The Public Safety Group Blog

Growing up on Long Island, I was aware of hurricanes but rarely directly affected by them. I do remember the 1960 Hurricane Donna, since my dad was on the road as a traveling salesperson, so my mother and I nailed plywood over some of the house windows and glass doors. At that point we lived in Freeport, on a canal that was two blocks from the “famous nautical mile” where fishers would sell their daily catch each afternoon. I remember the tides kept rising till we had water on our first floor as well as in all the streets. We lost our power for a few days, and when the high winds and rain subsided, most of the neighborhood kids were out floating around in rowboats. There was lots of work cleaning up the mess, but, hey, to a 6-year-old kid, it was a fun break from school.

History tells us that Hurricane Donna was the only hurricane on record to produce hurricane-force winds in Sombrero Key, Florida (128 mph), Elizabeth City, North Carolina (83 mph), other Mid-Atlantic States, Block Island, Rhode Island (95 mph), and other parts of New England. Its storm surges and hurricane force winds led to $6.6 billion in overall damage. Due to these devastating impacts, “Donna” was retired from the list of names used by the National Hurricane Center. 

In August 2005, our family attended the EMS Expo in New Orleans a few days before Hurricane Katrina. I remember going on a swamp tour two days before the storm and taking photos of my wife feeding the alligators chicken and my two teenage daughters holding baby alligators. The conference ended early and some EMTs and paramedics stayed to help with the storm. We had to head back to New York since school was starting the next week. We were on the last flight out of town and the flight crew actually walked us through the dark terminal to board the plane. When we got home, I remember watching the news of those whose homes were flooded taking shelter in the convention center and the Superdome. If you looked closely at the convention center video, you could still see some EMS Expo banners in the background.

History tells us that in the morning of August 29, 2005, Katrina made landfall around 60 miles southeast of New Orleans. Within an hour, nearly every building in lower Plaquemines Parish was destroyed. Though downgraded from a Category 5 to 3, the storm’s relatively slow forward movement (around 12 mph) covered the region with far more rain than a fast-moving storm would have. Winds of 125 mph and storm surges of 28 feet destroyed much of Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi.

New Orleans’ problem was more complicated because about 50 percent of the city is located below sea level. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the levees, which serve to protect the city from flooding. By 5 a.m., the water had broken through concrete flood walls between the 17th Street Canal and the city. The Industrial Canal was later breached as well, flooding the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood.

Later that afternoon the London Avenue Canal levees breached, leaving 80 percent of New Orleans underwater. Some areas had floodwaters of 10 to 15 feet that did not recede for weeks. Although New Orleans’ levees and flood walls had been designed to withstand a Category 3 hurricane, half of the network gave way to the waters.

After Katrina the death toll was 1,833, which was the fourth highest of any hurricane in U.S. history. (The 1900 Galveston hurricane in Texas killed 8,000 to 12,000; 2017’s Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico killed over 4,600; and the Okeechobee hurricane of 1928 in Florida killed about 3,000.) According to NOAA, Katrina is the costliest hurricane on record with $125 billion in total damages.

Today we live on Florida’s Nature Coast, about an hour north of Tampa. We do not live in a flood zone and our home was built to the latest wind requirements. We are located at one of the “highest” (70 feet) elevations in the state. Still, we are acutely aware of the need to prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

NOAA Predictions for 2024

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released their 2024 Atlantic hurricane season predictions. The forecasters are predicting an 85% chance of an above-normal season with a range of 17 to 25 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). They predict 8 to 13 will become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5 with winds of 11 mph or higher).

These predictions are due to a combination of factors which favor tropical storm formation:

• Near-record warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures
• Development of La Niña conditions in the Pacific,
• Reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear.

To emphasize, the time to prepare is NOW…so let’s all take this seriously!

Responsibilities of First Responders

As the flight attendants tell us every single flight, first put the oxygen mask on yourself and then put one on your children. First responders, who are likely to be called into action during a hurricane, need to first prep, update, and review their family hurricane emergency plan before leaving to assist their community. That means a lot of preparation and planning should be done NOW!

Additionally, first responders should follow their specific department protocols. Some agencies will house extra help during times of emergencies and rotate shifts. For those who have time and are available they should call first to see which station can best use their assistance. 

There are a few other steps first responders can take. Here are the important points:

• Equipment Readiness: Response vehicles should be well-maintained and stocked with necessary medical supplies, rescue gear, and communication devices. This includes ensuring that ambulances, fire trucks, and rescue boats are in good working order and can operate in flooded areas if necessary. Medical equipment should be checked and restocked regularly, with attention to items that may be in higher demand during a hurricane, such as dressings for lacerations, splints for fractures, and medications for pain relief and chronic conditions. Portable power sources and charging stations are also crucial, as power outages are common during hurricanes.
• Communication Systems: First responders should have access to multiple forms of communication, including radios, satellite phones, and internet-based communication platforms that can function when traditional systems fail. Regular testing of these systems is imperative to ensure they are operational when needed.
• Coordination with Other Agencies: Hurricanes require a coordinated response from multiple agencies, firefighters, police, the National Guard, FEMA, and local and state emergency management agencies. Joint training exercises can help different agencies understand each other's capabilities and limitations, fostering a more effective response during a disaster.

If you do not yet have a plan, there are plenty of sample plans available as a good starting point. Remember that a smart person made the observation that “failing to plan is planning to fail!”

Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans. Include the office, kids’ daycare, and anywhere else you frequent in your hurricane plans. Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when a hurricane strikes. Review all aspects of the plan with your family members so there will be no major surprises. Make sure you have several ways to receive warnings and alerts, aside from on the TV. Not everyone has a NOAA Weather radio on in their home all the time. Consider downloading the FEMA and county emergency management apps on your smart phone. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign-up.

NOAA Alerts and the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

A rapidly rotating storm system with a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain and squalls is called a tropical cyclone. When the sustained winds are less than 38 mph it is referred to as a tropical depression, but when the sustained winds are between 39 to 73 mph it is called a tropical storm. Once the sustained winds reach 74 mph or greater, it is called a hurricane. 

An announcement that hurricane conditions are possible within a specified area is called a hurricane watch, and it is typically issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

An announcement that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the specified area is called a hurricane warning, and it is typically issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. 

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 category based on maximum sustained winds as follows:

Categories 3-5 are considered major hurricanes.

Preparing Your Home

The degree of preparation depends on where you live and the construction of your home.

• Do you live in a flood zone? If you’re not sure, check with your county emergency management for maps of the zones.
• Will you need sandbags to limit water entry into your home?
• Are you in  an area likely to have mandatory evacuation orders?
• An area highly likely to lose power?
• Does your home have hurricane windows or shutters that need to be installed?
• How was your roof installed and to what standards?
• Do you live in a mobile home? These types of homes cannot withstand high winds, so they are the first to be evacuated.
• Is there time to declutter your drains and gutters?
• Do you have loose yard furniture, decorations and plants that need to be secured or stored properly?
• And finally…check in with your neighbors, seniors, or those with disabilities to see if they need some assistance prepping for the storm.

If your plan is to hunker down (shelter-in-place), although at some locations it makes more sense to seek higher and safer ground, here are some considerations to take ahead of time:

• A fresh drinking water supply (approximately 1 gallon per person per day)
• A clean water supply (for cooking/boiling, flushing toilet, washing)
• A food supply that does not need to be refrigerated and can be safely cooked with a small gas camp stove outdoors
• A supply of prescription and OTC meds adequate for at least two weeks
• A supply of pet food and pet meds
• A whole house generator system, which is expensive and should be installed prior to hurricane season
• A portable generator, provided it is used properly and vented properly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning (The best deals on these units and availability are not during hurricane season.)
• A supply of gasoline stored in a safe location, and a full tank of gas in your motor vehicles
• Plenty of batteries and flashlights (Use of candles is not suggested.)
• A couple of large coolers to protect refrigerated food for a couple of days
• Tarps and plywood to board up broken windows
• Large plastic bags and clean-up supplies
• Sandbags to limit water entry into your home
• Plenty of paper supplies in a dry storage place: toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues, napkins, disposable eating utensils, paper plates, and plastic cups
• Some cash (The ATMs may not work.)
• Cell phone chargers
• NOAA Weather Radio (battery operated or hand crank)
• And of course a well stocked first aid kit

Simply imagine being in your home for days to weeks with no power, no cell service, no air conditioner, no TV, and crazy winds and rain outdoors.

Considerations for During the Storm

• Pay attention to emergency information and alerts. Follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management officials.
• Stay away from windows and seek shelter.
• Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
• Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwaters.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Turn around. Don’t drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Evacuation Zones and Orders

You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation zones and the evacuation routes, and review the maps available from your local or county emergency management office. Typically, these maps have evacuation levels from A to E corresponding to the potential storm tide heights in feet. (For example, A is up to 11’, B is up to 20’, C is up to 25’, D is up to 32’, and E is up to 41’.) The locations of the shelters will be identified but other options can include staying with family or friends or staying in a hotel (call and reserve ahead). Practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay. Evacuation is typically inland and away from the storm and out of flood zones, to higher ground. It does not need to be a trip that is thousands of miles away.

• Always follow instructions from local and county emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures. If told to evacuate, do so immediately and let family members know where you are headed.
• If there is a mandatory evacuation order and you choose not to leave, remember you are on your own and could be for days or more. If there is a medical emergency requiring first responders to try to rescue you or a family member, it will take time and puts the lives of the rescuers in danger! 

Considerations for After the Storm

• If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until it is safe to do so.
• Be mindful of debris and downed power lines.
• Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to.
• Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions.
• Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing, and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if these individuals are not allergic to mold. Children should not help with disaster clean-up work.
• Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
• Do not wade in floodwater, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses. This water can also contain debris, chemicals, waste, and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water.
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

Supply Kit Checklist

There are many resources available for creating go bags for you and your family members (including pets) should you need to evacuate on short notice. Consider the following types of items:

• Phone numbers: county emergency management office, evacuation sites nearby, doctors, banks, schools, veterinarian, some out-of-town contacts, friends, and family
• Important Documents (in waterproof container; consider making copies and keeping them in a secure password-protected digital space): insurance cards, medical record (including a prescription drug list, an allergy list, details on medical devices, and immunizations), banking info, credit card numbers, birth and marriage certificates, passport, social security card, set of car and house keys, service animal I.D., veterinary records and proof of ownership, and a copy of your will.
• Clothing and toiletries: rain gear, sturdy shoes or boots, work gloves. Toothbrush. toothpaste, and sunscreen
• Specialty Needs Items: items for infants, small children, the elderly, and family members with disabilities
• Food and Water: nonperishable packaged or canned food and beverages, snack foods, juices, baby food, special dietary items to last at least 7 days. a gallon of drinking water per person per day. a manual can opener, paper plates, napkins, plastic cups, and eating utensils
• Pet Care: food, water, and microchip info, a carrier or cage, muzzle and leash, and bowls
• First Aid Kit: refer to sample kit [Table B-1 Appendix B of Wilderness First Aid ECSI text]
• Other General Items: A two-week supply of medications, batteries, flashlight, soap, hand sanitizer, NOAA weather radio, cash, cell phone chargers, pillow, blankets or sleeping bag, books, games, and puzzles for children
• Vehicle: full tank of gasoline, maps (do not rely on GPS), tool kit, spare tire and jack, and battery cables

All Hazards Disaster Response, Second Edition

NAEMT's All Hazards Disaster Response, Second Edition, is a comprehensive and interactive training resource to prepare EMS professionals for disaster scenarios in any region

Instructors: Learn More

About the author:

Bob Elling, MPA, Paramedic (retired) – has been a career paramedic, educator, author, and EMS advocate since 1975. He was a paramedic with the Town of Colonie EMS Department, Albany Times Union Center, and Whiteface Mountain Medical Services. He was also an Albany Medical Center Clinical Instructor assigned to the Hudson Valley Community College Paramedic Program. Bob has served as National/Regional Faculty for the AHA and involved in many successful life-saving legislative campaigns with the You’re the Cure Network. He also served as paramedic and lieutenant for New York City EMS, a paramedic program director, and associate director of New York State EMS Bureau. He has authored hundreds of articles, videos, and textbooks to prepare EMS providers for their career. Bob is the ECSI Medical Editor for the CPR and First Aid Series, Co-Author of EVOS: EMS Vehicle Operator Safety, Second Edition, and Co-Lead Editor of Nancy Caroline’s Emergency Care in the Streets, Ninth Edition.