Severe Weather Information

Guide

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Severe Weather PreparednessPREPARING FOR THE STORM

Hurricane Season is June 1st through November 30th, but Mother Nature does not always pay attention to her calendar, so it is wise to be prepared all the time. Cornerstone is here to help you protect your property against hurricane damage.

Our severe storm preparedness plans include tree trimming before the hurricane season in order to eliminate the overload of clean-up.

Here are some ways Cornerstone can help you be prepared for any sever weather. • Planyourlandscapewithstormsinmind• Performpropermaintenancebeforestorm

seasonstarts• Trimming of Shrubs• Removal of dead limbs and those located too

close to a fence, house or utility line.• Preparewhenastormisforecasttostrike

yourarea.• Mow before the storm hits• Remove fronds and seed pods from palms• Brace small trees

• Evaluatelandscapepre-storm• Detailed valuations on existing landscape.• Video or Photography log of all landscape in

community.

LandscapeHurricaneKitItems that will be needed to salvage landscape

after storm damage: √ Garden hose in the event your irrigation

system is not working due to a power outage.

√ Pruning tools √ Ladder √ Tree stakes/rebar √ Biodegradable rope or strapping cloth √ Shovel √ Burlap or blankets to protect exposed

root balls if you are un able to secure your landscape immediately; do not use plastic as it will trap heat

√ Sharpened, fueled, gas-powered chain saw √ Hearing and eye protection √ Bug Spray and sunscreen.

Before The Storm

Develop a Plan!

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Customized Preparedness PlansWE CAN CREATE A CUSTOMIZED PREPAREDNESS PLAN FOR YOUR PROPERTY

In the event of a Tropical Stormand/or Hurricane Cornerstone willprovidethefollowingactionsteps:

Account Manager will notify Clubhouse

Manager of the anticipated arrival of a Tropical Storm and/or Hurricane when that information in made public. Discussion can be through any means of communication (i.e. face to face, phone or email).

* Discuss the level of severity and time frame for landfall.

* Discuss and anticipate Cornerstone’s role directly after impact.◊How soon can a Cornerstone representative be on site after the storm has passed.◊Approve pricing (as listed within this packet) prior to start of inclement weather to expedite response times in the event clean-up is needed.

* Account Manager will be responsible for securing the following items:

◊Ensure that Cornerstone’s on-site storage container contains the following materials:◊Fullystockedfirstaidkit◊Utilitycartfilledwithfuel◊Extra container of fuel for utility cart◊Chain saw (with extra fuel, oil, bar and chain)◊Back pack Blower (with extra fuel)

* Ensure that Cornerstone’s on-site storage container’s doors are securely fastened and locked prior to landfall of a Tropical Storm or Hurricane.

* Ensure that there is no loose debris stored outside Cornerstone’s on-site storage container.

On-Site Cornerstone Staff Member will NOT be on site during a Tropical Storm or Hurricane and will return to The Groves during the next scheduled work day (Mon-Fri) when the winds are below 40mph gusts.

Irrigation Manager will be responsible with making sure that any water devise maintained by Cornerstone is shut down and is not operational prior to landfall of a Tropical Storm or Hurricane.

ThePropertyManagersEmergency

SuppliesChecklist

Here is a list of additional items that The Groves CDD should have on hand. The CDD may want to solicit resident’s support to loan and deliver tools to a central location prior to a disaster. Tools shouldbemarkedfor identificationand return.

•Rope and chain• Ladders•Utility Knives•Duct Tape• Sheet plastic•Tarps•Blankets•Radios• Flashlights•Batteries• Identificationforauthorizedassociation personnel and volunteers (hats, shirts, armbands, badges)• Flares• Blockadesandflashinglights•Bottled Water• Poster board and markers for signs•Basic Tools (tape measure, hammer, nails, drills, wrenches, hacksaw, shovel, etc)•Bullhorn - battery with auto cigarette adapter• Portable searchlight - bat-tery and or with auto cigarette adapter•Cameras for documenting post disaster damage.

SAMPLE

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Severe Weather Response PlanRESPONDING TO THE STORM

Inclement weather is a given here in Florida. What we don’t know is when, or how bad the weather will be. That is why you need to be prepared with a plan. The following is an example of our commitment and dedication to your property. We know when a storm hits

this area were prepared to provide immediate assistance. At Cornerstone, we have a full lineup of equipment and trained operators ready to be at your doorstep quickly to clear pathways for ingress and egress along your property’s roadways and parking lots.

Our trained chain saw operators can quickly cut through fallen limbs while our crews work to neatly stack the debris in a non-hazardouslocation. Our high speed blowers remove lighter debrisandwoodchipssoslipandfallhazardsarereduced for pedestrians.

The best plan of attack is too...

Well, that’s why we need to meet with you on your property to answer the following:

•Whichaccesspointsshouldbeclearedfirst?•Whatpriorityshouldbeassignedtootherareas?•Where can fallen limbs and other debris be stackedasweclearroadwaysandparkinglots?•What preventative measures can be taken now to reducedebrisshouldastormstrike?

The answers to these questions will enable us to createacustomizedmapofyourpropertysoourteam can know in an instant where you need us to begin and what you need from us so you can move safely about your property. Storm cleanup expense is minimized when the planning takesplace ahead of time.

Once access has been restored across the properties we service, we will return to remove the stockpiled debris and take it to the natural material recycling and legal dump facilities we partner with.

The Branch Manager is responsible for the action steps.Themanagerwillcontacttheofficetheyfeelwill be needed to properly service the existing clients that warrant emergency service. The manager will continue to contact all the offices until theyfeel adequate manpower and equipment has been mobilized.

Please advise your account manager today that you are anxious to begin developing your customized response plan!

Case StudyWith the consecutive hurricanes that hit the Treasure Coast in 2004, the area was in need of an extensive landscapecleanup,andourlocalofficewasinneedofmore resources. Ten employees along with multiple equipment fromourPalmCoastoffice travelled toTreasure Coast, arriving at 6 a.m. the day after the storm, to help with roadway and entrance clean up, tree removal, etc. The crew stayed a few weeks to ensure each of the landscapes of the properties we maintain were back in pristine condition.

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Severe Weather Response PlanRESPONDING TO THE STORM

Cornerstone’s priority, should a severe storm be in the area, is for you to have a stress and worry free experience when dealing with landscape clean up after the storm. As soon as conditions are safe, Cornerstone’s landscape management teams will be out cleaning up downed trees, tree limbs, and any other debris created by a hurricane or tropical storm to restore the property’s landscape. Austin Outdoorwillutilizebothlocalresourcesandregionalresources to assist with the storm clean up.

Local ResourcesEach district is built with a solid team and resources,includinganamplefleetofheavymachinery equipment.

Regional Resources through Austin OutdoorOn Feburary 1, 2012 Cornerstone merged their Landscape Management division with Austin Outdoor. Together we are now one of the largest and most capable Florida-based landscape service firmsinourindustry.AustinOutdoorhasofficesthroughout the Southeast United States. When a hurricane or tropical storm happens, resources are available from these additional districts.

Total Team Members 875+ Total Heavy Construction Equipment 35+ Trucks in Total Fleet 250+

In the event Cornerstone is contractedto perform clean-up work due to SevereWeather,thepropertywillbeprioritizedintothefollowing:

* Road Clearance – remove any downed trees and debris from roadway and back 10’ from curb to ensureclearanceformotorizedtraffic.

* Account Manager will assess damages for the record and take note of potential damage that will need to be repaired or replaced with regard to irrigation and landscaping.

* Clubhouse and Related Structure Clearance – remove debris and downed trees from these areas and ensure that parking spaces, walking paths and front entrances are passable.

* Common Grounds Clearance – remove debris and downed trees from these areas.

◊ Stump Grinding is not a necessity at this point and will be scheduled

Please make sure to communicate any special needs to your Cornerstone Account Manager. Your insurance carrier may want to document damages and implement corrective actions resulting from storm related damages.

Cornerstone will photo document some representative damage and will track manpower, equipment and a brief description of work provided.

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While we can’t control natural disasters, emergen-cies or unexpected attacks, the impact of a disaster can be reduced if we are prepared. Regardless of the type of event that may occur the individuals in a com-munity must assume primary responsibility for be-ing prepared and respond in a manner appropriate to the event. External assistance may be expected but it should not be relied on because the event is likely impacting on a broader area and emergency response organizations must prioritize their resources. Insome instances response by outside agencies may not be possible or realistic in terms of the event. There-fore, individual preparedness should be the corner-stone of an emergency preparedness and response program.

Many potential emergencies can be identified butdetailed planning for the total scope is not realistic within the resources of individual homeowners and homeowners associations or, for that matter, local governments.Thisdocumentidentifiesthescopeofunexpected events that are most likely to affect The Groves. It is structured to provide guidance to indi-vidual residents of The Groves to prepare for disas-ters and respond appropriately when an emergency event occurs.

The Groves is an active adult community comprised of single family detached homes and duplex villas. Byvirtueof thatdefinitionweareahousingsubdi-vision with similarity to our neighbors. As such it must be assumed that our residents have the ability to individually plan for and respond to emergencies. Three characteristics of the Community suggest a heightened concern for emergency preparedness and response: 1. Although the majority of our residents are active

we do have residents who by virtue of advanced age or physical limitations may be impaired in their ability to care for themselves in an emer-gency situation,

2. We have a number of single person homes. 3. The Groves operates a business that serves both

the Community’s residents and non-resident customers.

These characteristics imply that emergency response planning should focus on individual responsibility.

Additionally,thoseresidentswhomayneedspecificassistance in time of an unexpected event should take measures to ensure that they have established a personal support structure. The CDD/HOA shall be responsible for protection of the commonly owned facilities.

A disaster is an unexpected event that can result in significant harm to lives and/or property, as wellas disruption in daily activities. When viewed in a broad context a long list of potential natural and hu-man caused disasters can be made and the appro-priate response will differ by event. It is, however, not reasonable to plan for every conceivable event. Ratheritisrealistictodefinethoseeventsthatcouldoccur in the West Central Florida area and identify them by the probability of occurrence and impact on The Groves.

Emergency/Disruptive Events That Can Impact The Groves

Potential emergency and/or disruptive events can be classifiedby the levelofoccurrenceprobabilityandthe potential degree of impact on The Groves. Events definedasposingthegreatestriskarethosethatex-perience has shown are likely to occur each year. The level of severity varies each year but it is reasonable that at least one event that impacts on normal activi-ties will occur. Several emergency/disruptive events canbeidentifiedthatcouldoccurwithlesspredict-ability but the impact can be severe while several oth-ers can be viewed as less likely to occur.

Posing the greatest risk to The Groves ӥ Hurricane ӥ Tornado ӥ Severe Thunderstorms ӥ Lightning ӥ Extended Periods of High Temperature

Each of these events can impact The Groves in a dif-ferent way and require a different response.

Customized Preparedness Plans SAMPLE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR PROPERTY

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Customized Response PlansWE CAN CREATE A CUSTOMIZED RESPONSE PLAN AND MAP FOR YOUR PROPERTY

Effectiveresponsetakesmorethanfill-in-the-blankchecklists.YouneedaCustomizedSevereWeatherResponse Plan tailored to your property.

Severe weather response planning is essential in order to:• Minimizedamagetofacilitiesandsurroundingareas• Maximizebusinesscontinuityefforts• Keepemployeesandcontractorssafe

Hereisasamplecustomizedresponseplanmap.• Priority One (Orange) - Clearing vehicle access to allow emergency personnel ability to service needs

and access to your property.• Priority Two (Yellow) -Clearing debris from structural dwellings that may pose immediate risk or

danger.• PriorityThree(Green)-Trimandremovehazardousdamagedlimbsthatstillremainintreesversus

on the ground and replanting plant material that may have a change of surviving.

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CAT

1CAT

2CAT

3CAT

4CAT

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CategoryOneHurricane:Winds74-95mph TypesofDamage:MinimalStorm surge is generally 4 – 5 feet above normal. Minimal damage to buildings, however, unprotected windowsmay be damaged by flying debris. Expect damage to unanchored mobilehomes,utilitysheds,shrubbery,andtrees.Coastalroadfloodingandpierdamagemayoccur.

CategoryTwoHurricane:Winds96-110mphTypesofDamage:ModerateStorm surge is generally 6 – 8 feet above normal. Buildings may be damaged as a result of fallen trees,roofingmaterials;windowsanddoorsmaybedamagedbywindandflyingdebris.Expectconsiderable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, docks and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routesflood2-4hoursbeforearrivalofhurricanecenter/eyeofthestorm.

CategoryThreeHurricane:Winds111-130mphTypesofDamage:ExtensiveStorm surge is generally 9 – 12 feet above normal. Expect some structural damage to buildings and considerable damage to roofs, windows and doors. Mobile homes docks and piers are usually destroyed. Coastal f looding may destroy or severely damage small buildings. Terrain lower than 5 feetabovesealevelmaybeflooded.Lowlyingareasshouldbeevacuated.

CategoryFourHurricane:Winds131-155mphTypesofDamage:ExtremeStorm surge is generally 13 – 18 feet above normal. Expect extensive structural damage to buildings ; some with complete roof failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes, docks and piers. Most trees,shrubsandstreetsignswillbeblownover.Extensivefloodingofcoastalareasisexpectedandcoastal evacuation routes will be cut off several hours before the center of the storm arrives. Major windandflooddamagetobuildingslessthan10feetabovesealevel;buildingswithin200yardsofthe coast may be wiped out. A massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground may be required.

CategoryFiveHurricane:Windsgreaterthan155mphTypesofDamage:CatastrophicStorm surge is generally greater than 18 feet above normal. Extensive structural damage with complete roof failure on many residential and industrial buildings. Complete destruction of mobilehomes,docksandpiers.Trees,shrubsandstreetsignswillbedestroyed.Extensivefloodingof coastal areas is expected and coastal evacuation routes will be cut off several hours before the centerofthestormarrives.Majorwindandflooddamagetobuildingslessthan15feetabovesealevel; buildings within 300 - 500 yards of the coast may be wiped out. A massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground may be required.

Note:Even a low category storm, depending on a number of factors, can cause considerable damage to your home and property. Always be prepared for a higher category storm than is predicted as the intensity of a hurricane canchangeupordownwithinhours,andwindsmaybesignificantlyhigheratthe upper levels of multi-storied buildings. Storm surge varies by intensity of storm, as well as by tide and coastline factors. In general, it can range from 4-5 feet to over 18 feet and is an extremely dangerous aspect of the storm.

Storm CategoriesSAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE: THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE IS BASED ON SUSTAINED WINDS. SUSTAINED WIND IS A 1-MINUTE WIND AVERAGE MEASURED AT ABOUT 33 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND.

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Preparing the Landscape for a StormTHE SCOOP ON HORTICULTURE

While many of us prepare our homes for the hurricane season by securing shutters, gallons of water, generators, non-perishablefooditems,batteries,flashlightsandradios,itisalsoimportanttopreparethelandscapeforhurricane season. Such preparation begins when selecting and planting the landscape and continues with proper maintenance. Here are some tips to provide for a hurricane-ready landscape.

Proper Locations of Trees in the LandscapeWhen planting trees in the landscape, it is important to plant larger trees away from buildings, homes, power lines and other structures to avoid damage by trees and branches. A solution would be to plant smaller trees or shrubs around such areas. Small tree options can include Crape Myrtles and Holly. Shrub options can include Knockout Roses, Lantana and Viburnum.

Regular Pruning & MaintenanceWhile regular pruning is important to ensure the health of a plant, it is also importanttoeliminateanyitemsthatcanpossiblybecomeflyingdebrisduringahurricane, such as decaying branches. Also, by shaping a plant properly through pruning, it can help the tree or plant become more wind resistant.

Use of Wind Resistant Plants & TreesBased on extensive hurricane research throughout Florida, a list of wind-resistant trees was compiled. Trees that fall into this list include Magnolias (pictured), Hollies and Oaks.

Planting in Groups or MassesFinally, when possible, plant trees within groups to increase wind resistance. The trees act as a buffer to each other. The tree grouping also helps protect other nearby plants found in the landscape.

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WhenaHurricaneWarningisIssued.......

Hurricane Conditions are expected with in 24 hours. Your hurricane preparations should be rushed to completion.• Continue to monitor local media reports.• Fill tub, containers with water.• Ifyouareinanevacuationzoneandareto

evacuate:• Shut off appliances & air conditioners except

forrefrigeratorandfreezer• Expect extreme delays on evacuation routes• Leave promptly (car should be packed early.)

Turn off the toggle switch on any automatic lawn sprinkler system.

• Monitor the local radio stations

HurricaneWhenaHurricaneWatch

isIssued.......Hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours. Your hurricane preparations should be underway.• Review personal/family plan with family,

friends or “buddy.”• Ifyouareinanevacuationzone,collect

documents and evacuation supplies, plan to leave as early as possible after orders are issued.

• Ifyoudonotdriveandplantoleave,confirmtransportation arrangements.

• Stay tuned to local radio and television stations for weather information and guidance.

• Get cash, store valuables.• Install shutters, panels, other protection

devices.• Bring outdoor patio furniture indoors or

secure properly. Fuel automobiles.• Secure watercraft.• Secure any loose outdoor items.

KnowtheHazards

StormSurge:Storm surge is the most dangerous element of a hurricane. This is a dome of ocean water that can be 20 feet high at its peak and 50 to 100 miles wide. A large number of hurricane fatalities are attributed to storm surge.

Wind: A Hurricane is a tropical storm with constant winds greater than 74 mph. These winds can extend inland for hundreds of miles. Hurricanes can also span tornadoes.

Rain:Because of the tropical nature of hurricanes, they contain rain, which can, at times,betorrentialandcausefloodsandflashfloods.

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FloodingSafetyActions

BeReady!• Learnyourvulnerabilitytofloodingbydeter-

mining the elevation of your property.• Flood losses are not covered under nor-

mal homeowners policies.• Evaluate your insurance coverage; as construc-

tiongrowsaroundareas,floodplainschange.• Ifyouareinafloodarea,considerwhatmitiga-

tion measure you can do in advance.• Considerfloodinsurance.• Inhighlyflood-proneareas,keepmaterialson

hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheet-ing, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves.

• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areasknowntoflood,soyouoryourevacuationroutes are not cut off.

• Avoid driving into water of unknown depth. Moving water can quickly sweep your vehicle away.

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall.

• Restrictchildrenfromplayinginfloodedar-eas. Be aware of snakes and other animals in the water.

• Test drinking water for potability; wells should be pumped out and the water tested before drinking.

Flooding

HurricaneHazardHowfarinlandcanflood-ingfromaHurricaneoccur?

Many people think of hurricane damage being caused by high winds, a storm surge or a catastrophic levee break such as the New Orleans tragedy from Katrina or the 1928 storm that broke the levees around Lake Okeechobee. Flooding from heavy rainfall can occur hundreds of miles inland and often cause more dam-age than destruction from wind.

WhenaMildStormbecomesaNightmare:On August 18, 2008 Weather Forecasters were monitoring Tropical Storm Fay as it passed over Key West and headed towards a second landfall on the west coast of Florida. The storm was not expected to become a hurricane and most Floridians prepared for a rainy day; most schools and businesses remained open. During the day on August 19 the storm be-gan a slow track across the state dropping several inches an hour as it went. Rain water eventually overwhelmed storm water containment systems and streetsandlowlyingareasbeganfillingupwithwa-ter with many streets becoming impassable. Tropi-cal Storm Fay then began to stall over eastern Florida andtheheavyrainscontinuedeventuallyfloodingsome homes and businesses. Many areas that didnotfloodduringHurricanesFrancesandJeannewere now under water. Although damage from wind was very minor millions of dollars in damage were causedbyflooding.

DidyouKnow?• Everyonelivesinafloodzone.• Floods happen in all 50 states.• Hurricanes and winter storms are often over-

lookedascausesofflooding.• Flashfloodsoftenbringwallsofwater10to20

feet high. • Most homeowners insurance does not cover

flooddamage.• It takes 30 days after purchase for a policy to take

effect. • Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover

flooding.• If you live in a low to moderate risk area and are

eligibleforthePreferredRiskPolicy,yourfloodinsurance premium may be as low as $112 a year.

Flooding

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Tornadoes:Nature’sMostViolentStorms

Atornadoisdefinedasaviolentlyrotatingcolumnof air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.

Whatcausestornadoes?Thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in ad-vance of eastward-moving cold fronts. These thun-derstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Tornadoes in the winter and early spring are often associated with strong, frontal sys-tems that form in the Central States and move east. Occasionally, large outbreaks of tornadoes occur with this type of weather pattern. Several states may be affected by numerous severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Tornadoes occasionally accompany tropical storms and hurricanes that move over land. Tornadoes are most common to the right and ahead of the path of the storm center as it comes onshore.

TornadoVariationsSome tornadoes may form during the early stages of rapidly developing thunderstorms. This type of tornado is most common along the front range of the Rocky Mountains, the Plains, and the Western States.Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up. Occasionally, two or more tornadoes may occur at the same time.

WaterspoutWaterspouts are weak tornadoes that form over warm water. Waterspouts are most common along the Gulf Coast and southeastern states. Water-spouts occasionally move inland becoming tornadoes causing damage and injuries.

TornadoesWhattolook&listenfor:Dark, often greenish sky; large hail; wall cloud; a loud roar, similar to a freight train. Some torna-does appear as a visible funnel extending only partially to the ground. Look for signs of debris below the visible funnel. Some tornadoes are clearly visible while others are obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds.

TornadoWatch: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.

TornadoWarning: A tornado has been sight-ed or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky be-comes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.

WhattodoincaseofaTornado:The best protection during a tornado is in an interior room on the lowest level of a building, preferably a safe room.

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Didyouknow…

◊ Tornadoes can be nearly invisible, marked only by swirling debris at the base of the funnel. Some are composed almost entirely of wind-blown dust and still others are composed of several mini-funnels. ◊ On average, the United States experiences 100,000 thunderstorms each year. Approxi-mately 1,000 tornadoes develop from these storms. ◊ Although tornadoes do occur throughout the world, the United States experiences the most intense and devastating tornadoes. ◊ Tornadoes produce the most violent winds on earth. Tornado winds can approach speeds as high as 300 miles per hour, travel distances over 100 miles and reach heights over 60,000 feet above ground. ◊ In November 1988, 121 tornadoes struck 15 south central states, resulting in 14 lives lost and damages reaching $108 million. ◊ According to the National Weather Service, about 42 people are killed because of tornadoes each year.◊ Tornadoes strike with incredible velocity. Wind speeds may approach 300 miles per hour. These winds can uproot trees and structures and turn harmless objects into deadly missiles, all in a matter of seconds. Mobile homes are particu-larly vulnerable to tornadoes.◊ Injury or deaths related to tornadoes most often occur when buildings collapse, people arehitbyflyingobjectsorarecaughttryingtoescape the tornado in a car.◊ Tornadoes are most destructive when they touch ground. Normally a tornado will stay on the ground for no more than 20 minutes; however, one tornado can touch ground several times in different areas.◊ The deadliest Tornado outbreak was the Tri-State Tornado Outbreak of March 18, 1925, which killed 689 people in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Murphrysboro, Ill., had 234 of those deaths, and West Frankfort, Ill., had 127.

Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale

F# Wind MPH Description Facts0 40-72 Gale Tornado: Light damage.

Some damage to chimneys, breaks branches off trees, young or weak trees are uprooted, damage to signs & boards

• 69% of all tornadoes• Less the 5% of tornado deaths• Lifetime: 1-10 minutes

1 73-112 Moderate Tornado: Peels surface off roofs, mobile home overturned, cars blown off roads

2 113-157 Significant Tornado: Considerable damage. Roofs torn off houses, mobile home demolished, large trees snapped or uprooted, light object missiles generated

• 29% of all tornadoes• Nearly 30% of all tornado deaths• Lifetime: May last 20 minutes or longer

3 158-206 Severe Tornado: Roofs and some walls torn off, trains overturned, most trees uprooted, heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown

4 207-260 Devastating Tornado: Houses leveled, cars thrown, missiles generated

• Only 2% of all tornadoes• 70% of all tornado deaths• Lifetime: Can exceed 1 hour

5 261-318 Incredible Tornado: Strong frame houses lifted and carried considerable distance, car sized missiles fly through the air, trees debarked, etc.

Tornadoes

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LivingintheLightningCapital

According to the National Weather Service lightning killed 3,696 people in the United States between 1959 and 2003; 425 were in the Sunshine State. People in Florida are involved with outdoor activities makingtheoddsofgettinghitbyalightningflasheven greater. During the summer, rapidly develop-ing thunderstorms give people precious little time to seek safe shelter.

PlanaheadAlways monitor weather forecasts before you go out, and when you are outdoors, identify a safe shelterin case you need it.

LightningSafetyRulesandTips

BeforeLightningStrikes...• Lookfordarkeningskies,flashesoflight,or

increasing wind.• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to• the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe

shelter immediately.• Listen for the latest weather forecasts.

WhenaStormApproaches...• Lightning storms are often announced by a sud-

den drop in temperature and increase in wind which are usually the result of a down burst of cold air. This can happen several minutes before it rains.

• Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car win-dows closed and avoid convertibles.

• Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appli-ances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running

water for• any other purpose.• Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from

lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!

• Draw blinds and shades over windows. If win-dows break due to objects blow by the wind the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.

IfCaughtOutside...• Largemeadowsareextremelyhazardousplaces

to be during lightning storms.• Picnic shelters and baseball dugouts are not safe

lightning shelters.• Avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or trees

much taller than adjacent trees.• Stay away from water, metal objects, and sub-

stances that will conduct electricity.• Automobiles offer excellent lightning protection.• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the

shorter trees.• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and

find• shelter immediately!

OutdoorSportingEvents…• Golf Courses and outdoor sporting events are ex-

tremelyhazardousplacestobeduringlightning

Lightning

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storms.• Outdoor stadiums are very dangerous for specta-

tors during a lightning event.• Be safe postpone your game and seek a safe

shelter. If a safe building is not available then automobiles may be the safest location.

• Public bathrooms are much safer than baseball dugouts or picnic shelters.

ProtectingYourselfOutside...• Keep away from fences, metal clotheslines,

telephone lines, power lines, pipelines, and any electrically conductive elevated objects.

• Avoid open spaces, isolated buildings, exposed sheds or other metal structures.

• Don’tusemetalobjectssuchasfishingrodsandgolf clubs. Golfers wearing cleated shoes are par-ticularly good lightning rods.

• Avoid the highest object in the area.• Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees,

poles, or metal objects.• Make sure the place you pick is not subject to

flooding• Get out of the water and off small boats.• If you cannot get out of the boat (i.e., too far from

land) position yourself as low as possible in the boat.

BeaVerySmallTarget!• Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on

your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

• If you are in a group you should not huddle to-gether but spread out.

• Don’t sit down, you make a larger target. Crouch down.Donotlieflatontheground—thiswillmake you a larger target!

IfSomeoneisStruckbyLightning...• People struck by lightning carry no electrical

charge and can be handled safely.• Call for help. Get some one to dial 9-1-1 or your

local• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.• The injured person has received an electrical

shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places.

• Givefirstaid.Ifbreathinghasstopped,beginrescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beat-ing, a trained person should give CPR.

CommonQuestionsandAnswers

Q:Ifyouseelightningflashingintheskybuthearno thunder, does this mean it is too far away or is therelightningthatdoesn’tproducethunder? A: All lightning produces thunder. If you don’t hear it, it’s far off, or is being dispersed by other noise (strong winds between you and the lightning will disperse the thunder).

Q: Can you really count between thunder and lightningandseehowfaritis? A: Yes, count the number of seconds be-tweenlightningflashandsoundofthunder,andthen divide by 5. The distance to a lightning stroke is the time it takes for the sound to reach you after you’ve seen the lightning divided by the speed of sound.

Q:Isatraveltrailersafeinlighting? A: Yes, provided it is earthed (metal legs, not on wood or on rubber tires).

Lightning

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Storm ChecklistBuy supplies early to prepare for the storm. When the storm threatens, lines will be long and supplies short.

FOOD SUPPLIESGet enough nonperishable foods now for two weeks. Then put them in a box and leave them alone Don’t buy foods that are salty or dry or high in fat or protein; they’ll make you thirsty.

__ Water - 2 quarts to 1 gallon per person (get a week’s supply)

__ Ice

__ Shelf-package juice and milk boxes

__ Canned and powdered milk

__ Beverages (powdered or canned, fruit juices, instant coffee, tea)

__ Prepared foods (canned soups, beef, spaghetti, tuna, chicken, ham, corned beef hash, packaged pudding)

__ Canned vegetables and fruits

__ Dried fruits

__ Snacks (crackers, cookies, hard candy, nuts)

__ Snack spreads (peanut butter, cheese spreads, jelly)

__ Cereals

__ Raw vegetables

__ Sugar, salt, pepper

__ Bread

__ Dry and canned pet food

__ Extra formula, baby food

HURRICANE KITAssemble this now. Put aside in a special box in garage. Keep heat-sensitive items inside home and rotate stock throughout season. Batteries can go in refrigerator.

__ Flashlights and extra bulbs

__ Battery-operated TV or Radio

__ Fully charged battery-operated lanterns (don’t get candlesandkerosenelanterns,theyarefirehazards)

__ Extra batteries

__ Matches

__ Clock (wind-up or battery- operated)

__ Plastic garbage bags

__Workingfireextinguishers

__ Scissors

__ Toilet paper

__ Clean change of clothes, rain gear, sturdy swamp boots you won’t mind throwing away later

__ An inexpensive rabbit-ears television antenna to use when cable goes out

__ Map of the area

__ List of phone numbers

__ Copy of insurance policy

HARDWARE__ Hand tools - hammer, screwdrivers to use now, shovel

and pickax for after the storm

__ Power screwdriver

__ 4-by 8-foot sheets of plywood 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch thick to put over your windows (Make sure you ask for exterior plywood)

__ 1/4-inch machine screw sockets and screws

__ Plastic sheeting to cover furniture

__ Rope

__ Sturdy working gloves

__ Duct tape to waterproof items

__ Canvas tarps

__ Nails - there are many kinds, so look over your home now and determine what you will need

BABY NEEDS__ Disposable diapers

__ Wipes

__ Diaper-rash ointment, petroleum jelly

__ Baby medicines (pain, cold, cough)

__ Medicine dropper

__ Extra formula, baby food

EMERGENCY TOILET__ Small can or garbage can with tight lid

__ Plastic bags for liners

__ Disinfectant or bleach

__Deodorizer

KITCHEN SUPPLIES__ Manual can opener

__ Bottle opener

__ Matches in a plastic bag

__ Pocket knife - preferably Swiss Army-style

__ Camp stove or other cooking device and plenty of fuel (use canned fuel, not charcoal or gas)

__ Ice chests or coolers

__ Paper plates, napkins

__ Plastic cups, knives, forks, spoons