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Convert Temperature Enter temperature in one blank to convert to the other scale. Fahrenheit: Celsius: Kelvin:		Calculate Wind Chill Enter temperature and wind speed to compute wind chill. Temperature: F C Wind Speed: MPH Knots Wind Chill:
Calculate Heat Index Enter temperature and relative humidity below to calculate heat index Temperature: F C Relative Humidity: Heat Index:		Wind Speed Conversions Enter a speed into any blank to convert to all other wind speeds. MPH: Km/h: Knots: Meters/Second:
Calculate Relative Humidity Enter temperature and dewpoint below to calculate relative humidity Temperature: F C Dewpoint: Relative Humidity:		Convert Pressure Enter a pressure in one blank to convert to the other pressures. Millibars: Inches: Millimeters:
Convert Precipitation Enter a depth into any blank to convert to other units . Inches (hundredths) : Inches: Millimeters: Centimeters:

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Hurricane Safety

Hurricanes and tropical storms are cyclones with tropical origins (tropical cyclones). When the winds of a tropical storm (winds 39 to 73 miles per hour) reach a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or more, it is called a hurricane. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a relatively calm center known as the "eye." The "eye" is generally 20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may have a diameter of 400 miles across. As a hurricane approaches, the skies will begin to darken and winds will grow in strength. A hurricane can bring torrential rains, high winds, and storm surge as it nears land. A single hurricane can last for more than two weeks over open waters and can run a path across the entire length of the eastern seaboard.

During a hurricane, homes may be damaged by high winds and high waves. Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds inside the home. In extreme storms, such as Hurricane Andrew, the force of the wind alone can cause weak places in your home to fail. Remember that hurricanes deliver torrential rains which often cause flooding and sometimes trigger landslides. In addition, hurricanes can spawn tornados, which add to the destructiveness of the storm.

Here's what you can do to prepare for such an emergency...

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KNOW WHAT HURRICANE WATCH AND WARNING MEAN

* WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
* WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.


PREPARE A PERSONAL EVACUATION PLAN

* Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
* Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
* Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.


ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

* First aid kit and essential medications.
* Canned food and can opener.
* At least three gallons of water per person.
* Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
* Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
* Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
* Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)


PREPARE FOR HIGH WINDS

* Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
* Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.


KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED

* Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
* Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
* Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
* Fill your car's gas tank.
* Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
* Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.


KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED

* Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
* Complete preparation activities.
* If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
* Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
* Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
* Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.


KNOW WHAT TO DO AFTER A HURRICANE IS OVER

* Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
* If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
* Inspect your home for damage.
* Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.
 

 

Tornado Safety

PREPARE A HOME TORNADO PLAN

• Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
• If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

Your kit should include:

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

STAY TUNED FOR STORM WARNINGS

• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
  • A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
  • A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.

WHEN A TORNADO WATCH IS ISSUED

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

WHEN A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

AFTER THE TORNADO PASSES

• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
• Do not use candles at any time.

 

Weather Facts

Folklore - "If clouds move against the wind, rain will follow."