2009 Hurricane Awareness Week

• Hurricane History
  

Here is a list of tropical systems that have affected Alabama:  http://bit.ly/2lXAAM

• Storm Surge

Storm surge does not affect Etowah County directly.  However, you should educate yourself to the dangers, in case you vacation at or near the beach.  Storm surge represents the largest potential for loss of life from a hurricane.  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/storm_surge.shtml

• High Winds & Tornadoes

High winds and tornadoes, along with floods, represent the greatest threat to Etowah County from tropical systems.  Hurricanes Katrina (2005), Dennis (2005), Ivan (2005), and Opal (1995) all caused winds of between 50-90 mph in Central Alabama.  

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/high_winds.shtml

Hurricane Rita caused Central Alabama's second largest single day tornado outbreak (21) on September 25, 2005.  Tornadoes spawned by tropical systems tend to not be accompanied by lightning, thunder, or hail.  They are usually spawned very quickly, and can be hundreds of miles away from the center of a tropical system.  Basic tornado safety is essential to protecting you and your family.

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html

• Inland Flooding

Inland flooding represents the other big threat to Etowah County from tropical systems.  Even weak systems can produce copious amounts of rain.  This often creates river flooding, and flash flooding.  You should be aware of flood safety tips, regardless of the season. 

1. DETERMINE WHETHER YOU LIVE IN A FLOOD ZONE.
   
2. IF ADVISED TO EVACUATE, DO SO IMMEDIATELY.
3. KEEP ABREAST OF ROAD CONDITIONS.
4. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS A FLOODED ROADWAY. Turn around, don't drown.

http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/trop.shtml

• Forecast Process

Familiarize yourself with the watches, warning, and advisories that are issued by the National Hurricane Center.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/forecast_process.shtml

• Be Prepared

Having a plan is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family.  Not only if threatened by a tropical system, but for any emergency.  Do you have a plan?  Do you have an emergency preparedness kit?  Have you accounted for your pet?

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/family_plan.shtml

http://www.adph.org/get10/

• Take action

Educate yourself on hurricanes, and the hazards that come along with them.  By doing so, you will help improve you and your family's safety if a tropical system threatens.  Now is the time to plan and educate yourself...not when a storm is imminent.  You are the most important part of your family's safety plan.   

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/action.shtml