Disaster-Preppers

Hurricanes and typhoons, also known as tropical cyclones, are powerful storms with devastating consequences. These storms are primarily caused by:

• Warm Ocean Waters: Hurricanes/typhoons form over warm ocean waters when the sea surface temperature reaches or exceeds 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Atmospheric Instability: The combination of warm, moist air near the surface and cooler, drier air aloft creates instability that fuels the storm's development.
• Coriolis Effect: The Earth's rotation causes these storms to spin and develop a characteristic circular structure.
• Low Pressure Systems: A pre-existing low-pressure system or disturbance can serve as a starting point for tropical cyclone formation.

Hurricanes and typhoons can unleash catastrophic impacts, with numerous examples illustrating their destructive potential:

• Hurricane Katrina (August 2005): One of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history, Katrina caused massive flooding in New Orleans and resulted in over 1,800 fatalities.
• Typhoon Haiyan (November 2013): Haiyan struck the Philippines, causing widespread destruction and leaving more than 6,000 people dead or missing.
• Hurricane Maria (September 2017): This hurricane devastated Puerto Rico, leading to extensive power outages, infrastructure damage, and thousands of fatalities.
• Typhoon Goni (November 2020): Goni, known locally as Rolly, struck the Philippines as the strongest landfalling tropical cyclone on record, causing significant damage and loss of life.
• Hurricane Harvey (August 2017): Harvey inundated Houston, Texas, with record-breaking rainfall, causing severe flooding and billions of dollars in damages.

The prospects for hurricanes and typhoons in the context of climate change are concerning. Here's why:

Warmer Ocean Temperatures: Climate change leads to increased sea surface temperatures, providing more energy for tropical cyclones to develop and intensify. Warmer oceans can result in more frequent and powerful storms.

Rising Sea Levels: Higher sea levels due to global warming can exacerbate storm surge impacts, leading to more extensive flooding and damage in coastal areas during hurricane landfalls.

Changes in Atmospheric Patterns: Climate change can alter atmospheric circulation patterns, potentially favoring conditions that support the formation and intensification of hurricanes.

Evidence of Increasing Frequency and Severity: Statistical analyses indicate an increase in the frequency of the most powerful hurricanes, known as Category 4 and 5 hurricanes, over the past few decades. Additionally, records show an uptick in the number of named tropical storms and hurricanes in recent years.

For instance, a study published in the journal Nature in 2020 found a substantial increase in the proportion of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean since the 1980s. This suggests a shift towards more intense storms, potentially driven by warming ocean waters.

Moreover, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was a record-breaking year, with 30 named storms, including 13 hurricanes and 6 major hurricanes. This exceeded the previous record set in 2005 and highlighted the increasing activity of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin.

Addressing the challenges posed by these changing trends requires proactive measures, including improved disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Secure Your Home: Reinforce your home to withstand hurricane winds and flying debris. Consider installing hurricane shutters, impact-resistant windows, and fortified garage doors to protect vulnerable openings.

• Roof Inspection: Ensure your roof is in good condition and up to code. Roof damage can lead to water intrusion during heavy rainfall, so reinforce it if necessary.
• Foundation and Anchoring: If you live in a hurricane-prone area, make sure your home's foundation and anchoring systems meet the latest building codes to resist storm surge and flooding.
• Elevate Electrical Systems: Elevate electrical panels, switches, and outlets in flood-prone areas. Consider installing a whole-house surge protector to safeguard electrical systems during a storm.

Assemble an Emergency Kit: Create an emergency kit that includes essential items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a multi-tool, and personal hygiene items. Make sure this kit can sustain you and your family for at least three days.

Develop an Evacuation Plan: Know your local evacuation routes and shelters. Have a plan in place that includes how you will evacuate, where you will go, and how you will transport your family, pets, and important documents.

Protect Important Documents: Store important documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof container or digital format. Make copies and keep them in a safe, easily accessible place.

First Aid and Medications: Ensure your first-aid kit is well-stocked with bandages, medications, and supplies. If you or a family member rely on prescription medications, keep a sufficient supply on hand.

Stock Up on Food and Water: Have a supply of non-perishable food and water to last several days. Aim for at least one gallon of water per person per day. Include a manual can opener in your kit for canned food.

Develop a Communication Plan: Create a family communication plan. Ensure everyone knows how to contact each other in case of separation, and establish an out-of-town contact to relay messages. Include a list of emergency contacts.

Consider Backup Power: In case of power outages, consider investing in a backup power source, such as a generator or solar panels with battery storage, to provide essential electricity for important devices and appliances.

Stay Informed: Stay updated on the hurricane's progress by monitoring weather forecasts and official sources of information. Sign up for local emergency alerts and heed evacuation orders when they are issued.

Emergency Contacts: Have a list of important emergency contact numbers, including local authorities, utility companies, and neighbors, in case you need assistance during or after the storm.

• National Hurricane Center (NHC): The NHC provides hurricane forecasts, tracks storm development, and issues watches and warnings to help individuals and communities prepare.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA coordinates disaster response efforts, including disaster declarations, federal assistance, and funding for affected regions.
• National Weather Service (NWS): The NWS issues weather advisories and warnings for hurricanes, storm surges, and flash floods, keeping the public informed and safe.
• Local Emergency Management Agencies: Local agencies play a critical role in executing evacuation plans, opening shelters, and providing assistance to affected communities.
• American Red Cross: The Red Cross operates emergency shelters, provides disaster relief, and offers support to those affected by hurricanes, including food, shelter, and medical aid.
• Coast Guard: The U.S. Coast Guard conducts search and rescue operations, monitors maritime safety, and helps with evacuation efforts in coastal areas.

Hurricanes and typhoons, also known as tropical cyclones, are powerful storms with devastating consequences. These storms are primarily caused by:

• Warm Ocean Waters: Hurricanes/typhoons form over warm ocean waters when the sea surface temperature reaches or exceeds 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Atmospheric Instability: The combination of warm, moist air near the surface and cooler, drier air aloft creates instability that fuels the storm's development.
• Coriolis Effect: The Earth's rotation causes these storms to spin and develop a characteristic circular structure.
• Low Pressure Systems: A pre-existing low-pressure system or disturbance can serve as a starting point for tropical cyclone formation.

Hurricanes and typhoons can unleash catastrophic impacts, with numerous examples illustrating their destructive potential:

• Hurricane Katrina (August 2005): One of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history, Katrina caused massive flooding in New Orleans and resulted in over 1,800 fatalities.
• Typhoon Haiyan (November 2013): Haiyan struck the Philippines, causing widespread destruction and leaving more than 6,000 people dead or missing.
• Hurricane Maria (September 2017): This hurricane devastated Puerto Rico, leading to extensive power outages, infrastructure damage, and thousands of fatalities.
• Typhoon Goni (November 2020): Goni, known locally as Rolly, struck the Philippines as the strongest landfalling tropical cyclone on record, causing significant damage and loss of life.
• Hurricane Harvey (August 2017): Harvey inundated Houston, Texas, with record-breaking rainfall, causing severe flooding and billions of dollars in damages.

The prospects for hurricanes and typhoons in the context of climate change are concerning. Here's why:

Warmer Ocean Temperatures: Climate change leads to increased sea surface temperatures, providing more energy for tropical cyclones to develop and intensify. Warmer oceans can result in more frequent and powerful storms.

Rising Sea Levels: Higher sea levels due to global warming can exacerbate storm surge impacts, leading to more extensive flooding and damage in coastal areas during hurricane landfalls.

Changes in Atmospheric Patterns: Climate change can alter atmospheric circulation patterns, potentially favoring conditions that support the formation and intensification of hurricanes.

Evidence of Increasing Frequency and Severity: Statistical analyses indicate an increase in the frequency of the most powerful hurricanes, known as Category 4 and 5 hurricanes, over the past few decades. Additionally, records show an uptick in the number of named tropical storms and hurricanes in recent years.

For instance, a study published in the journal Nature in 2020 found a substantial increase in the proportion of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean since the 1980s. This suggests a shift towards more intense storms, potentially driven by warming ocean waters.

Moreover, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was a record-breaking year, with 30 named storms, including 13 hurricanes and 6 major hurricanes. This exceeded the previous record set in 2005 and highlighted the increasing activity of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin.

Addressing the challenges posed by these changing trends requires proactive measures, including improved disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Secure Your Home: Reinforce your home to withstand hurricane winds and flying debris. Consider installing hurricane shutters, impact-resistant windows, and fortified garage doors to protect vulnerable openings.

• Roof Inspection: Ensure your roof is in good condition and up to code. Roof damage can lead to water intrusion during heavy rainfall, so reinforce it if necessary.
• Foundation and Anchoring: If you live in a hurricane-prone area, make sure your home's foundation and anchoring systems meet the latest building codes to resist storm surge and flooding.
• Elevate Electrical Systems: Elevate electrical panels, switches, and outlets in flood-prone areas. Consider installing a whole-house surge protector to safeguard electrical systems during a storm.

Assemble an Emergency Kit: Create an emergency kit that includes essential items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a multi-tool, and personal hygiene items. Make sure this kit can sustain you and your family for at least three days.

Develop an Evacuation Plan: Know your local evacuation routes and shelters. Have a plan in place that includes how you will evacuate, where you will go, and how you will transport your family, pets, and important documents.

Protect Important Documents: Store important documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof container or digital format. Make copies and keep them in a safe, easily accessible place.

First Aid and Medications: Ensure your first-aid kit is well-stocked with bandages, medications, and supplies. If you or a family member rely on prescription medications, keep a sufficient supply on hand.

Stock Up on Food and Water: Have a supply of non-perishable food and water to last several days. Aim for at least one gallon of water per person per day. Include a manual can opener in your kit for canned food.

Develop a Communication Plan: Create a family communication plan. Ensure everyone knows how to contact each other in case of separation, and establish an out-of-town contact to relay messages. Include a list of emergency contacts.

Consider Backup Power: In case of power outages, consider investing in a backup power source, such as a generator or solar panels with battery storage, to provide essential electricity for important devices and appliances.

Stay Informed: Stay updated on the hurricane's progress by monitoring weather forecasts and official sources of information. Sign up for local emergency alerts and heed evacuation orders when they are issued.

Emergency Contacts: Have a list of important emergency contact numbers, including local authorities, utility companies, and neighbors, in case you need assistance during or after the storm.

• National Hurricane Center (NHC): The NHC provides hurricane forecasts, tracks storm development, and issues watches and warnings to help individuals and communities prepare.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA coordinates disaster response efforts, including disaster declarations, federal assistance, and funding for affected regions.
• National Weather Service (NWS): The NWS issues weather advisories and warnings for hurricanes, storm surges, and flash floods, keeping the public informed and safe.
• Local Emergency Management Agencies: Local agencies play a critical role in executing evacuation plans, opening shelters, and providing assistance to affected communities.
• American Red Cross: The Red Cross operates emergency shelters, provides disaster relief, and offers support to those affected by hurricanes, including food, shelter, and medical aid.
• Coast Guard: The U.S. Coast Guard conducts search and rescue operations, monitors maritime safety, and helps with evacuation efforts in coastal areas.