moorings. Evacuation of some shoreline residences and low-lying island areas required.
 
Category 3:
Winds of 111 to 130 miles per hour. 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. Some structural damage to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. And/or: Storm surges 9 to 12 feet above normal. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller structures near coast destroyed; larger structures near coast damaged by battering waves and floating debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives. Flat terrain 5 feet or less above sea level flooded inland 8 miles or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of shoreline possibly required.
 
Category 4:
Winds of 131 to 155 miles per hour. 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. And/or: Storm surges 13 to 18 feet above normal. Flat terrain 10 feet or less above sea level flooded as far as
6 miles. Major damage to lower floors of structures near shore due to flooding and battering waves and floating debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives. Major erosion of beaches. Massive evacuation of all residences within 500 yards of shore possibly required, and of single-
story residences on low ground within 2 miles of shore.
  
Category 5:
Winds greater than 155 miles per hour. 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. Complete destruction of mobile homes. And/or: Storm surge greater than 18 feet above normal. Major damage to lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level within 500 yards of shore. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of shore possibly required.
 
TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVISORY: Tropical cyclone public advisories are intended for the general public in areas threatened by a tropical storm or hurricane. These products follow a standard format that provides the following information:
A lead statement that highlights significant aspects of the storm Watches and Warnings issued:
storm location and motion, wind and intensity, expected storm surge, actions to be taken, associated events (e.g., rainfall, tornadoes, etc.) and the forecaster's name.

Initial tropical cyclone public advisories are issued when data confirms that a tropical cyclone has developed. After that, the other scheduled advisories are issued at 6-hour intervals.

Special tropical cyclone public advisories are issued when conditions require that a hurricane or tropical storm watch or warning be issued a significant change has occurred requiring a revised forecast package

Intermediate tropical cyclone public advisories are issued every 3 hours once a watch or warning has been issued and every 2 hours once a reliable center appears on radar. These intermediate advisories update the earlier advisories when a tropical cyclone affects, or is forecasted to affect, a coast. These intermediate advisories are not used to issue watches or warnings but may be used to clear all or a portion of a watch or warning area.
 
SMALL-CRAFT ADVISORY: When a hurricane moves within a few hundred miles of the coast, advisories notifies small-craft operators to take precautions and not to venture into the open ocean.
 
GALE WARNING:  When winds of 38-55 miles per hour (33-48 knots) are expected, a gale warning is added to the advisory message.
 
STORM SURGE: Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. In addition, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the normal high tides
 
STORM WATCH: If the storm continues its advance and threatens lives and property, a storm watch is added to the advisory. It will covers a specific area and duration.  A storm watch means that storm conditions are a real possibility; it does not mean they are imminent.  When a storm watch is issued, everyone in the area covered by the watch should listen for an advisory upgrading the status to a storm or hurricane warning. Be prepared to act quickly if warnings are issued.
 
STORM WARNING: When winds of 55-74 miles per hour (48-64 knots) are expected, a storm warning is added to the advisory message.  Gale and storm warnings indicate the coastal area to be affected by the warning, the time during which the warning will apply, and the expected intensity of the disturbance.  When gale and storm warnings are part of a tropical cyclone advisory, they may change to a hurricane warning if the storm continues along the coast.
 
HURRICANE WATCH: If the hurricane continues its advance and threatens coastal and inland regions, a hurricane watch is added to the advisory, covering a specific area and duration.  A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are a real possibility; it does not mean they are imminent.  When a hurricane watch is issued, everyone in the area covered by the watch should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act quickly if hurricane warnings are issued.
 
HURRICANE WARNING: When hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours, a hurricane warning is added to the advisory.  Hurricane warnings identify coastal areas in which winds of at least 74 miles per hour are expected to occur. A warning may also describe coastal areas in which dangerously high water or exceptionally high waves are forecast, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
 
When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued, all precautions should be taken immediately.  Hurricane warnings are seldom issued more than 24 hours in advance.  If the hurricane's path is unusual or erratic, the warnings may be issued only a few hours before the beginning of hurricane conditions.  Precautionary actions should begin as soon as a hurricane warning is announced.
 

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The Plan

 

Disaster Safety and Mitigation Guidelines

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

  • Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town and the designated disaster shelter, etc.

  • Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places.
  • Listen to the local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Take these items with you when evacuating:
1) Prescription medications and medical supplies
2) Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
3) Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
4) Important documents and proof of identity, Keys etc.
NB: Remember to disconnect all electrical appliances and gas connections
 
Disaster Kit:
 
  • First aid kit and essential medications.
  • Canned food and can opener.
  • At least three gallons of drinking water per person.
  • Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

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Hurricanes

 
Enter each HURRICANE Season Prepared! Ignore Rumors. Get the Facts! Call SVGMETS
Hurricane advisories will help save your life...but you must help....here is what you can do!
 
High Winds
 
  • Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
  • Make trees more wind resistant by strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

Hurricane Watch Issued?
  • Prepare to bring inside all outdoor valuables. The may be lost and even become dangerous missiles in high winds.
  • Reinforce or cover all windows of your home Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
  • Fill up your car's gas tank.
  • Check supplies again.
  • Continue to listen to the local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.

Hurricane Warning Issued?

  • Listen to the advice of local officials; do exactly as you are told. Leave if they say so!

  • Finish preparation activities.

  • If you must remain at home, stay indoors, away from windows.

  • The calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not passed. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Damage will begin again.

  • Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Hurricane Passed?

  • Keep listening too the local radio or TV stations for instructions.

  • If the local officials ask you to return home, do so.

  • Inspect your property for damage.

  • Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.

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Lightning

 

Before Lightning Strikes...

  • Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.

  • If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

  • Listen to  your local radio and or television stations for the latest weather forecasts.

Outside?

  • If you are in a forested areas, take shelter under the shorter trees.

  • If you are boating or swimming, get to out of the water and find shelter immediately!

  • Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.

  • Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lie flat on the ground--you will give a larger surface area and so too make a larger target.

 
See Someone Struck by Lightning?
 
That person carries no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
 
Call for help. Get someone to dial 999, 911, 4561955 or 4561185.
 
The person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
 
Give first aid. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. (Don’t know CPR? Call the Red Cross or the Disaster Coordinator).
 
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Drought

Drought?

Indoor Use

  • Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.

  • Make sure your plumbing is free of leaks.

  • Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. (One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year!)

  • Replace or fix leaky toilets.

  • Take shorter showers.

  • Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.

  • In the shower, turn the water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn the water back on to rinse. Repeat when washing your hair.

  • Don't let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.

  • Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

  • When hand washing dishes, do the whole lot in one basin of soapy water, then rinse in another of clean water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach. Do not use a running pipe.

  • Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

  • Do not waste water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.

  • Manually washing clothes? Then do whole lot in a container basin of soapy water, then rinse in another of clean water. Don’t use a running faucet

  • To work efficiently, washing machines must be fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.

  • Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap. Re-use the water that vegetables are washed in for cleaning or watering plants.

 

Outdoor Use

  • If you have to wash your vehicle, use a shut-off nozzle on your hose that can be adjusted down to a fine spray, so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in place to prevent leaks.

  • If you wash your own car, park on the grass so that you will be watering it at the same time.

  • Don't over-water your lawn. Lawns only need to be watered every five to seven days in the dry season. In the rainy season you need not water it at all.

  • Water in several short sessions rather than one long one in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture. Water lawns during the evening hours. Less evaporation occurs.

  • Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.

  • Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist; most of the mist evaporates before it reaches the lawn.

  • Cut lawn at least three inches, A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.

  • Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.

  • If you have a swimming pool, consider leaving it drained. If you are a commercial operator, the consider installing a new water-saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.

  • Cover pools to reduce evaporation of water.

  • Plant it smart. Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.

  • Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.

  • Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil.

  • Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.

  • Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use recycled water.

 
Within the Community
 
Participate in public water conservation and management meetings in your area.
Follow water conservation and water shortage rules in effect.
Report water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner, local authorities or your water management district.
Encourage your school to develop and promote water conservation.
Support efforts that create a concern for water conservation among tourists.
 
Try to do one thing each day that will result in saving water. Every drop counts!
 
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Landslides

Landslides?

Some landslides move slowly and cause damage gradually, whereas others move so rapidly that they can destroy property and take lives suddenly and unexpectedly. Gravity is the force driving landslide movement. Landslides most often occur where this is steepening of slopes by erosion or construction, earthquake or construction shaking, and volcanic eruptions and such the like.

Landslides, typically associated with periods of heavy rainfall tend to worsen the effects of flooding that often accompanies these events. In areas burned by forest and brush fires, a lower threshold of precipitation may initiate landslides.

Mudslides, mudflows, or debris avalanches, are common types of fast-moving landslides. These flows generally occur during periods of intense rainfall. They usually start on steep hillsides as shallow landslides that liquefy and accelerate to speeds that are typically about 10 miles per hour, but can exceed 35 miles per hour. The consistency of debris flows ranges from watery mud to thick, rocky mud that can carry large items such as boulders, trees, and cars. Debris flows from many different sources can combine in channels, and their destructive power may be greatly increased. They continue flowing down hills and through channels, growing in volume with the addition of water, sand, mud, boulders, trees, and other materials. When the flows reach flatter ground, the debris spreads over a broad area, sometimes accumulating in thick deposits that can wreak havoc in developed areas.

Among the most destructive types of debris flows are those that accompany volcanic eruptions. Areas near the base La Soufriere volcanoes in the north central areas of St. Vincent at risk from the same types of flows during future volcanic eruptions.

If you are at risk from landslides:

  • Talk to your insurance agent. Landslide may not be covered by your current home insurance.

  • Develop an evacuation plan. You should know where to go if you have to leave. Making plans at the last moment can be upsetting and confusing. Discuss the plan with your family. Each should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing disaster ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone know how to respond during an event.

During Intense Rain?

  • Stay alert and awake. Many debris-flow fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Listen to the local radios and TV stations. Be aware that intense, short bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous, especially after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather.

  • If you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

  • Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.

  • If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly. Don't delay! Save yourself, not your belongings!

  • Be especially alert when driving. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows.

 
Landslide Imminent?
Contact your local fire, police, or public works department and disaster management agencies. Local officials are the best persons able to assess potential danger.
 
Inform and help neighbors. Your neighbors may not be aware of potential hazards. Advising them of a potential threat may help save lives.
 
Evacuate. Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.
 
During a Landslide?
Quickly move out of the path of the landslide or debris flow. Moving away from the path of the flow to a stable area will reduce your risk.
If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head. A tight ball will provide the best protection for your body.
 
Landslide Passed?
Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
 
Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.
 
Help those who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance.
 
Listen to the local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.
Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow
 
landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.
 
Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
 
Check for land and building structure damage. Damage noted helps you assess the safety of the area.
 
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Volunteering

Volunteering?

When disaster strikes many people and the organisations that assist them become needy of a “helping hand”. You can assist in providing that hand that helps. You can help directly with people, serve on management committees, as managers, advisors, and provide behind the scenes support.

Become a volunteer. The national disaster preparedness and mitigation Authority and the local Red Cross can work with you to to utilize your talents, or provide training to help you serve your community.

Ready to volunteer…

  • Contact NEMO, the Disaster Preparedness Organisation.

 

More Preparedness Material

Hurricane Preparedness

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A Source: Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages.
Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, D.C., 1999.

 

Updated December 12, 2006.

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