Typhoon Preparation Tips

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Vernon Alexander
5 years ago
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1 Typhoon Preparation Tips The Pacific Ocean can generate some of the most intense storms in the world, and Guam s location makes it a target for typhoons. Here are some ways you can make yourself typhoon-ready. TYPHOON TERMS Tropical disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms in the tropics that maintains itself for at least 24 hours. Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with rotating wind circulation and maximum sustained surface winds of no more than 38 mph. Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with winds from 39 to 73 mph. Typhoon: A tropical cyclone with strong, pronounced winds in excess of 74 mph. Supertyphoon: A tropical cyclone with winds exceeding 149 mph. BEFORE A STORM 1 / 8

2 Securing YOUR HOME Seepage: Cover beds and other items with plastic sheeting to protect from water seeping in around windows and doors. Surge: Use surge protectors on major appliances and phone lines to avoid power spikes. Kit: Stock up on supplies such as candles, batteries, fuel for stoves and lanterns, toiletries and disposable plates and flatware. Organize: Arrange flashlights, lanterns, candles and lighters in places where adults can easily find them. Water: Have several gallons of purified water on hand. Debris: Secure all loose items such as garbage can lids, potted plants, gardening tools and other materials that could become airborne during high winds. Tin: Tie down tin-covered roof extensions with cables. Flood: Do not put valuable items and appliances on ground level to protect them from any flooding. Power: Have the main breaker or fuse box and the utility meters raised above the flood level for your area. This way, if your home floods, water will not damage your utilities. 2 / 8

3 Buy typhoon insurance: If you have one, make sure it is current. Securing YOUR CAR Fuel: Fill your vehicles tanks with gas. Cover: If you do not have a covered garage, move your vehicle away from trees or structures that may topple or collapse. Insurance: Check with your insurance provider if typhoon damage is covered. If you paid for a premium that covers only liability, it is likely you do not have typhoon insurance coverage. DURING A TYPHOON - Stay inside and away from windows. Watch television or listen to radio bulletins. If you are in a low-lying area or do not have a concrete home or storm shutters, consider seeking shelter elsewhere. - Stay inside, even when the eye of the typhoon is passing and all appears to be calm, as heavy winds will soon follow from the opposite direction. - Fill in holes around doors with old towels or blankets; if these gaps are left open, it may lead to flooding. - Turn off and unplug all appliances. Shut off the main gas valve and power switch. Use surge protectors on major appliances and phone lines to avoid power spikes. AFTER A STORM Be mindful of the following safety tips when returning home after a flood or severe storm: - Check your home before you go in. Carefully check outside your home for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. If you see damage, a building inspector or 3 / 8

4 contractor should check the building before you enter. - Turn off the electricity. Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, make certain your house s power supply is disconnected. - If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor s house. - Enter carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean your ceiling is ready to fall. If you force the door open, wait outside the doorway in case of falling debris. - Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain, or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard. It is very heavy and dangerous if it falls. - Make sure the electricity is off and hose down the house to remove health hazards left behind by floodwater mud. Remove water quickly using a mop or squeegee. STAY INFORMED If power and Internet connection is available, get weather updates by logging on to: - Pacific Daily News: - National Weather Service Forecast Office, Guam: - Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense: NOAA Weather Radio NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day. The radio program broadcasts on frequencies and in the Mariana Islands. Weather radios can be purchased at local electronics stores, mail order catalogs and various other locations. - NWR TRANSMITTER CALL FREQ (MHZ) - Guam (Nimitz Hill) WXM Saipan (Mount Tapochau) WXM / 8

5 CONDITIONS OF READINESS When a storm is headed Guam s way, the Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense issues conditions of readiness to alert residents. The conditions of readiness are based on the onset of damaging winds of 39 mph. Under Condition of Readiness 4, or COR 4: Damaging winds may arrive on island within 72 hours. Normal day-to-day activities are expected. Under Condition of Readiness 3, or COR 3: Damaging winds may arrive within 48 hours. Review or update your family disaster plan. Buy and replenish supplies for your disaster supply kit. Fill your cars gas tanks. Secure outdoor objects. 5 / 8

6 Prepare household for long-term power and water loss. (Do the laundry, outdoor cooking, etc.) Tune in to radio and/or television. Under Condition of Readiness 2, or COR 2: Damaging winds may arrive within 24 hours. Close and secure shutters. Fill containers with water. Move vehicles to a secure and protected area. Review family disaster plan with entire family. Seek emergency shelter if your home is not fully concrete or prepared to withstand damaging winds. Tune in to radio and/or television. Under Condition of Readiness 1, or COR 1: Damaging winds are occurring or expected within 12 hours. 6 / 8

7 Only mission-essential personnel and vehicles are allowed outdoors. Tune in to radio and/or television. GENERATOR SAFETY Turn off the main breaker or breakers to all houses or buildings connected to your generator. This prevents a backfeed of power from the generator into the islandwide power system, which could injure or kill power workers. Keep generators in a well-ventilated area, away from air-conditioning units and ducts. Protect generators from exposure to water. Never refuel generators while they are running. Allow generators to cool off before refueling. Never obstruct the generator s exhaust muffler. Do not overload circuits. Do not let the generator run out of fuel while running or air will get into the hoses. 7 / 8

8 Keep the fuel system clean. Look for generators with an oil shut-down switch. Change the oil after every 200 hours of use. Some generators also have oil filters that should be changed periodically. Check the fan belt. Check for leaks in the filters and make sure the air filter is clean. 8 / 8

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