Emergency Communications In a disaster, normal electronic communications may not be possible, and you may become separated from your family members since members may be at school, work or home when the disaster occurs. You should develop an emergency communication plan with your family if you are separated. Identify a meeting place that is a safe distance from your home and that is a familiar, well-identifiable location to all of you. A disaster such as a hurricane, tornado or fire may destroy many of the surrounding landmarks or buildings. Identify a location outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Have an out-of-state contact and “check-in� contact for everyone to call. Sometimes it is easier to make a long distance call than a local call in a disaster situation. 3.3.1 Key Definitions Advisory. Message, generally at six hour intervals, updating information on tropical storm or hurricane, including watches and warnings whenever they are in effect. (See below). A special advisory is given any time there is a significant change in weather conditions or change in warnings. Hurricane Watch. Hurricane conditions with winds of 74 mph or more are possible in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours. During a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case a Hurricane Warning is issued. As discussed earlier in this section, preliminary preparations should begin even before a Watch has been issued. Hurricane Warning. Hurricane conditions with winds of 74 mph or more are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 24 hours. Complete storm preparations and leave the threatened area if directed by local officials. Hurricane. A tropical storm with winds exceeding 74 mph. Storm Surge. A rise in coastal sea level above the usual tide level as a hurricane or other intense tropical storm moves over water, causing flooding when the storm comes ashore. Tropical Storm Warning. Warning of conditions with non-cyclonic winds between 55 to 73 mph expected. Tropical Storm. A counterclockwise circulation of clouds and winds between 39 to 73 mph. The storm is assigned a name and tracked by the National Weather Service.
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