Insurance Information Institute

Hurricane AWARENESS

Advance Preparation is the Key to Saving Lives and Property

WHEN A HURRICANE STRIKES...

Increased population and more coastal development create a need for better awareness and preparation during the hurricane season, which stretches from June through November.

Hurricanes bring wind, rain and exaggerated tidal surge. Flooding often results.

Wind gusts have topped 160 mph in some hurricanes, which are often accompanies by severe tornadoes. Such tornadoes are among the worst threats to life and destroyers of property. During Hurricane Beulah, for example, a record 115 tornadoes were spawned during a five-day period. Sixty-seven of these tornadoes occurred in a single day.

A hurricane may spend much of its energy hitting the shoreline. The storm surge causes most life and property damage.

Storm surge development takes place over deep water, where the drop in barometric pressure in the storm center causes the sea to bulge. A second action develops as hurricane winds sweep across the sea surface. This causes a swirling movement of the surface water which gradually goes down about 50 fathoms (300 feet).

The maximum swirl moves to the right of the hurricane's eye (track), where wind speeds are highest. There is no change in sea level due to this swirling motion so long as the water remains deeper than 50 fathoms.

As the hurricane approaches land, the swirling water mass scrapes bottom, tries to spread in all directions, and begins to pile up. Peak surge heights are seen at the shoreline about the time the hurricane center reaches land.

The maximum water swirl occurs 10-20 miles to the right of the storm track, near the point of maximum wind speeds. Thus, the greatest danger from both wind and surge usually is about 15 miles right of the track.

The surge may lift the ocean 15 feet or more at the coastline.

Powerful currents may erode the beach and move the shoreline several hundred feet inland.

Where barrier islands exist, the storm surge usually cuts channels completely through the islands.

Defenses against storm surge are few. Sea walls and strongly constructed buildings offer some protection, but they are not invincible.

Construction near water should be on deep pile foundations to survive a major hurricane. Many homes built on slab foundations have been destroyed, whereas others nearby on pilings have survived. Building near the shore in an area of rapid erosion is asking for trouble.

Preparing for a major disaster on the coast requires planning and action by all involved. It must include careful preparation by officials of how, when and where to move people under constantly changing conditions. Some form of coastal land use management to reduce exposure of lives and property is needed.

INSURANCE AND STORM RECOVERY

After a catastrophe, such as a hurricane, the role of the insurance industry is an important one. A quick and proper reaction is a major objective. Hardship cases are first priority - with service promised to all policyholders as soon as possible.

Every effort is made to fully inform the public before, during and after a disaster strikes as to what steps are to be taken. The magnitude of what might be faced should be quite clear from the material presented here.

All individuals should realize their own roles. Regular review of how to prepare adequately is strongly advised.

Advance preparation is the key thought. All residents should become thoroughly familiar with the survival checklist - because it is, as stated, a list to help everyone survive.

The insurance industry has formed special organizations (Windstorm and FAIR Plans) in many states to help individuals in high risk areas to obtain insurance against wind damage. Every company which writes property insurance in those states generally participates.

Flood insurance for property is available by contacting your agent or the National Flood Insurance Program.

HURRICANE SURVIVAL CHECKLIST

This material is provided as a public service. Its purpose is to increase hurricane awareness. The key to survival is advance preparation.

BEFORE A HURRICANE, YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Elevation of your home above sea level - Get this information from city or county officials. Your nearest Weather Service office can supply flood-stage data for area streams and bays.

Maximum storm surge which might occur - Information about the potential for inland flooding and storm surge is available from the nearest Weather Service office.

Route to safety if you have to leave - Plan your escape route early. Check with city or county officials for low points and flooding history of your route.

Location of nearest official shelter - The Red Cross can locate the shelter nearest your home and explain what you should bring with you.

How safe your home is - Near the seashore, plan to relocate during a hurricane emergency unless you live in a high-rise above the third-floor level. If you live in a mobile home, always plan to relocate.

The inventory of your property - A complete inventory of personal property will help in obtaining insurance settlements and/or tax deductions for losses. Inventory checklists can be obtained from many sources, including your insurance representative. Don't trust your memory. List descriptions and take pictures. Store these and other important insurance papers in waterproof containers or in your safety deposit box.

What your insurance will cover - Review your insurance policies to avoid misunderstanding later. Take advantage of flood insurance. Separate policies are needed for protection against wind and water damage, which people frequently don't realize until too late.

Inventory of needed supplies - Before the hurricane season, you should review plans to protect your property. Purchase plywood for boarding up windows. Obtain batteries, canned goods and other items. Advance purchase of these materials is advisable, as supplies may be difficult to purchase when a hurricane approaches.

Important: Do not wait until a hurricane is near shore. When a storm is heading toward shore, officials are too busy preparing for the emergency and won't be able to respond to individual requests, and insurance can't be obtained at that time.

WHEN A WATCH IS ISSUED, CHECK SUPPLIES:

Transistor radio with fresh batteries - A radio will be your most useful information source. Have enough batteries to last several days. There may be no electricity.

Flashlights, candles or lamps, matches - Store matches in waterproof container. Have lantern fuel for several days. Know how to use the lamp safely.

Full tank of gasoline - Never let your vehicle gas tank be less than half full during hurricane season; fill up as soon as a hurricane watch is posted. Remember: when there is no

electricity, gas pumps won't work.

Canned goods and nonperishable foods - Store packaged foods which can be prepared without cooking and need no refrigeration. There may be no electricity or gas.

Containers for drinking water - Have clean, air-tight containers to store sufficient drinking water for several days. The city supply will probably be interrupted or contaminated.

Materials for protecting glass openings - Have shutters or lumber for protecting large windows and doors and masking tape for use on small windows.

Materials for emergency repairs - Your insurance policy may cover cost of materials used in temporary repairs, so keep all receipts. These will also be helpful for computing income tax deductions.

WHEN A WARNING IS ISSUED, ACT PROMPTLY:

Listen constantly to radio or TV - Keep a log of the hurricane's position, intensity and expected landfall. Discount rumors. Use telephone only when necessary.

If you live in a mobile home - Check tie-downs and leave immediately for a safer place.

Prepare for high winds - Brace your garage door. Lower antennas. Be prepared to make repairs.

Anchor objects outside - Garbage cans, awnings, loose garden tools, toys and other objects can be deadly missiles. Anchor securely or bring indoors.

Protect windows and other glass - Board up or shutter large windows securely. Tape exposed glass to reduce shattering. Draw drapes across windows and doors to protect against flying glass if shattering does occur.

Move boats on trailers close to house - Fill boats with water to weight them down. Lash securely to trailer and use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.

Check mooring lines of boats in water; then leave them

Store valuables and personal papers - Put irreplaceable documents in waterproof containers and store in highest possible spot.

Prepare for tornadoes and floods - Tornadoes and flash floods are the worst killers associated with a hurricane. In a tornado warning, seek inside shelter below ground level. If outside, move away at right angles from tornado; if escape is impossible, lie flat in a ditch or low spot. The surge of ocean water plus flash flooding of streams and rivers due to torrential rains combine to make drowning the greatest cause of hurricane deaths.

Check your survival supplies once again

IF YOUR REMAIN AT HOME:

Stay indoors - Don't go out in brief calm during passage of the eye of the storm. The lull sometimes ends suddenly as winds return from the opposite direction. Winds can increase in seconds to hurricane force of 74 mph or more.

Protect property - Without taking any unnecessary risks, protect your property from damage. Temporary repairs can reduce your losses.

Stay away from windows and glass doors - Move furniture away from exposed doors and windows.

Stay on leeward or downwind side of house - As wind direction changes, move to another room. If your home has an "inside" room, stay there during the height of the hurricane.

Keep a continuous communications watch - Keep radio or television tuned for information from official sources. Unexpected changes can sometimes call for last-minute relocations.

Remain calm - Your ability to meet emergencies will help others.

IF YOU MUST RELOCATE:

Be certain there is a safe refuge to accommodate you - leave early, in daylight if possible - Dangerous winds and tides may arrive three to five hours before the hurricane.

Don't travel farther than necessary - Roads may be jammed. A stranded auto may become a coffin.

Lock windows and doors - Check to see that you have done everything to protect your property from damage and loss.

Carry along survival supplies - first-aid kit, canned or dried provisions, can opener, spoons, etc., bottled water, extra family medication, spare eyeglasses, hearing aid and batteries, if required.

Keep important papers with you at all times - driver's license and other identification, insurance policies, property inventory, medic-alert or device to convey special medical information

Take warm , protective clothing

AFTER THE HURRICANE, DANGERS REMAIN:

Beware of outdoor hazards - Watch out for loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately to proper authority. Many lives are lost by electrocution.

Walk or drive cautiously - Debris-filled streets are dangerous. Snakes and poisonous insects will be a hazard. Washouts may weaken road and bridge structures, and they could collapse under vehicle weight.

Guard against spoiled food - Food may spoil if refrigerator power is off to more than a few hours. Freezers will keep food several days if doors are not opened after power failure, but do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw.

Do not use water until safe - Use your emergency supply or boil water before drinking until you receive official word that the water is safe. Report broken sewer or water mains to proper authority.

Take extra precautions to prevent fire - Lowered water pressure in city mains and the interruption of other services may make firefighting extremely difficult after a hurricane.

NOW, THE CLEANUP:

Notify your insurance representative - Insurance representatives will be on the scene immediately following a major disaster to speed up the handling of claims. Notify your insurance representative of any losses - and leave word where you can be contacted.

Take steps to protect property - Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage or looting. Use only reputable contractors (sometimes in the chaotic days following a disaster, unscrupulous operators will prey on the unsuspecting); check the Better Business Bureau. Keep all receipts for materials used.

Be patient - Hardship cases will be settled first by insurance representatives. Don't assume your settlement will be the same as your neighbor's. Policy forms differ and storm damage is often erratic. In a major catastrophe, the insurance industry will have emergency offices and extra man-power to expedite claim settlements and to speed recovery.

It takes a team effort - Responsibility for the cleanup falls to numerous local, state and federal agencies. A local emergency management coordinator (the mayor, county judge or the designated representative) will be on hand to help residents in this effort.

HOW TO TRACK A HURRICANE

Advisories are numbered consecutively for each storm and describe the present and forecast position and storm intensity. Advisories are issued at six-hour intervals - at 11 p.m., 5 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Bulletins provide additional information. Each message gives the name, eye position, intensity and forecast movement of the tropical cyclone.

Hurricane eye positions are given by latitude (for example: 13.2 degrees North) and longitude (for example: 57.8 degrees West) to the nearest one-tenth of one degree. When the storm moves within radar range, eye position may also be given as statute miles and compass direction from a specified point.

Because hurricanes change direction very quickly, you should concentrate more on where the storm is supposed to go than where it has been.