COMMUNITY ADVISORY

During Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 24 to 30, Missouri City residents are asked to get ready for the hurricane season, which starts next week.

“Before the storm season begins June 1, we ask residents to commit a little time to learning about hurricanes and preparing themselves and their families to deal with any potential weather challenges we might face in Missouri City,” said John Sheffield, the City’s Division of Emergency Management Chief.

Hurricanes are measured as categories one through five, based on speed of the storm’s winds. But even the weakest category one hurricane can damage buildings, knock down power lines, flood roads and uproot trees. A category four hurricane will cause about 100 times the damage of a category one storm.

“These storms are very unpredictable,” Sheffield said. “Hurricanes can change directions unexpectedly and strike 70 to 100 miles away from the place they were supposed to make landfall, so it is important residents be prepared to shelter in place for any storm. Storm surge can rise as high as 20 feet as the high water sweeps inland and onto the coast. Flooding can be a significant issue in coastal areas, so we urge residents to be prepared for any category of storm.”

Hurricane categories are:

Category 1: 74 to 95 mph – Minimal damage to building structures. Damage primarily occurs to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery and trees. Some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage. Debris propelled at 74 mph can injure or kill.

Category 2: 96 to 110 mph – Moderate damage. Some roofing material, door and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes and piers.  Small boats in unprotected anchorages break moorings.

Category 3: 111 to 130 mph – Extensive damage to small residences, utility buildings and other smaller structures, with a minor amount of curtain wall failures.  Mobile homes are destroyed. Larger structures damaged by floating debris.

Category 4: 131 to 155 mph – Extreme damage, including more extensive wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences.  Major erosion of beach area.  Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore.

Category 5: Over 155 mph – Catastrophic damage, including complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings.  Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away.  Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level.

To prepare homes for the arrival of potential storms this season, the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management suggests obtaining items needed to board up homes and windows. Other precautions include reviewing insurance policies for protection against wind and flood damage and obtaining waterproof containers for those important papers.

printer friendly