Hurricane Preparedness 2013 Jack Ellison, Jr., BS, RS Public Health Planner

When is Hurricane Season? June 1 – November 30

2013 HURRICANE SEASON 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) 7 to 11 of these could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher) 3 to 6 hurricanes could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher) These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes

HURRICANE CATEGORIES mph mph mph mph 155 mph+ DangerousMajorCatastrophic -- Saffir-Simpson Scale --The David Popoff Scale

Have A Personal Plan Plan an evacuation route for you Plan an evacuation route for you and your family. and your family. Teach each family member how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach each family member how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Develop a family emergency communication plan. Develop a family emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster, have a plan for getting back together. In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster, have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows this number and address. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows this number and address. Don’t be these people!!!

Have an Emergency Kit Non-perishable food Non-perishable food Water (one gallon per person per day) Water (one gallon per person per day) Cash (remember that ATMs may be unavailable) Cash (remember that ATMs may be unavailable) First-aid kit First-aid kit Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions Special medical items, such as eyeglasses and hearing aids Special medical items, such as eyeglasses and hearing aids Toilet paper and other personal hygiene products Toilet paper and other personal hygiene products Two types of identification Two types of identification

Have an Emergency Kit (cont’d) Copies of important documents and records, information to process insurance claims. Maintain in a waterproof container. Copies of important documents and records, information to process insurance claims. Maintain in a waterproof container. Battery-operated radio, flashlight, batteries, NOAA weather radio Battery-operated radio, flashlight, batteries, NOAA weather radio Road maps Road maps List of phone numbers of family and friends List of phone numbers of family and friends Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags Pet supplies Pet supplies If there is a baby, include formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications, baby wipes, and diaper rash ointment. If there is a baby, include formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications, baby wipes, and diaper rash ointment. If you have a disability or have special healthcare needs, you If you have a disability or have special healthcare needs, you may require additional items. may require additional items.

GCHD Role During Hurricanes Coordination of health and medical responses in 14 jurisdictions. Coordination of health and medical responses in 14 jurisdictions. Medical Care Medical Care Evacuations and EMS responses Evacuations and EMS responses Environmental assurances (food/water) Environmental assurances (food/water) Vaccinations Vaccinations Animal evacuations & rescue Animal evacuations & rescue Pubic information & health advisories Pubic information & health advisories Injury/Disease surveillance and investigation Injury/Disease surveillance and investigation Shelter support Shelter support

Hurricane Preparedness Level 4 (Normal conditions) Level 3 (Increase readiness) Level 2 (High readiness) Level 1 (Maximum readiness) Recovery

Hurricane Preparedness Level 4 = Normal Conditions Review plans Train staff Emergency equipment is maintained and tested Review stock of emergency supplies

Hurricane Preparedness Level 3 = Increased Readiness Increased situation-monitoring Review of plans and resource status Determine staff availability (72 Hours before onset of 39 MPH winds)

Hurricane Preparedness Level 2 = High Readiness EOC activated Secure and protect equipment Close operations Allow staff to secure homes

Hurricane Preparedness Level 1 = Maximum Readiness Evacuate non-essential staff Staff EOC as necessary (39 mph winds predicted in hours or less) GO

Post Response Tier 1 Staff Ride out storm in secure locations. Tier 2 Staff Return ASAP to begin recovery activities. Tier 3 Staff Return hours later to assist in recovery effort and begin normal operations.

When do I return? Call (409) Listen to Houston media (KTRH radio, etc.) Check in with remote contact person Call your Supervisor (be sure to update remote contact information if it changes)

Medical Reserve Corps Volunteering We need your help!

Jack Ellison Public Health Planner