2 0 1 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR HURRICANES

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "2 0 1 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR HURRICANES"

Malcolm Payne
5 years ago
Views:

2 0 1 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR HURRICANES Wilma Francis Jeanie FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PALM BEACH OPERATIONS CENTER

1 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR HURRICANES Wilma Francis Jeanie FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PALM BEACH OPERATIONS CENTER 7900 FOREST HILL BOULEVARD WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA TELEPHONE: FAX: TOLL FREE:

2 Palm Beach Operations Center Emergency Numbers Palm Beach Operations Engineer: Vacant, P.E , Ext , cell Maintenance Manager: Mitch Stamitoles, P.E , Ext , cell Construction Manager: Melanie Straub, P.E , Ext , cell Maintenance Support Manager: Joseph Marzi, P.E , Ext 1152 Construction Support Manager: Deborah Ihsan, P.E , Ext , cell Office Operations Manager: Cathleen Jackson , Ext 1121 Construction Field Offices: Field Office: Fire House Office Phone: , 1 st floor Phone: , 2 nd floor Fax: Field Office: Jupiter Office Phone: Fax: Maintenance Fax: Fax: Construction Fax: Fax: Emergency Phones: Emergency Fax: Larry Bauer s Office , during hurricanes only Joe Holloway s Office , during hurricanes only , during hurricanes only District 4 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Emergency Coordinating Officer: Anthony Puccio Emergency Contact Number: Office Number: Cell Number: Fax: D-4 Toll Free Number: Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center Director of Emergency Management: Director Bill Johnson Direct line To: Bill Johnson Phone: , Fax: or Toll Free:

3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR HURRICANES Table of Contents 1 Purpose of This Handbook 2, 3 a. What is a Hurricane? b. How is Hurricanes Formed? c. What is the Eye of a Hurricane? d. What is the Right Side of the Storm? e. What are a Storm Surge, Tidal Surge and Flooding? f. What is a Tornado and Waterspout? Different Tropical Storm / Hurricane Conditions 3, 4 Yearly Preparation 4 a. Phase I Hurricane Preparedness Procedures 4 b. Phase II Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch 4 c. Phase III Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning 4, 5 d. Phase IV Bascule Bridge Lock Down Procedure 5 e. Phase V. All Clear 5 Radio/Telephone Assignments 6 After the Hurricane Has Passed 6 Appendix A Palm Beach County Emergency Numbers for: Palm Beach County Emergency Management Center, Palm Beach County Fire Operations Palm Beach County Local Government Palm Beach County Local Law Enforcement Palm Beach County Sheriff Florida Highway Patrol Troop K and Troop L Palm Beach County Hospitals Appendix B Palm Beach Operations Center Location and Direction Map Page 1

4 PALM BEACH OPERATIONS CENTER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Hurricane season runs from June 1 st through November 30 th every year. PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK: It is the intention of the Palm Beach Operations Center personnel to operate during hurricane season as described in this manual. The utmost importance will be placed upon communication with the District Disaster Coordinator. The District Disaster Coordinator will be kept informed of all pertinent information received at this unit. If our unit is not directly impacted: This unit will work closely coordinating assistance to other Department of Transportation units and governmental agencies, as directed. If our unit is directly impacted: This Unit will operate in accordance with approved procedures, emphasizing intergovernmental agency and contractor cooperation. What is a Hurricane? Hurricanes are large tropical storms with heavy winds. They contain sustained winds in excess of 74 miles per hour and large areas of rainfall. They have the potential to create dangerous tornadoes. The strong winds and excessive rainfall can produce flooding and tidal waves. The ocean water temperature has to be above 79 degrees F in order for a hurricane to be generated. Hurricanes mostly form in late summer and early fall when the conditions are right. A hurricane has a center called the eye. The eye can be 30 miles wide. Inside the eye the winds are calm; weather is warm and has clear skies. The winds just outside the eye-wall (wall of clouds) are the heaviest winds and cause the most damage. How are Hurricanes formed? Hurricanes begin as tropical storms over the warm moist waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans near the equator. As the moisture evaporates it rises until enormous amounts of heated moisture are twisted high in the atmosphere. The winds begin to circle counterclockwise. As long as the hurricane stays over water of 79 degrees F or warmer, the hurricane will pull moisture from the surface and grow in size and force. When a hurricane passes over land or cooler waters, it loses its source of power; therefore it should start slowing down. Hurricanes over the Atlantic Ocean often begin near Africa, drift west on the Trade Winds and turn north as they meet the prevailing wind coming eastward across North America. What is the Eye of a Hurricane? Eye-wall replacement cycle occur in intense hurricanes of Categories 3, 4 and 5. As hurricanes reach their intensity, they usually have an eye-wall and radius of maximum winds that start contracting to a smaller size. At this point, some of the outer rain-bands may turn into a ring of thunderstorms that moves inward and robs the inter eye-wall of needed moisture and momentum. During this phase the hurricane is weakening. Eventually the outer eye-wall replaces the inner wall completely and the storm can be the same intensity as it was or even stronger. What is the Right Side of the Hurricane? The right side of the storm is defined with respect of the storm s motion. If the hurricane is moving west, the right side would be to the north of the storm. If the storm is moving north, the right side would be to the east of the storm. The strongest winds in a hurricane are always on the right side of the storm because the motion of the hurricane contributes to its swirling winds. Page 2

Tidal Surge: Storm surge is independent of the usual ebb and flow. In some inlets, rapid changes in sea level due to the tides will cause a surge to move in to or out of the inlet.

5 What are a Storm Surge, Tidal Surge and Flooding? Storm Surge: The onshore rush of sea or lake water caused by the high winds associated with a landfalling Hurricane and secondarily by the low pressure of the storm. Tidal Surge: Storm surge is independent of the usual ebb and flow. In some inlets, rapid changes in sea level due to the tides will cause a surge to move in to or out of the inlet. Flooding: Hurricanes often cause our state s worst flooding because of Florida s location and the fact that much of the state is a peninsula. Florida has more hurricanes than any other state in the country. Hurricanes may flood neighborhoods and towns. Hurricanes flood streams and rivers as all the rainwater flows into the streams. Weather offices all watch hurricanes very closely to try to forecast how much rainfall a hurricane may produce and how much flooding may occur. What is a Tornado and Waterspout? A tornado is a violent column of rotating air that comes down from a thunderstorm to reach the ground. Tornadoes develop within very strong thunderstorms called super-cell thunderstorms. Super-cell thunderstorms depend on air moving upward in a spiral. This rotating, rising air allows thunderstorms to last for hours. Some super-cell thunderstorms may produce several tornadoes. A waterspout is a tornado over water. Some waterspouts occur from super-cell thunderstorms. Most waterspouts occur from cloud lines of tall puffy cumulus clouds that occur along the shore. 1. DIFFERENT TROPICAL STORM / HURRICANE CONDITIONS a. Tropical Disturbance: An area of clouds or thunderstorms in the tropics (100 to 300 miles in diameter) that maintains its identity for at least 24 hours without an organized circulation, moving through the tropics. b. Tropical Depression: An organized circulatory system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained surface winds less than 39 mph. c. Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are favorable in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. d. Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours. e. Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong circulatory thunderstorms with a defined circulation and top winds of 39 to 73 mph; these storms can quickly develop into full blown hurricanes. f. Hurricane Watch: Areas under watch face a hurricane threat. Hurricane conditions are favorable within 36 hours. Everyone should begin taking precautionary measures to safeguard their family, home and business. g. Hurricane Warning: This means a hurricane is expected to strike and hurricane like conditions are expected to begin within 24 hours. Complete all necessary storm preparations and seek safe shelter away from low lying areas as soon as possible. Page 3

6 h. Hurricane: An intense tropical system with well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. Here are the different stages of a Hurricane from a Category 1 to a Category 5. Hurricane Category Wind Speed Storm Surge Tropical Storm Winds mph Category 1 Hurricane Winds mph) 4 to 5 feet above normal Category 2 Hurricane Winds mph 6 to 8 feet above normal Category 3 Hurricane Winds mph 9 to 12 feet above normal Category 4 Hurricane Winds mph 12 to 18 feet above normal Category 5 Hurricane Winds 156 mph and up 18 feet to 20 feet above normal 2. YEARLY PREPARATION IN APRIL OF EACH YEAR Approximately one and one half months prior to the beginning of hurricane season (April), the following procedures will be initiated. Management coordinates with District Disaster Coordinator for the review and updates of our Hurricane Plan. a. PHASE I 1. Personnel will be advised of the Unit's Hurricane Preparedness Procedures at our Monthly Safety Meeting. a. Field Operations Coordinator will review needs with supervisors b. Contracts Manager and Permits Manager will review plan with contractors c. Shop Superintendent and Office Manager will review needs with staff d. Route teams will meet to review routes and make changes. 2. Ranking Manager/Engineer - Review and plot a county map, the home location of all personnel who are assigned a vehicle that is equipped with two-way communication. 3. Review all communication devices (2 way radios, marine radios, cell phones, phones base stations and emergency lines to Maintenance Yard) and have defective equipment repaired or replaced. b. PHASE II Yearly Preparation 1. Monthly Safety Meeting - Review the Hurricane Plan with staff, maintenance, construction and construction/maintenance contractors 2. Participate in the statewide hurricane drill. 3. Do a Hurricane drill with local staff 4. Check radio at County Emergency Operations Center for readiness schedule and repairs if needed. c. PHASE III Tropical Storm / Hurricane Watch Approximately 72 hours prior to predicted landfall) 1. Review Phase I and execute Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch 2. Ranking Manager/Engineer will review areas of responsibility with all Managers, Coordinators and staff supervisors. 3. Ranking Manager/Engineer will advise the Palm Beach Operations Center Engineer of status. a. Work Zones b. Bridges 4. Ranking Manager/Engineer will contact the District Disaster Coordinator. Page 4

d. PHASE IV Tropical Storm / Hurricane Warning (Approximately 24 hours prior to predicted landfall) 1. Ranking Manager/Engineer will advise when to execute Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning. 2. Ranking Manager/Engineer will advise the District Disaster Coordinator of Status.

7 d. PHASE IV Tropical Storm / Hurricane Warning (Approximately 24 hours prior to predicted landfall) 1. Ranking Manager/Engineer will advise when to execute Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning. 2. Ranking Manager/Engineer will advise the District Disaster Coordinator of Status. BASCULE BRIDGE LOCK DOWN PROCEDURE HURRICANE WARNING 1. Test emergency generator and top off with fuel 2. Bridge Tenders are to fill all water containers SUSTAINED 40 MILE PER HOUR WINDS Ranking Manager/Engineer will stay in contact with the Bridge Contractor with periodical status updates. Bridge Tender Duties: 1. Remove all off goings gates and tie gates to bridge rail 2. Put radio inside of console (if radio is built in do not remove) 3. Put phones inside the console 4. Put bridge logs and other paper work inside console 5. Cover console with visqueen using tape and cord Bridge and Bridge Tender Contractors: 1. Remove all on coming gates and tie gates to bridge rail 2. Turn off all circuit breakers and main switch 3. Turn emergency generator off 4. Turn off generator fuel 5. Turn off water supply to bridge 6. Close and lock bridge house e. PHASE V ALL CLEAR : AFTER THE STORM / HURRICANE HAVE PASSED AND THE TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE POSES NO FURTHER THREAT OF DAMAGE TO LIFE OR PROPERTY. 1. Emergency Review Teams disperse to review roadways. 2. Ranking Manager/Engineer will advise District Disaster Coordinator of Status. Page 5

3. RADIO / TELEPHONE ASSIGNMENTS During the hours of preparation for the storm/hurricane, the four (4) volunteers that will be going to the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center and the four

the Palm Beach Maintenance Unit will rotate their time so they may secure their homes. a.

8 3. RADIO / TELEPHONE ASSIGNMENTS During the hours of preparation for the storm/hurricane, the four (4) volunteers that will be going to the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center and the four (4) volunteers that will be staying at the Palm Beach Maintenance Unit will rotate their time so they may secure their homes. a. The four (4) volunteer employees going to the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will operate a two-way radio, answer telephones as needed and relay information. b. The four (4) volunteer employees staying at the Palm Beach Maintenance Unit will operate a two-way radio, answer telephones, maintain records for roadway teams reporting in and keep records as crews go out and their destination. 4. AFTER THE HURRICANE HAS PASSED a. The volunteer radio/telephone personnel should start arriving at the Palm Beach Maintenance Unit. All employees who are responsible for taking home a state vehicle and all other personnel will contact the Palm Beach Maintenance Unit. In the event the Palm Beach Maintenance Unit is not operational, then they will make contact through Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center for transfer of information b. If the Palm Beach Maintenance Unit is operational, the Palm Beach Maintenance crews will be responsible to made direct contact with personnel through the phone system. c. Each volunteer teams will provide the responding center their team number and starting time as soon as they get in their vehicle to start their assigned route. d. Each volunteer teams will check in after each section of their route has been reviewed. Reporting the condition of that section should not be more than 30 minutes since their last check-in. If a team fails to respond in 30 minutes, the responding center will try to make contact. If no contact, the responding center will make contact with the closest team to check the last location the non-responding team reported from. e. The receiving Palm Beach Maintenance crew will log each teams time when checking in for their completed sections. Also report any information the team thinks important for further recovery efforts. f. If anyone stops to clear debris or downed trees they will call and advise the Palm Beach Maintenance Unit. When you are back in your vehicle call again and let the Palm Beach Maintenance Unit know your status. g. If you encounter any downed power lines, stay in your vehicle and report to the Palm Beach Operations Center. The Palm Beach Operations Center crew will notify Florida Power & Light Company. Page 6

Hurricane Recipe. Hurricanes

Hurricane Recipe. Hurricanes Hurricanes A hurricane is a powerful, rotating storm that forms over warm oceans near the Equator. Hurricanes have strong, rotating winds (at least 74 miles per hour), a huge amount of rain, low air pressure,