SKYWARN Newsletter #232

Hello to all...

Newsletter Dedicated to Hurricane Safety Tips Provided by Massachusetts Emergency Management...

MEMA Info Update: New England Hurricanes of Note...

MEMA Safety Tip #2: Hurricane Preparedness Tips...

MEMA Safety Tip #3: Tips to Protect Property From Hurricanes...

MEMA Safety Tip #4: Evacuation Steps for a Hurricane...

MEMA Safety Tip #5: Shelter-In-Place for a Hurricane...

MEMA Safety Tip #6: Cape Cod Emergency Traffic Plan....

MEMA Safety Tip #7: The Impact of Hurricanes on Inland Locations....

Additional Resources on Emergency Management/NWS Web Sites on Hurricanes....

***Newsletter Issued: 7/8/2006.

Newsletter Dedicated to Hurricane Safety Tips Provided by Massachusetts Emergency Management...

This newsletter is dedicated to Hurricane Safety Tips provided by

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) during the month of

June as the month of June was declared Hurricane Preparedness Month by

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. In addition, other safety tips

and resources from other Emergency Management Agencies, the National

Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center are listed as part

of this newsletter. While these tips are from Massachusetts Emergency

Management Agency (MEMA), these tips apply to other parts of

Southern New England and are listed to benefit all on the email list

and others who are interested in early hurricane preparedness.

All safety tip information was written by Massachusetts Emergency

Management Agency. Much of this information can also be seen on their

web site along with additional information above what's listed in

this newsletter on their web site. The final topic covers the

additional safety tip resources of MEMA along with safety tip

information from other state Emergency Management Agencies,

NWS Taunton and the National Hurricane Center.

It is also noted that the week of July 10th-14th, 2006 is Hurricane

Awareness Week in Southern New England as declared by the National

Weather Service in Taunton, Massachusetts.

MEMA Info Update: New England Hurricanes of Note...

NEW ENGLAND HURRICANES OF NOTE

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Although the approaching Hurricane Season in

New England is defined as June 1st through November 30th, the vast

majority of the 40 tropical systems that have impacted our

region over the past century have struck during the months of

August and September. Because Massachusetts is such a relatively

small state, it is important to realize that these are not just

‘coastal events’, but, in fact, everyone in the Commonwealth can be

severely impacted by a major storm.

“New England is in the unenviable position of receiving all three

types of Hurricane Threats,” states Massachusetts Emergency

Management Agency Director Cristine McCombs. “Depending upon the

storm’s track and landfall location, we can experience coastal

inundation from storm surge, widespread inland river flooding, and

widespread wind damage.”

To best prepare ourselves for the future, it is important to revisit

the past, and examine a dozen of the most notable New England

Hurricanes and their catastrophic impact upon our region.

The Great Colonial Hurricane of 1635

August 25, 1635

This was the first historical record of an intense hurricane

striking New England. The highest winds have been estimated at

Category 3 or greater, with winds of 115-plus mph. The storm’s

eye passed between Boston and Plymouth causing at least 46

casualties. A 20-foot tidal surge was reported in Boston, ruining

farms throughout the area. Reports from Governor William Bradford

describing the drowning of dozens of Native Americans, the toppling

of thousands of trees and the flattening of houses suggest that

this storm possessed even greater intensity than the storms of

1815 and 1938.

The Great September Gale of 1815

September 23, 1815

This storm was the first major hurricane to impact New England in

180 years. It initiated in the West Indies, growing to a Category 3

with winds of 135 mph. After crossing Long Island, New

York, the storm came ashore at Saybrook, Connecticut, funneling an

11-foot storm surge up Narragansett Bay. There, it destroyed 500

houses, 35 ships and flooded Providence, Rhode Island. Impacting

Central and Coastal Massachusetts, ‘The Great Gale’ destroyed the

bridge over the Neponset River, connecting Dorchester and Milton,

Massachusetts. At least 38 deaths have been attributed to this

disaster.

The September Gale of 1869

September 8, 1869

A Category 3, this ‘September Gale’ was first observed in the

Bahamas. It ultimately made landfall in Rhode Island just west of

Buzzards Bay, dissipating in Northern Maine. This storm was very

compact, but intense. It was reported to have been only 60 miles

wide, but it caused extensive damage in Rhode Island, Massachusetts

and Maine. Fortunately, its arrival coincided with low tide lessening

the storm surge and resulting damage.

The Great New England Hurricane of 1938

September 21, 1938

This Category 5, which has also been dubbed “The Long Island Express”,

was first detected in the Tropical Atlantic. As it slowly moved

northward, it suddenly accelerated to a forward motion of 60 to 70

mph, when it was 100 miles east of North Carolina. Without warning,

it made landfall as a Category 3, during an astronomically high tide

along Long Island, New York and the Connecticut coast. The Blue Hill

Observatory, outside of Boston, measured sustained winds of 121 mph,

with gusts of 183 mph. Storm surges of 10 to 12 feet inundated

portions of the coast from Long Island to Southeastern Massachusetts,

most notably in Narragansett Bay and Buzzards Bay. Heavy rains of 3”

to 6” produced severe flooding, particularly in areas of Western

Massachusetts and along the Connecticut River. Downtown Providence,

Rhode Island was impacted by a 20-foot storm surge. Sections of the

Towns of Falmouth and Truro on Cape Cod were under 8 feet of water.

The widespread destruction resulting from this storm included 600

deaths and 1,700 injuries. Over $400 million in damage occurred,

including 9,000 homes and businesses lost and 15,000 damaged.

Damage to the Southern New England fishing fleet was catastrophic,

as over 6,000 vessels were either destroyed or severely damaged.

The Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944

September 14-15, 1944

Sometimes compared to the Great Hurricane of 1938, this storm was

first detected northeast of the Lesser Antilles. From there, it

hugged the United States coast, crossing Long Island, New York,

the Rhode Island Coast, emerged into Massachusetts Bay and impacted

Maine. With 140 mph winds, this Category 4, produced hurricane force

winds over a diameter of 600 miles causing over $100 million damage.

70-foot high waves were also reported. Up to 11” of rain fell in

areas of New England. 390 deaths, mostly at sea, were attributed to

this hurricane. It wreaked havoc on World War II shipping, sinking a

U.S. Navy destroyer and cutter, as well as two U.S. Coast Guard

cutters.

Hurricane Dog

September 11-12, 1950

A strong Category 5, Hurricane Dog reached a peak intensity of

185 mph. First observed east of the Lesser Antilles on August 30th,

this was a major hurricane that never actually made landfall,

passing within 200 miles of Cape Cod. However, it was responsible

for the deaths of at least a dozen fishermen off the New England

coast. It also caused about $3 million damage. To this day,

it retains the record for the longest continuous duration for a

Category 5 Atlantic Hurricane of 60 hours, from September 5th

through September 8th. ‘Dog” also fluctuated between Category 4 & 5

strength on four different occasions, which is also a record.

Hurricane Carol

August 31, 1954

This compact, but powerful Category 2 battered New England,

killing 68. With 100 mph winds, gusting up to 135mph, ‘Carol’

caused over $461 million in damage, destroying 4,000 homes,

3,500 cars, and over 3,000 boats. This was arguably the most

destructive storm to hit Southern New England since 1938. It formed

as a tropical storm near the Bahamas, making brief landfall along

the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The storm passed over Long

Island, New York, through Central New England into Canada, bringing

a storm surge of 14.4 feet to Narragansett Bay and New Bedford Harbor.

Over 6” of rain fell. Water depths reached 12 feet in downtown

Providence, Rhode Island. Some consider ‘Carol’ the worst storm

in the history of Cape Cod. All of Rhode Island, much of Eastern

Connecticut, and much of Eastern Massachusetts lost power, with a

95% loss of telephone service. The name ‘Carol’ has been retired.

Hurricane Edna

September 11, 1954

‘Edna’ arrived right on the heels of Hurricane Carol. It formed off

of Barbados, reaching Category 3 strength at the Outer Banks of

North Carolina, with its highest winds of 120 mph. Before striking

New England, its eye split into two different ones, up to 60 miles

apart at times, moving over Cape Cod & the Islands where peak gusts

were recorded at 120 mph. Its eastern track, which resulted in heavy

rain and major inland flooding, adding 5” to 7” of rain to Carol’s

previous 6”. The storm was responsible for 29 deaths and $40 million

damage. Ultimately, it made landfall near Eastport, Maine, becoming

one of Maine’s worst-ever hurricanes. The name ‘Edna’ has been

retired.

Hurricane Diane

August 17-19, 1955

Born in the tropical Atlantic, this storm reached Category 3 status,

as it followed the path of Hurricane Connie of 5 days earlier.

Maximum winds were recorded at 120 mph. Although it weakened to a

Tropical Storm as it reached the Southern New England coast, ‘Diane’

dropped heavy rain of 10” to 20”, setting flood records throughout

the region. The storm was blamed for between 185 and 200 deaths.

The $832 million damage qualified it as the most costly hurricane in

U.S. history until Hurricane Betsy in 1965. The name ‘Diana’ has been

retired.

Hurricane Donna

September 12, 1960

Hurricane Donna was a Category 5 Cape Verde-type hurricane that

impacted most of the Caribbean Islands and every single state on the

U.S. Eastern seaboard. It recorded 160 mph winds with gusts up to 200

mph. ‘Donna’ holds the record for retaining ‘major hurricane’ status

of Category 3 or better in the Atlantic basin for the longest period

of time. From September 2nd to September 11th it sustained winds of

115 mph as it roamed the Atlantic for 17 days. This storm is the

only one on record to produce hurricane-force winds in Florida,

the Mid-Atlantic States and New England. ‘Donna’ hit New England in

Southeast Connecticut with sustained winds of 100 mph, gusting to

125-130 mph, cutting diagonally through the region to Maine. It

produced pockets of 4” to 8” of rain as well as 5 to 10-foot storm

surges. The storm ultimately killed 364, and caused over

$500 million in damage. The name ‘Donna’ has been retired.

Hurricane Gloria

September 27, 1985

Hurricane Gloria was a powerful Category 4 Cape Verde-type storm that

prowled the Atlantic for 13 days, with highest winds of 145 mph.

Hugging the coastline, as it made its way north, ‘Gloria’ crossed

Long Island, New York, making landfall at Milford, Connecticut.

In spite of arriving during low tide, it did cause severe beach

erosion along the New England coast, as well as the loss of many

piers and coastal roads. There was a moderate storm surge of

6.8 feet in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The storm left over

2,000,000 people without power. It dropped up to 6” of rain in

Massachusetts, causing many flooding issues in the region. Overall,

casualties were relatively low with 8 deaths, but damage reached

$900 million. The name ‘Gloria’ has been retired.

Hurricane Bob

August 19, 1991

Formed east of the Bahamas, Hurricane Bob made landfall in

New England near New Bedford, Massachusetts with 115 mph winds,

cutting a path across Southeastern Massachusetts towards the Gulf of

Maine. Peak winds of 125 mph were recorded in the Towns of Brewster

and Truro on Cape Cod. Over 60% of the residents of Southeastern

Massachusetts and Southeastern Rhode Island lost power. There were

4 different reports of tornados as ‘Bob’ came ashore. Buzzards Bay

saw a 10 to 15-foot storm surge. A number of south-facing beaches on

the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard lost 50 feet of beach

to erosion. Up to 7” of rain was reported to have fallen throughout

New England. ‘Bob’ was blamed for 18 storm-related deaths. The

damage total for Southern New England was set at $1 billion, with

$2.5 billion overall damage from the storm. The name ‘Bob’ has

been retired.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is the state

agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local,

voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters

in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to:

develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or

threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide

information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families,

businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and

respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made.

For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness,

go to www.mass.gov/mema.

MEMA Safety Tip #2: Hurricane Preparedness Tips...

MEMA OFFERS HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

What Families Need To Do To Prepare For The Hurricane Season

Framingham, MA - As we enter the 2006 Hurricane Season, which

experts are predicting to be very active, the Massachusetts

Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is offering personal preparedness

tips for the all of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

“Every family should have a basic supply kit that could be used for

any emergency,” states MEMA Director Cristine McCombs. “Everyone

should keep certain items around the house in the event of a

hurricane or other severe weather. A portable radio, flashlight,

extra batteries, and extra non-perishable food and water are all

essential to help your family weather the storm.”

Every household should have a supply of canned goods and other

non-perishable foods that do not need cooking, along with bottled

water, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies

for infants and pets. A manual can opener and a basic first aid kit

are also essential.

“Every family should develop a ‘Family Communication Plan’ to help

ensure everyone is safe. You should call your local authorities

learn about potential evacuation routes and the location of

emergency shelters in your community,” said McCombs. “It is

important to familiarize yourself with your Community’s Emergency

Plans before an emergency situation occurs.”

Suggested Hurricane Supply List and Family Communication Plan is

listed below:

HURRICANE DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

? Canned goods and nonperishable foods that do not need cooking:

• Canned meats and fish

• Canned fruits and vegetables

• Canned soups and puddings

• Canned fruit juices

• Dried fruit and nuts

• Bread, cookies and crackers

• Peanut butter and jelly

• Coffee and tea

• Bottled water

? Manual can opener

? Bottled water (1 gallon per person/per day)

? Prescription medication (2 week supply)

? Pet food/supplies

? Water purification tablets (halazone)

? Disposable plates, cups, and utensils

? Infant care items:

• Disposable diapers

• Baby wipes

• Baby food

• Formula

? First aid supplies

? Masking and duct tape

? Flashlight or lantern, with extra batteries

? Battery operated radio, with extra batteries

? Watch or battery operated clock

? Ice chest

? Matches

? Canned heat (sterno)

? Portable outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply

? Plastic trash bags

? Plastic sheeting or drop cloth

? Chlorinated bleach

? Personal hygiene items

? Other useful items:

• Work gloves

• Sun lotion

• Insect repellent

• Hammer

• Screwdriver

• Pliers

• Wrenches

• Handsaw

• Razor knife

• Ax or chainsaw

• Rope caulking

• Nails and screws

• Rope and wire

• Broom, mop and bucket

• All-purpose cleaner

• Ladder

• Sandbags

• Portable generator

• Tree pruner

• Shovel, rake and wheelbarrow

• Sheets of plywood

FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN

Develop a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ in case family

members are separated from one another during an emergency

(a real possibility during the day when adults are at work or

traveling and children are at school, camp or a friend’s home).

You can then develop a have a plan for safely getting back together.

This will help assure everyone that all family members are safe.

• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the ‘family

contact’. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long

distance than locally.

• Make sure everyone knows the name, address and telephone number

of the contact person.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state

agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local,

voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters

in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to:

develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or

threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide

information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families,

businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and

respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made.

For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness

Month, go to www.mass.gov/mema.

MEMA Safety Tip #3: Tips to Protect Property From Hurricanes...

MEMA OFFERS TIPS TO PROTECT PROPERTY FROM HURRICANES

Framingham, MA - During this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season

(June 1-November 30), the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

(MEMA) urges homeowners to protect their property from strong winds,

damaging rains, and flooding that hurricanes or tropical storms can

bring to New England.

“There are several steps we can all take to help make our homes more

storm resistant,” said MEMA Director Cristine McCombs. “Early

planning and preparation can be the key to your safety.”

Here are some examples of how to protect your property:

• Learn the particular hurricane risks for your area. Find out if

your home is subject to storm surge or inland flooding.

• Make a record of your personal property. Keep an itemized list of

your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist adjusters in case

of a claim. Back it up with photos or video.

• Protect your insurance policies and other important documents in a

secure place like a safe deposit box or a watertight box.

• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Remove diseased or damaged tree

limbs that could be blown down during a storm.

• Clear clogged rain gutters. Hurricanes/tropical storms often bring

heavy rain. Providing clear drainage will help prevent misdirected

flooding.

• Make sure storage sheds or other outbuildings are securely anchored,

either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.

• Make temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors.

Drill holes for screws or lag bolts in each cover and around each

window. Use a numbering or lettering system that shows which cover

goes with which window. Store the mounting screws or lag bolts with

the covers in a place where they are readily accessible. Note:

Taping of windows does not prevent them from breaking.

• Make a list of outdoor items to bring inside in case of a storm,

such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys and

awnings. A list will help you remember anything that can be broken

or picked up by strong winds and used as a missile.

• Learn to shut off utilities, as well as where gas pilots and water

mains are located.

• Close and lock doors and windows to ensure that they are closed

tight to help protect against strong winds and rain.

• Buy Flood Insurance. Unlike damage from hurricane winds, water

damage from coastal or inland flooding is not covered by homeowners

insurance. Contact your local insurance agent or contact the

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state

agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary

and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop

plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats;

train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information

to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and

communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and

recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional

information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to

www.mass.gov/mema.

MEMA Safety Tip #4: Evacuation Steps for a Hurricane...

EVACUTION STEPS FOR A HURRICANE

MEMA Offers Tips To Help Prepare You and Your Family

“If evacuation is necessary for an approaching Hurricane, or any

type of Natural or Man-Made Emergency, the key is that you and

your family respond quickly and responsibly,” states Massachusetts

Emergency Management Agency Director Cristine McCombs. “Because

Hurricanes are being tracked and usually in the Media for as long

as a week before reaching New England, everyone is afforded enough

warning and should not be taken off guard should you be asked to

take precautionary steps, including an evacuation.”

Being Alerted

State or Local Public Safety Officials may alert you by one or

several methods. Learn what methods are utilized in your community.

They could include:

• Outdoor sirens or horns.

• The Emergency Alert System (EAS) - information provided on the

radio and television.

• NOAA Weather Alert Radio.

• ‘All Call’, ‘Reverse 911’ or ‘Code Red’ – one of a number of

automated telephoning system for sending recorded messages.

• Commercial News Media.

• Residential Route Alerting, which dispatches Public Safety

vehicles through neighborhoods announcing messages with Public

Address systems or literally ‘knocking on doors’.

• U.S. Coast Guard Marine Broadcast.

• A message on Teletypewriters (TTY).

Planning for Evacuation

• Ask your local Emergency Management Office about community

evacuation plans.

• Learn proposed evacuation routes and locations of potential public

shelters.

• If you do not have personal transportation, make arrangements with

friends or your local government.

• Develop a Family Communications Plan.

• Make a plan with family members for a destination if you have to

leave your community. (In your planning, consider different scales

of evacuation, i.e.: neighborhood, town, county, etc.)

• Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit.

• Keep your car fueled if evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may

be closed during an emergency, run out of fuel, or be unable to

pump gas during power outages.

• Pre-drill plywood to be able to board up windows.

• Know how to shut off your home’s electricity, gas and water

supplies at main switches and valves.

What to do if asked/told to evacuate

• Gather all persons in the house together.

• Elevate valuable items to higher points within your home.

• Move all loose outdoor items indoors. (lawn furniture, hanging

plants, trash cans, awnings, toys).

• Household members outside the area may be advised not to return

during an evacuation. They may be directed to a reception center

or mass care shelter where you can join them.

• Do not call your local fire or police departments for information.

Emergency workers will need their lines for emergency use. If you

need special help, call your local Emergency Management Office.

• Stay tuned to your Emergency Alert System radio station.

• Turn off lights and unnecessary appliances.

• Close and lock windows and doors.

• Check with neighbors to see if they need assistance. Offer to

share transportation.

• Let others know where you are going.

• If you need a ride, try to get one with neighbors or contact your

local Emergency Management Office.

How to travel

• Keep the car radio tuned to an Emergency Alert System station.

• Be aware of designated evacuation routes.

What to take with you

Essential items. You may be away from home for a few hours to a few

days.

• Clothing for several days.

• Toilet articles (Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)

• Prescription medicines, medical equipment and important medical

records.

• Special dietary foods.

• Baby supplies.

• Blankets, pillows, and towels (particularly if you plan on staying

at a Public Mass Care Shelter).

• Identification and important papers.

• Checkbook, credit card and cash.

About your pets

• Only seeing-eye dogs and other service animals will be allowed

inside reception centers and mass care shelters, Although SMART

(The State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team) may be able to

assist with animal sheltering accommodations.

• Make plans ahead of time to take your pet to stay at relatives,

friends or a kennel outside the affected area.

• Know pet-friendly hotels and motels.

• Prepare an emergency kit for your pets; include collars & leashes,

a three-day supply of food, bowls, litter boxes, photographs, and

a week’s supply of medications that your pet may be taking.

• Make sure your pets wear collars with current license and rabies

tags, and identification tags that include information on where you

will be staying during the emergency.

• Use a pet carrier for each of your pets to make transportation

easier.