Hurricane Preparedness

One of the toughest decisions that residents may have to make when a storm approaches is whether they should evacuate their property and possessions for either a local shelter or out-of-town accommodations.

Depending on the severity of the storm, that decision can be made for those in lowlying areas: Local authorities may order a mandatory evacuation.

In Harrison County, as many as 14 hurricane shelters can be activated in times of peril based on the number of people in vulnerable areas. A shelter should be refuge of last resort, but residents need to be aware of several factors if they are considering seeking refuge in a shelter.

The decision to open a shelter is usually based on the intensity of a storm and where it is expected to make landfall. Local Emergency Management leaders make the decision to open shelters in coordination with the American Red Cross, and the public is notified through the media.

The shelter sites can vary from year to year and storm to storm.

“The type of weather event, the direction of a storm and rising tides are just a couple of the factors that go into activating a shelter,” says Biloxi Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Nicholaus Geiser. “The number and location of shelters that are needed to be activated during an event also have to be considered.”

If you think you may seek refuge in a shelter, some points to consider:
• Bring enough food and water for at least the first day.
• Bring your own blankets and other personal needs. Cots cannot be guaranteed.
• No pets at typical shelters (check with the local humane society); no firearms, alcohol or tobacco products are allowed.
• Public transit systems – buses and taxis – will stop operating when sustained winds reach 35 mph.
• If you have an infant, bring an adequate supply of diapers and formula.
• If you or a member of your family is on a special diet, bring the necessary food.
• If you are on prescription medication, try to have a two-week supply of medication.

If you’re thinking about evacuating, be familiar with evacuation routes. Traffic may be delayed by bridges opening to marine traffic. Bridges, by the way, will not open for marine traffic when sustained winds reach 35 mph.

And, finally, if you encounter a flooded roadway - in times of peril or on a typical day, remember the oft-repeated advice:
“Turn around, don’t drown.”

This hurricane season, expect to see a regular flow of updates and information, all prepared by a coordinated team. This team includes the National Hurricane Center, the local National Weather Service office, and Emergency Management officials at the state, county, and city level. Here are some planning times to remember, recognizing each storm is unique:

• Up to 5 days in advance – The National Hurricane Center regularly issues Tropical Weather Outlooks, indicating any tropical disturbances and their probability of developing over the next 5 days. If a disturbance is forecast in our area, closely monitor the situation and be prepared to adjust normal activities.

• 3 or more days prior (72+ hours before arrival) – When a storm has developed or is expected to develop, the National Hurricane Center will issue Tropical Cyclone Advisories every 6 hours. If Biloxi is in the probability cone, expect to receive guidance from local emergency management officials.

• 2 days prior (48 hours before arrival) – When storm conditions are expected within 48 hours, the National Hurricane Center will issue a Tropical Storm Watch or a Hurricane Watch. At this point, local governments will usually announce any decisions on closures of government facilities, and could also issue orders for evacuation of one or more evacuation zones. Most local businesses will implement their business continuity plans, adjusting their services or operating hours.

• 1½ days prior (36 hours before arrival) – When storm conditions are expected within 36 hours, the National Hurricane Center will issue a Tropical Storm Warning or a Hurricane Warning. At this point, local governments will usually announce any decisions on community shelters, and could also issue orders for a curfew. Many local businesses will close early for the safety of customers and employees. Everyone should complete storm prep activities, and should proceed to a safe location for protection from weather impacts.

• What you can do now – Don’t wait until a tropical depression or hurricane is in the Gulf to begin preparing. There are steps you can take now. See the list on Page 10.

• More info
– Sign up for B-Alert by texting BILOXI to 99411. You’ll get advisories via text messages.
– To see evacuation zones and evacuation routes, see map on Page 10.
– Information also will be available via city Bmail (sign up at biloxi.ms.us), and through a recorded message on the City of Biloxi Storm Info Line: 228-435-6300.

Plan an evacuation route.

• Review the evacuation route by clicking on the Evacuation Map link in the Storm and Flood Preparedness section of the city website. Determine the safest evacuation route for you. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.

Prepare a storm kit that includes the following items:
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First-aid kit and manual
• Duct tape
• Emergency food and water (at least one gallon of water per person per day for three to seven days; non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices; paper plates and plastic utensils; cooking tools)
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes
• Fully charged cell phone
• Store important papers in a waterproof container or resealable plastic bag. Among the important documents: insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Make arrangements for pets.
• Pets are not allowed in typical emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.

Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane.
• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Protect your windows.
• Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood – marine plywood is best – cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.

Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.

Check into flood insurance.
• You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.

Develop an emergency communication plan.
• In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), 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 the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

(A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.)

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check emergency supplies.
• Fuel car.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
• Review evacuation plan.
• Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place.
• Take pre-storm pictures of house and contents. 

(A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions – winds of 74 mph or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas – are expected in 24 hours or less.)

• Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
• If in a mobile home, check tiedowns and evacuate immediately.
• Bring outside pets inside and provide shelter for farm animals.
• Avoid elevators.
• If at home:
– Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
– Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
– If power is lost, turn off or unplug major appliances to reduce power “surge” when electricity is restored.
• If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
– Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
– Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
– Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
– If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.
– Take pre-assembled emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
– Lock up home and leave.

• Stay tuned to local radio for information.
• Help injured or trapped persons.
• Give first aid where appropriate.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
• Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police, or fire department.
• Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage; if electricity is off, keep refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible.
• Take pictures of the damage, both of the house and its contents for insurance claims.
• Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Refrain from sightseeing.
• Use telephone only for emergency calls.
• Inspecting utilities in a damaged home:
– Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
– Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
– Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
• Generally, utility companies restore services lost during major storm events first to public service providers, such as hospitals, water systems and public safety agencies.