The Florida hurricane season occurs from June to November. Hurricanes have the potential to cause a lot of damage. And one of the largest contributors to this is storm surge and flooding. Storm surge can happen during a hurricane. They can cause extreme flooding in coastal cities as well as further inland. Because of this they have the potential to create significant damage and risk. The best way to deal with storm surge incidents is to be prepared and have a plan.
Whether you are a native, a long-time Florida resident, or an unlucky visitor during a hurricane this article should help you navigate the challenges of storm surges. By being informed and prepared, you can better protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property as necessary.
Defining a Storm Surge
Storm surges are caused by intense onshore winds, like those from a hurricane, pushing water toward the shore and often leading to extreme flooding. Surges vary in intensity based on the strength of the hurricane, force speed, size, angle of approach, and shape or characteristics of the coastline. For example, a shoreline with seawalls, barriers/breaks and multiple giant dunes is more protective than a flat beach with no protection between the coast and seaside cities.
As the hurricane approaches land, the vertical circulation in the oceans is disrupted. This causes water from the bottom of the sea to surge upward and towards land. From there, strong winds push the water further inland in bulges and swells. This of course has the potential to cause flooding to homes, businesses, and streets.
Recognizing Storm Surge Warnings and Alerts
Consider a storm surge a symptom of a severe hurricane. Recognizing storm surge warnings and alerts requires being alert and staying aware. Storm Surge Watch and Storm Surge Warning are two alerts that are issued from The National Hurricane Center. While both warn of possible storm surges, they differ in how you should respond.
For a Storm Surge Watch, you should prepare for the possibility of a storm surge. A watch means that conditions may happen, but the risk could pass. The watch is usually “on” for 48 hours after an alert is issued. In turn, residents are urged to be ready to take protective action. A watch signals that you should be on your guard and await further instructions.
A Storm Surge Warning represents that a storm surge is imminent and will occur. The alert lasts 36 hours, and residents are urged to take immediate precautions, such as evacuations or battening down their homes. In some cases, evacuations are ordered, and residents should leave immediately. In other cases, you should secure belongings, close storm shutters, and move to higher ground.
Evacuation Planning: Knowing Your Zone and Safe Routes
Florida offers interactive hurricane evacuation maps that could be used in various natural disasters, like storm surges. Residents can verify their evacuation zones, shelters, and hospitals based on their address, making evacuating easier if mandatory orders are issued.
You can find your zone by entering your address in the Florida Know Your Zone map (click to open in a new window).
Here are some tips for planning when it comes to storm surge events:
- Determine your zone so you know which watches, warnings, and evacuation orders pertain to you
- Familiarize yourself with the designated evacuation routes. You can find these on the Know Your Zone map or your county’s website.
- Practice driving the evacuation routes when there’s no emergency.
- Prepare an emergency kit for yourself and everyone in your household. Include non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, hygiene items, and essential documents, like birth certificates and passports. Each member of your household should have a backpack of supplies.
- Get Alerts. Tune into local weather forecasts for updates on evacuation plan changes. Follow local weather news profiles on social media to remain updated about conditions before they become an issue. Sign up for your county’s rapid alert communication system, such as AlertLee or AlertFlorida.
- Help your loved ones prepare. Run practice drills to get everyone into the car safely, supplies included.
- Have a plan. Are you going to stay at a hotel outside of the evacuation zone? Are you staying in a shelter? Create and have everyone in your family familiarize yourself with a preparation plan.
Immediate Actions to Take During the Storm Surge
Storm surges can occur quickly, so preparedness is essential. If evacuation orders are issued, it is recommended to leave promptly with your loved ones and adequate supplies. However, if evacuation orders are not issued or you do not evacuate, there are some things to note. There are immediate actions you can take to better prepare in place. Although these will not stop a storm surge or its effects, they may help you be better prepared in the event of one.
- If you haven’t already, prepare your home before the storm when it is safe to. You can reference FEMA’s guide on preparing your home for a storm surge.
- Stay indoors. Move to higher ground, like a second or third floor, and avoid windows and doors if possible.
- Keep track of the surge’s progress with local news and weather updates via television, radio, or social apps.
- Follow instructions by listening for warnings and alerts from local officials.
- Never drive or walk through floodwaters. There are often strong currents, and waters may be deeper than they appear. Animals can also be in the water, which creates another safety hazard.
- Prepare a constant supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, first aid kits, and hygienic supplies for every person in your household.
- Secure your pets in carriers or easy-to-carry crates in case an evacuation is issued. Otherwise, get them to higher ground.
- Do not venture onto lower ground or outdoors until local officials have issued a clearance or called off a warning.
Safety Measures During a Storm Surge
Here are some actions you can take to stay safe:
Avoid Flooded Areas
Move to higher ground, away from doors and windows, and avoid bodies of water or flood-prone areas of your property or home. Keep a safe distance from floodwaters, regardless of how shallow and calm they look. Evacuate if told to do so and avoid driving through floodwaters or across flooded bridges.
Protect Your Home and Valuables
Storm surges are the norm during hurricane season in Florida. Some residents have even began to elevate their homes above the Base Flood Elevation line. Because storm surge usually occurs during a hurricane you should also invest in adequate hurricane protection, such as storm shutters from Eurex Shutters or impact windows and doors. Storm protection products help protect your home from hurricane force winds and flying debris. Some can also help reduce water intrusion into your home, although they do not block it out completely.
Ensure Clean Water and Safe Food Supplies
Some Florida home water systems operate on wells, which can be damaged during storm surges. The same goes for public water if water pipes are broken. If you notice your water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths, then boil it for one minute to kill disease-causing organisms. It is a good idea to keep cases of bottled water for emergencies as part of your hurricane preparation.
As for food, never eat food that has come into contact with floodwater as this the water may be unsafe and could contain organisms that may make you sick. Discard any food in non-metal containers or anything damaged by floodwaters. And if you lose power, be careful with any food that is perishable.
The Importance of Preparedness and Community Support
After a storm surge, a community must come together for recovery efforts. Volunteer where you can, help and check on your neighbors, and assist in cleaning up debris if possible. By working together, you can help build preparedness and awareness throughout your community, ensuring everyone is ready to face the hurricanes, storm surges, and other natural disasters that come their way.
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