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Disaster Resources Home
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During the Disaster
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When in a Warning Area
Storm Surge |
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When in a Warning Area |
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If a warning is issued for your area (without an evacuation):
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- Monitor the radio station for weather conditions, if possible.
- Stay away from all windows and exterior doors, seeking shelter in a bathroom or basement (safe room).
- If you sense your home is coming apart, cover yourself with a mattress for protection against flying debris.
- Use flashlights, not candles.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water if flooding begins (if time permits).
- If the storm suddenly eases, remain in your shelter. You may be in the eye of the storm. Its passage will be brief and when winds resume, they will come from the opposite direction and quickly return to full force.
- If you must evacuate at the last minute, seek a "refuse of last resort". Find a well-structured building with several stories. If possible, go up to the second or third floor to avoid flooding, but avoid higher floors, where wind pressures will be greater. Locate a room with no windows or seek protection in a hallway.
- Try to stay calm and remain indoors.
- Don't venture outside until officials give the "all clear."
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Storm Surge |
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"The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge." |
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Water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm is called the storm surge. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the average water level upwards of 15 feet. In addition, wind driven waves are added to the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide overlaps with high tides. Because much of the United States' densely populated Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastlines are less than 10 feet above sea level, the danger from storm tides is enormous. |
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www.nhc.noaa.gov
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Last Reviewed: November 1, 2007
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