Hurricane Isaac, August 28, 2012/NOAA
Tropical Cyclones
A PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Revised April 2013
2
Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful
and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone
to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even
areas well away from the coastline can be threatened
by destructive winds, tornadoes and flooding from these
storms. How great is the danger? For 1970-2010, the
average numbers per year were as follows:

„„ Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico:
11 tropical storms, 6 of which became hurricanes
„„ East Pacific Ocean: 15 tropical storms, 8 of which
became hurricanes
„„ Central Pacific Ocean: 4 tropical storms, 2 of
which became hurricanes
Over a typical 2-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck
by an average of 3 hurricanes, 1 of which is classified as
a major hurricane.
While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and
property, tropical storms and depressions also can
be devastating. Floods from heavy rains and severe
weather, such as tornadoes, can cause extensive
damage and loss of life. For example, Tropical Storm
Allison produced over 40 inches of rain in the Houston
area in 2001, causing about $5 billion in damage and
taking the lives of 41 people.
Tropical cyclones forming between 5 and 30 degrees
North latitude typically move toward the west.
Sometimes the winds in the middle and upper levels of
the atmosphere change and steer the cyclone toward
the north and northwest. When tropical cyclones reach
latitudes near 30 degrees North, they often move
northeast. Hurricane seasons
and their peaks are as follows:
„„ Atlantic and Caribbean:
Jun. 1 to Nov. 30 with peak
mid-August to late October.
„„ Central Pacific (Hawaii): Jun.
1 to Nov. 30 with peak from
July to September.
„„ East Pacific: May 15 to
November 30
„„
Western North Pacific:
Tropical cyclones can strike
year round
What is a Tropical Cyclone?
Understanding the Terminology
A tropical cyclone is a rotating, organized system
of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over
tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed
low-level circulation. Tropical cyclones rotate
counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
„„ Tropical Depression—A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots)
or less.
„„ Tropical Storm— A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph
(34 to 63 knots).
„„ Hurricane—A tropical cyclone with maximum
sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.
In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are
called typhoons; similar storms in the Indian
Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are
called cyclones.
„„Major Hurricane—A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 111 mph (96 knots)
or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5
on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
A Post-Tropical Cyclone is a system that no longer
possesses sufficient tropical characteristics to
be considered a tropical cyclone. Post-tropical
cyclones can still bring heavy rain and high winds.
Tropical cyclone formation regions with mean tracks/NWS JetStream Online School
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Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed.
This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered
major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms
are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term “super
typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale for the Continental United States
Scale
Number
(Category)
Sustained
Winds
(MPH)
Types of
Damage Due to
Hurricane Winds
Hurricanes
1
74-95
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed
frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and
gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may
be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in
power outages that could last a few to several days.
Dolly (2008)
on South Padre
Island, Texas
2
96-110
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage:
Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding
damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and
block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages
that could last from several days to weeks.
Frances (2004)
in coastal Port
St. Lucie, Florida
3
111-129 Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur
major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will
be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water
will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Ivan (2004)
in coastal Gulf
Shores, Alabama
4
131-156 Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain
severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some
exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles
downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.
Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be
uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Charley (2004)
in coastal Punta
Gorda, Florida
5
>156
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes
will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees
and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last
for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for
weeks or months.
Andrew (1992)
in coastal parts
of Cutler Ridge,
Florida
For more information on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale, go to:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshs.shtml
For more information on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale as it affects Hawaii, go to:
www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/pages/aboutsshs.php
Wind damage from Hurricane Charley, August 2004,
Orlando, FL/Orlando Sentinel, copyright 2004
4
Historical Storm Tide Events
„„ 1900: Galveston, TX, hurricane, resulted in more than 8,000 deaths, most by storm tide.
„„ 1969: Hurricane Camille produced a 24-foot storm tide in Mississippi.
„„ 1989: Hurricane Hugo generated a 20-foot storm tide in South Carolina.
„„ 1992: Hurricane Iniki produced a 6-foot storm tide on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
„„ 2005: Hurricane Katrina generated a 27-foot storm tide in Mississippi.
„„ 2008: Hurricane Ike produced a 20-foot storm tide in Texas.
Hurricane Hazards
Storm Surge/Tide
Storm surge and large waves produced by hurricanes pose
the greatest threat to life and property along the coast.
STORM SURGE is an abnormal rise of water generated by
a storm’s winds. Storm surge can reach heights well over
20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline. In the
northern hemisphere, the highest surge values typically
occur in the right front quadrant of a hurricane coincident
with onshore flow; in the southern hemisphere, the left front
quadrant. More intense and larger hurricanes produce higher
surge. In addition, shallower offshore waters contribute to
higher storm surge inundation. Storm surge is by far the
greatest threat to life and property along the immediate coast.
STORM TIDE is the water level rise during a storm due to
the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide.
For example, if a hurricane moves ashore at a high tide of 2
feet, a 15 foot surge would be added to the high tide, creating
a storm tide of 17 feet. The combination of high winds
and storm tide topped with battering waves can be deadly
and cause tremendous property damage along an area of
coastline hundreds of miles wide.
The destructive power of storm
surge and large battering waves
can result in loss of life, buildings
destroyed, beach and dune erosion
and road and bridge damage along
the coast. Storm surge can travel
several miles inland. In estuaries
and bayous, salt water intrusion
endangers public health and the
environment.
Before and after Hurricane Ike on the Bolivar
Peninsula, TX, September 2008/USGS
5
Rip Currents
The strong winds of a tropical cyclone can cause
dangerous waves that pose a significant hazard to
mariners and coastal residents and visitors. When the
waves break along the coast, they can produce deadly
rip currents—even at large distances from the storm.
Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing
away from shore, usually extending past the line of
breaking waves, that can pull even the strongest
swimmers away from shore.
In 2008, despite the fact that Hurricane Bertha was
more than a 1,000 miles offshore, the storm resulted
in rip currents that killed three people along the New
Jersey coast and required 1,500 lifeguard rescues in
Ocean City, Maryland, over a 1 week period.
In 2009, all six deaths in the United States directly
attributable to tropical cyclones occurred as the result
of drowning from large waves or strong rip currents.
Tornadoes
Hurricanes and tropical storms can also produce
tornadoes. These tornadoes most often occur in
thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away
from the center of the hurricane; however, they can
also occur near the eyewall. Usually, tornadoes
produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak and
short-lived, but they still pose a significant threat.
Winds
Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy
buildings and mobile homes. Debris, such as signs,
roofing material, siding and small items left outside
become flying missiles during hurricanes. Winds can
stay above hurricane strength well inland. In 2004,
Hurricane Charley made landfall at Punta Gorda on
the southwest Florida coast and produced major
damage well inland across central Florida with gusts
of more than 100 mph.
Rainfall
Tropical cyclones often produce widespread, torrential
rains in excess of 6 inches, which may result in deadly
and destructive floods. In fact, flooding is the major
threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland.
Flash flooding, defined as a rapid rise in water levels,
can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. Longer term
flooding on rivers and streams can persist for several
days after the storm.
Hurricane Ivan flooding, Asheville, NC, September 2004
/Leif Skoogfors, FEMA
Rainfall amounts are not directly related to the
strength of tropical cyclones but rather to the speed
and size of the storm, as well as the geography of the
area. Slower moving and larger storms produce more
rainfall. In addition, mountainous terrain enhances
rainfall from a tropical cyclone.
Hurricane Frances tornado damage, Sumter County, SC,
September 2004/Marvin Mauman, FEMA
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Tropical Cyclone Graphical Products
To convey analysis and forecast information on tropical cyclones, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the
Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) produce graphics that provide important information for those who
rely on tropical cyclone forecasts. Weather forecasting isn’t an exact science. Many of these graphics have
been designed to address the inherent uncertainties in tropical cyclone forecasts.
Track Forecast Cone
and Watches/Warning
This graphic shows coastal areas under a
hurricane warning (red), hurricane watch
(pink), tropical storm warning (blue), and a
tropical storm watch (yellow). The orange
circle denotes the current position of the
tropical cyclone. The black dots indicate the
forecast positions and cyclone classification
over the next 5 days.
Forecast errors and uncertainty of the future
tropical cyclone center location are accounted
for by the track forecast cone. The solid white
area denotes the uncertainty for days 1-3.
The white stippled area shows the uncertainty
for days 4 and 5. On average, the center of
the tropical cyclone will remain inside the
cone 60%–70% of the time. It is important to
remember that a tropical cyclone is not a point
and that the associated hazards can extend
well outside of the track forecast cone.
Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook
Track Forecast Cone and Watches/Warnings
Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook
This graphic highlights areas of disturbed
weather in the tropics and subtropics and
assesses the potential for these systems
to become tropical cyclones over the next
48 hours. Each disturbance is circled and
numbered with an accompanying text
description. You also can view the text
description by moving your mouse over the
circled area. The color of the circles reflect
the probability that the system will become a
tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours:
„„ Yellow: low chance, <30%
„„Orange: medium chance, 30%–50%
„„ Red: high chance, >50%
Active tropical cyclones are depicted on the
graphic as an “L” for tropical depressions, a
tropical storm symbol, or a hurricane symbol.
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Tropical Cyclone Storm Surge Probabilities
Tropical Cyclone Surface Wind Speed Probabilities
Tropical Cyclone Surface
Wind Speed Probabilities
This graphic indicates the chance
of locations experiencing at least
tropical storm (39 mph or greater)
sustained winds over the following
5 days. The graphic is also
available at thresholds of 58 mph
and 74 mph (hurricane force)
sustained winds. The product is
unique in that it takes into account
uncertainty in the track, peak winds
and size of the storm.
This graphic also highlights the
fact that tropical cyclone winds can
extend well away from the storm’s
center. It is important to realize that
probabilities that seem relatively
low may still be quite significant.
For example, if a location has
a 10% chance of experiencing
hurricane force sustained winds,
you should prepare for an extreme
event. A 1 in 10 chance is too high
to ignore.
Tropical Cyclone Storm
Surge Probabilities
Like surface wind speed probability
products, storm surge probability
products show the percentage
chance of storm surge exceeding
various thresholds. The thresholds
are available at 1-foot intervals from
a minimum of 2 feet to a maximum
of 25 feet.
The graphic shows the chance
that locations along the Texas and
Louisiana coasts would experience
a storm surge of at least 8 feet from
Hurricane Ike based on the forecast
issued at 11 AM EDT on September
12, 2008. The graphic is created
from many simulations of the NWS
storm surge computer model, and
accounts for uncertainty in track,
intensity and size.
8
Ways to Stay Informed
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

The National Weather Service (NWS) continuously broadcasts warning,
watches, forecasts and non-weather related hazard information on
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR). The average range of the
1000+ NWR transmitters is 40 miles, depending on topography. For the best
performing NWR receivers, NWS suggests you look at devices certified to
Public Alert™ standards.
These radios meet specific technical standards and come with many features
such as Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), a battery backup, both
audio and visual alarms, selective programming for the types of hazards you
want to be warned for, and the ability to activate external alarm devices for
people with disabilities. Similar to a smoke detector, an NWR can wake you up
in the middle of the night to alert you of a dangerous situation.
Current Storm Information
„„ National Weather Service:
www.weather.gov
„„ National Hurricane Center:
www.nhc.noaa.gov
„„ Central Pacific Hurricane Center:
www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc
Historical Storm Information
„„ National Climatic Data Center:

www.ncdc.noaa.gov
„„ NOAA Coastal Services Center:

www.csc.noaa.gov
Emergency/Preparedness Information
„„ American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
„„ FEMA: www.fema.gov
Mobile NHC and NWS Information
„„Mobile NHC website in basic HTML:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile
„„Mobile NWS website for smartphones:
mobile.weather.gov
„„Mobile NWS website in basic HTML:
cell.weather.gov
Other Information
„„ Audio Podcasts:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/audio/index.shtml
„„Geographic Information System Data:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/gis/
„„ NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards:
www.weather.gov/nwr
„„ Hurricane Tracking Charts:
www.weather.gov/os/hurricane/
Facebook
„„ NHC Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/US.NOAA.
NationalHurricaneCenter.gov
„„ CPHC/ NWS Honolulu Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/
US.NationalWeatherService.Honolulu.gov

Twitter
„„ Atlantic: @NHC_Atlantic
„„ Eastern North Pacific: @NHC_Pacific
„„ Central Pacific: @NWSHonolulu
„„ Storm Surge: @NHC_Surge
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What To Listen For
„„ HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher)
are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the
hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. During
a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case warnings are issued. Listen
closely to instructions from local officials.
„„ TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73
mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-
tropical cyclone. During a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuations in case warnings
are issued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.
„„ HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or
higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical,
or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds
reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated
onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or
a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than
hurricane force.
„„ TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39
to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical,
subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
„„ EXTREME WIND WARNING: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually
associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior
portion of a well-built structure.

Additional Watches and Warnings are issued to provide detailed information on specific threats such
as floods and tornadoes. Local National Weather Service offices issue Flash Flood/Flood Watches and
Warnings as well as Tornado Warnings.
National Hurricane Center and
Central Pacific Hurricane Center Products
PUBLIC ADVISORIES offer critical hurricane watch,
warning and forecast information.
FORECASTS/ADVISORIES provide detailed hurricane
track and wind field information
PROBABILITIES OF HURRICANE/TROPICAL
STORM CONDITIONS offer locally specific chances of
experiencing tropical storm, strong tropical storm and
hurricane force winds out to 5 days to better know if one
will be impacted and when these conditions may occur.
Local National Weather Service
Office Products
HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENTS
give greater detail on how the storm will
impact your area.
NON-PRECIPITATION WEATHER
PRODUCTS provide High Wind Watches
and Warnings for inland areas that could
experience strong winds.
Use all of the above information to make an informed decision on your risk and what actions to take.
Listen to recommendations of local officials on TV, radio and other media and to NOAA Weather
Radio All Hazards for the latest tropical cyclone information.
10
Are You Ready?
Before the Hurricane Season
FEMA
„9 Determine safe evacuation routes inland.
„9 Learn locations of official shelters.
„9 Check emergency equipment, such as
flashlights, generators and battery-powered
equipment such as cell phones and your
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver.
„9 Buy food that will keep and store drinking water.
„9 Buy plywood or other material to protect your
home if you don’t already have it.
„9 Trim trees and shrubbery so branches don’t
fly into your home.
„9 Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
„9 Decide where to move your boat.
„9 Review your insurance policy.
„9 Find pet-friendly hotels on your evacuation route.
When in a Watch Area…
„9 Frequently listen to radio, TV or NOAA Weather
Radio All Hazards for official bulletins of the
storm’s progress.
„9 Fuel and service family vehicles.
„9
Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.
„9 Ensure you have extra cash on hand.
„9 Prepare to cover all windows and doors with
shutters or other shielding materials.
„9 Check batteries and stock up on canned food,
first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.
„9 Bring in light-weight objects such as garbage
cans, garden tools, toys and lawn furniture.
When in a Warning Area…
„9 Closely monitor radio, TV or NOAA Weather
Radio All Hazards for official bulletins.
„9 Close storm shutters.
„9 Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave
immediately if ordered!
„9 Stay with friends or relatives at a low-rise inland
hotel or at a designated public shelter outside the
flood zone.
„9 DO NOT stay in a mobile or manufactured home.
„9 Notify neighbors and a family member outside of
the warned area of your evacuation plans.
„9 Take pets with you if possible, but remember,
most public shelters do not allow pets other than
those used by used by people with disabilities.
Identify pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation
route.
During the Storm
Plan to Leave if You...
„9 Live in a mobile home. They are unsafe in high
winds no matter how well fastened to the ground.
„9 Live on the coastline, an offshore island or near a
river or a flood plain.
„9 Live in a high rise building. Hurricane winds are
stronger at higher elevations.
11
What to Bring to a Shelter
REMINDER: If you are told to leave
your home, do so immediately!
What to Bring to a Shelter
„„ First-aid kit
„„Medicine, prescriptions
„„ Baby food and diapers
„„Games, books, music players with headphones
„„ Toiletries
„„ Battery-powered radio and cell phone
„„ Flashlights
„„ Extra batteries
„„ A blanket or sleeping bag for each person
„„ Identification
„„ Copies of key papers such as insurance policies
„„ Cash, credit card
If Staying in a Home...
„9 Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and keep
it closed.
„9 Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
„9 Turn off propane tanks.
„9 Unplug small appliances.
„9 Fill bathtub and large containers with water in
case clean tap water is unavailable. Use water in
bathtubs for cleaning and flushing only. Do NOT
drink it.
If Winds Become Strong...
„9 Stay away from windows and doors, even if they
are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room,
closet or hallway.
„9 Close all interior doors. Secure and brace
external doors.
„9
If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior
first floor room.
„9
If you are in a multi-story building and away from
water, go to the 1st or 2nd floor and stay in the
halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
„9 Lie on the floor under a table or other
sturdy object.
Be Alert For...
„9 Tornadoes —they are often spawned by
hurricanes.
„9 The calm “eye” of the storm—it may seem like
the storm is over, but after the eye passes, the
winds will change direction and quickly return to
hurricane force.
After the Storm
„9 Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA Weather
Radio All Hazards.
„9 Wait until an area is declared safe before
entering.
„9 Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a
barricade or a flooded road, Turn Around
Don’t Drown!TM
„9 Stay on firm, dry ground. Moving water only
6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
Standing water may be electrically charged from
power lines.
„9 Never use a generator indoors.
„9 Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads.
„9 Once home, check gas, water and electrical and
appliances for damage.
„9 Use a flashlight to inspect damage. Never use
candles and other open flames indoors.
„9 Wear proper shoes to prevent cutting feet on
sharp debris.
„9 Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until
officials say it is safe.
„9 Avoid electrocution by not walking in areas with
downed power lines.
American Red Cross
12
NOAA PA 201152
Gather information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency
management office and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of emergencies could occur and
how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your
risks and identify ways to make your home and property more secure.
Meet with your family to create an emergency plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your
home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return
home. Choose an out of state friend as your family’s point of contact for everyone to call if the family gets
separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
Implement your plan.
1. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
2. Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
3. Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and correct them.
4. Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid, how to use a fire
extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
5. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency number.
6. Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days. Assemble an emergency supplies kit. Store
these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important
documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller emergency supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
Family Emergency Plan
Practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety
rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors and NWR monthly and change the batteries at least once
each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace
stored water and food every 6 months.
„9 At least a 3-day supply of water
(one gallon per person,
per day)
„9 At least a 3-day supply of
non-perishable food
„9 At least, one change of clothing
and shoes per person
„9 One blanket or sleeping
bag per person
„9 First-aid kit
„9 Battery-powered NWR
and a portable radio
„9 Emergency tools
„9 Flashlight, extra batteries
An Emergency Supplies Kit Should Include:
„9 Extra set of car keys
„9 Credit card and cash
„9 Special items for infant, elderly or
disabled family members
„9 Prescription and non-prescription
medicines
Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. You, as well as your family and friends, will most
likely not be together when disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or
parents are safe? You may have to evacuate or be confined to your home. What will you do if water, gas,
electricity or phone services are shut off?
Steps to Take
I
II
III
IV
Safety and preparedness material is online at:
Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
NOAA National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/safety.php