Page Created July 26, 1998
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| TROPICAL CYCLONE NAMES | SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE | THE BEAUFORT SCALE |
| DISASTER PREPAREDNESS KIT | CONVERSION FACTORS | reserved |
Atlantic Names:
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Alex Arlene Alberto Allison Arthur
Bonnie Bret Beryl Barry Bertha
Charley Cindy Chris Chantal Cristobal
Danielle Dennis Debby Dean Dolly
Earl Emily Ernesto Erin Edouard
Frances Floyd Florence Felix Fay
Georges Gert Gordon Gabrielle Gustav
Hermine Harvey Helene Humberto Hanna
Ivan Irene Isaac Iris Isidore
Jeanne Jose Joyce Jerry Josephine
Karl Katrina Keith Karen Kyle
Lisa Lenny Leslie Lorenzo Lili
Mitch Maria Michael Michelle Marco
Nicole Nate Nadine Noel Nana
Otto Ophelia Oscar Olga Omar
Paula Philippe Patty Pablo Paloma
Richard Rita Rafael Rebekah Rene
Shary Stan Sandy Sebastien Sally
Tomas Tammy Tony Tanya Teddy
Virginie Vince Valerie Van Vicky
Walter Wilma William Wendy Wilfred
These lists are re-cycled every 6 years (the 1998 list will be reused
in 2004). Several names have been changed since the lists were last used.
Bill replaced Bob in 1997, and Alex has replaced Andrew in 1998. Four names from
the 1995 list have been retired. On the 2001 list, Lorenzo has replaced Luis,
Michelle has replaced Marilyn, Olga has replaced Opal, and Rebekah has
replaced Roxanne. Three names from the 1996 list have been retired. On the
2002 list, Cristobal has replaced Cesar, Fay has replaced Fran, and Hanna has
replaced Hortense.
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Eastern North Pacific Names:
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Agatha Adrian Aletta Adolph Alma
Blas Beatriz Bud Barbara Boris
Celia Calvin Carlotta Cosme Cristina
Darby Dora Daniel Dalilia Douglas
Estelle Eugene Emilia Erick Elida
Frank Fernanda Fabio Flossie Fausto
Georgette Greg Gilma Gil Genevieve
Howard Hilary Hector Henriette Hernan
Isis Irwin Ileana Israel Iselle
Javier Jova John Juliette Julio
Kay Kenneth Kristy Kiko Kenna
Lester Lidia Lane Lorena Lowell
Madeline Max Miriam Manuel Marie
Newton Norma Norman Narda Norbert
Orlene Otis Olivia Octave Odile
Paine Pilar Paul Priscilla Polo
Roslyn Ramon Rosa Raymond Rachel
Seymour Selma Sergio Sonia Simon
Tina Todd Tara Tico Trudy
Virgil Veronica Vicente Velma Vance
Winifred Wiley Willa Wallis Winnie
Xavier Xina Xavier Xina Xavier
Yolanda York Yolanda York Yolanda
Zeke Zelda Zeke Zelda Zeke
These lists are also re-cycled every six years (the 1998 list will be
used again in 2004). Israel replaces Ismael in 2001.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on the hurricane's
present intensity. This is used to give an estimate of the potential
property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane
landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge
values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf in the
landfall region. Note that all winds are using the U.S. 1-minute average.
Category One Hurricane:
Winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 kph). Storm surge generally 4-5
ft above normal. No real damage to building structures. Damage
primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some
damage to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal road flooding
and minor pier damage. Hurricanes Allison and Noel of 1995 were
Category One hurricanes at peak intensity.
Category Two Hurricane:
Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 kph). Storm surge generally 6-8
feet above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage of
buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees
blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed
signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours
before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected
anchorages break moorings. Hurricane Bertha of 1996 was a Category Two
hurricane when it hit the North Carolina coast, while Hurricane
Marilyn of 1995 was a Category Two Hurricane when it passed through
the Virgin Islands.
Category Three Hurricane:
Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt or 178-209 kph). Storm surge generally
9-12 ft above normal. Some structural damage to small residences and
utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Damage
to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large tress
blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed.
Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before
arrival of the hurricane center. Flooding near the coast destroys
smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering of
floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 ft above mean sea
level may be flooded inland 8 miles (13 km) or more. Evacuation of
low-lying residences with several blocks of the shoreline may be
required. Hurricanes Roxanne of 1995 and Fran of 1996 were Category
Three hurricanes at landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexco and in
North Carolina, respectively.
Category Four Hurricane:
Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt or 210-249 kph). Storm surge generally
13-18 ft above normal. More extensive curtainwall failures with some
complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees,
and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes.
Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be
cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center.
Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain
lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive
evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km).
Hurricane Luis of 1995 was a Category Four hurricane while moving over
the Leeward Islands. Hurricanes Felix and Opal of 1995 also reached
Catgeory Four status at peak intensity.
Category Five Hurricane:
Winds greater than 155 mph (135 kt or 249 kph). Storm surge generally
greater than 18 ft above normal. Complete roof failure on many
residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures
with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees,
and signs blown down. Complete destructon of mobile homes. Severe and
extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by
rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Major
damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above
sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of
residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the
shoreline may be required. There were no Category Five hurricanes in
1995 or 1996. Hurricane Gilbert of 1988 was a Category Five hurricane
at peak intensity and is the strongest Atlantic tropical cyclone of record.
Beaufort Knots Miles Km Description Observation on Land
Number Per Hour
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 0-1 0-1 0-1 Calm Smoke rises straight up
1 1-3 1-3 1-5 Light air Smoke drifts; tree leaves barely move
2 4-6 4-7 6-11 Slight breeze Leaves rustle; wind felt on face
3 7-10 8-12 12-19 Gentle breeze Leaves and twigs in motion; bits of
paper and dust rise from the ground
4 11-16 13-18 20-28 Moderate breeze Small branches move
5 17-21 19-24 29-38 Fresh breeze Small trees sway; dust clouds rise
6 22-27 25-31 39-49 Strong breeze Large branches sway; difficult to use
umbrellas
7 28-33 32-38 50-61 Moderate gale Whole trees in motion; difficult to
walk
8 34-40 39-46 62-74 Fresh gale Twigs break off trees
9 41-47 47-54 75-88 Strong gale Branches break; slight damage to
buildings
10 48-55 55-63 89-102 Whole gale Trees are blown down; heavy damage
to buildings
11 56-63 64-72 103-117 Storm Widespread damage
12 64 & 73 & 118 & Hurricane Extreme damage
above above above
Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you
may not have much time to respond. A highway spill or hazardous material
could mean evacuation. A hurricane, forest fire, flood, tornado, or any other
disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones- for days. After a disaster,
local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach
everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days.
Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?
Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.
One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster
hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've
gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home
confinement for a week or more if you're prepared.
Prepare Your Kit
1. Review the checklist below.
2. Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is
confined at home.
3. Place supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
4. There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies,
clothing, bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep items that you
would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
Possible Containers Include --
1. A large, covered trash container.
2. A camping backpack
3. A duffle bag.
Water
1. Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid
using containers that will break such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A
normal active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day.
Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount.
Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
2. Store one gallon of water per person per day.
3. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per day (two quarts for
drinking, two quarts for each person in your houshold for food
preparation/sanitation).
Food
1. Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods
that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no
water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that
are compact and lightweight.
2. Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid
kit should include:
1. Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
2. Assorted sizes or safety pins
3. Cleaning agent/soap
4. Latex gloves (2 pair)
5. Sunscreen
6. 2-inch sterile gauze (4-6)
7. 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
8. Triangular bandages (3)
9. 2- inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
10. 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
11. Scissors
12. Tweezers
13. Needles
14. Moistened towelettes
15. Antiseptic
16. Thermometer
17. Tongue Blades (2)
18. Tube of Petroleum Jelly or other Lubricant
Non-Prescription Drugs
1. Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
2. Anti-diarrehea medication
3. Antacid (for stomach upset)
4. Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control
Center).
Laxative
1. Laxative: Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control
Center).
Tools and Supplies
1. Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils.
2. Emergency preparedness manual
3. Battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
4. Flashlight and extra batteries.
5. Cash or traveler's checks, and change.
6. Non-electric can opener, utility knife.
7. Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type.
8. Tube Tent.
9. Pliers.
10. Tape.
11. Compass.
12. Matches in a waterproof container.
13. Aluminum Foil.
14. Plastic Storage Containers.
15. Signal Flares.
16. Paper, Pencil.
17. Needles, thread.
18. Medicine Dropper.
19. Shut-Off wrench, to turn of household gas and water.
20. Whistle (to summon help).
21. Plastic Sheeting.
22. Map of the area (for locating shelters).
Sanitation
1. Toilet paper, towelettes.
2. Soap, Liquid Detergent.
3. Feminine Supplies.
4. Personal Hygiene Items.
5. Plastic Garbage Bags, Ties (for personal Sanitation uses).
6. Plastic Bucket with Tight Lid.
7. Disinfectant.
8. Household Chlorine Bleach
Clothing and Bedding
1. Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per
person.
2. Sturdy shoes or work boots.
3. Rain Gear.
4. Blankets or Sleeping Bags.
5. Hat and Gloves.
6. Thermal Underwear.
7. Sunglasses.
Special Items
1. Remember family members with special requirements, such as Infants and
Elderly or Disabled Persons.
For Baby
1. Formula.
2. Diapers.
3. Bottles.
4. Powered Milk.
5. Medications (3 Weeks Worth).
For Adults
1. Heart and High Blood Pressure Medication.
2. Insulin.
3. Prescription Drugs.
4. Denture Needs.
5. Contact Lenses and Supplies.
6. Extra Eye Glasses.
Entertainment
1. Games and Books (Kid's Games as Well).
Important Family Documents
1. Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
A. Will, Insurance Policies, Contracts, Deeds, Stocks, Bonds.
B. Passports, Social Security Cards, Immunization Records.
C. Bank Account Numbers.
D. Credit Card Account Numbers and Companies.
E. Inventory of Valuable Household Goods.
F. Family Records (Birth, Marriage, Death Certificates).
G. Store your Kit in a convenient place known to all family members.
Keep a smaller version of the Kit in the trunk of your car.
H. Keep items in Airtight Plastic Bags. Change your stored water supply
every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a
year. Replace baterries, update clothes, etc.
G. Ask your Physician or Pharmacist about storing prescription
medications.
(Courtesy David A. Smith KE4UEI)
To convert Millibars to Inches of Mercury, Multiply mb by .029528 To convert Inches of Mercury to Millibars, Multiply In/Hg by 33.87 To convert Knots to Statute Miles per Hour, Multiply Knots by 1.151 To convert statute Miles per Hour to Knots, Multiply MPH by .8684 To convert Miles per Hour to Kilometers per Hour, Multiply MPH by 1.609 To convert Kilometers per Hour to Miles per Hour, Multiply Km/Hr by .6214
Page Created July 26, 1998