Hurricane Season

01 June – 30 November

Be Informed – Be Prepared – Be Secure

Canadian Information Package: Tidewater Region

Message From The NLR

This guide is designed to help you better prepare yourself and your family for severe weather systems that often impact the Tidewater region. While it is by no means all inclusive, this collection of helpful advice is prepared to assist each of you before a real need arises.

Too many folks fail to properly prepare themselves before they are confronted with an event that may lead to emergency measures, often resulting in the loss of property and/or possessions. I urge each of you to read this guide, to consider your own preparations and evacuation contingencies, and to put a family Hurricane Preparedness plan in place. It is your responsibility to: Be Informed – Be Prepared – Be Secure.

In an effort to provide the best advice to all Canadians in the Tidewater Region, please offer your suggestions for improvement to this guide. Hurricane awareness and preparedness requires continuous thought and regular planning. By collecting the best and most current information available, this guide will serve us all as an on-hand Aide Memoire that I hope will be consulted regularly-- but used rarely.

(Please send recommendations for changes to: LCol Pat McAdam (pat.mcadam@cox.net) 757-321-2092)

There Really Is A Threat

Close CallsSEP 1995 - MarianneAUG 1999 - DennisAUG 2002 - GustavAUG 2006 - Ernesto

Demanded Action29 AUG 1993 - Emily15 AUG 1995 - Felix10 JUL 1996 - Bertha15 AUG 1998 - Bonnie17 SEP 1999 - Floyd15 SEP 2003 - Isabel

Hampton Roads

Storms within a 100nm radius of Norfolk Naval Station

Hurricane Season at a Glance

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

March – April – May… prepare and be ready for storms

December – January – February… relax and enjoy the Virginia winter

Hurricane Warning: A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane with sustained winds of 64 knots or greater is expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when the dangerously high water or combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continues, even though the winds may have subsided below hurricane intensity (64 knots).

Watch Versus Warning

Hurricane Watch: A hurricane watch is issued for a specified coastal area for which a hurricane or hurricane related hazard is a possible threat within 36 hours.

Hurricane: Tropical storm with maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph or greater– the worst and strongest of all tropical storms.

Hurricane Categories• Category 1 - Winds 64 to 82 knots, storm surge

4 to 5 ft above normal. Some damage to building Structures. Low lying coastal areas flooded, minor damage to piers.

• Category 2 - Winds 83 to 95 knots, storm surge 6 to 8 ft above normal. Minor damage to structures, major damage to poorly constructed buildings. Coastal and low lying escape routes flooded over, considerable pier damage.

• Category 3 - Winds 96 to 113 knots, storm surge 9 to 12 ft above normal. Major damage to structures, poorly constructed building destroyed. Serious flooding along the coast, extensive flooding may extend inland 8 miles.

• Category 4 - Winds 114 to 135 knots, storm surge 13 to 18 ft above normal. Extensive roofing and window damage, complete destruction of mobile homes. Areas above 10 ft flooded inland up to 6 miles.

• Category 5 - Winds above 135 knots, storm surge greater than 18ft above normal. Complete failure of roof structures and very severe window and door damage, some complete buildings fail. Major damage to structures lower than 15 ft above sea level. (CAMILLE ‘69, ANDREW ‘92)

A hurricane's speed and path depend on complex interactions between the storm with its own internal circulations and the earth's atmosphere. The air in which the hurricane is embedded is constantly moving and changing. Features in that flow, such as high and low pressure systems, can greatly alter the speed and the path of the hurricane. In turn, it can modify the environment around the storm.

• hurricanes forward speed average around 15-20 mph.

• hurricanes stall, often causing devastatingly heavy rain.

• hurricanes can accelerate to more than 60 mph. (Hurricane Hazel (1954) hit North Carolina on the morning of 15 October; fourteen hours later it reached Toronto, where it caused 80 deaths).

• hurricanes can follow a fairly straight course, while others loop and wobble along.

• seemingly erratic changes in direction are difficult to forecast.

Hurricane’s Speed and Motion

The Eye The hurricane's center is a relatively calm, clear area usually 20-40 miles across. High winds and rain can suddenly stop and the sky clears when the eye passes over them. Just as quickly, the winds and rain begin again, but this time from the opposite direction.

Don’t Be Fooled By The Calm

Don’t Ignore the Threat: A recent poll by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research showed a dangerously high percentage of residents in hurricane vulnerable states are unprepared, don’t take the threat of hurricanes seriously, and have big gaps in what they know about hurricanes-- even those that live within 30 miles of the coast.

The astonishing findings were as follows:56% don’t feel vulnerable to a hurricane or related tornado or flooding60% have no family disaster preparedness plan68% have no hurricane survival kit83% have taken no steps to make their homes stronger13% said they might not evacuate-- even if ordered to do so

• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family, and know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind before a storm

• Locate a safe room, or the safest areas in your home, for each hurricane hazard – In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community– Select one location that all family members know

• Research area shelters you may need to utilize:– Determine shelter locations on local Internet sites, or contact:– Chesapeake (382-6464)– Hampton (727-6414)– Newport News (269-2900)– Norfolk (441-5600)– Portsmouth (393-5000)– Virginia Beach (427-4228)

• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles

• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you someday need to evacuate• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to

call 911• Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit • Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke

detectors • Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes

Family Discussion

Hurricane WatchHurricane Conditions Expected Within 24-36 hours

• Monitor local news and weather information regularly

• TV - Official Stations: Radio - Official Stations: – Channel 3 - WCMS 1050 am or 100.5 fm – Channel 10 - WTAR 850 am – Channel 13 - WWDE 101.3 fm

• Review your family preparations and area evacuation plan

• Check your emergency supply kit and prepare evacuation supplies

• Establish and keep in contact with family members

• Fill containers and bathtub with potable water

• Obtain non-perishable foods which do not require preparation prior to consumption

• Check supply of medical prescriptions

• Check vehicle and fill the fuel tank

• Store unused vehicles in garage

• Obtain a supply of cash from ATM before power is lost

• Backup important documents on home computer to external memory source

• Begin boarding up windows and remove outside antennas (if previously agreed to by landlord)

• Bring in, or anchor down, outdoor objects which may be projectiles in high winds

• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings

• Unplug all non-essential appliances

• Cover swimming pools and pump filter

• Collect important papers, valuables and identification in waterproof container

Hurricane WarningHurricane Conditions Expected Within 12-24 hours

• Monitor News and Weather Information Regularly

• TV - Official Stations: Radio - Official Stations:

– Channel 3 - WCMS 1050 am or 100.5 fm

– Channel 10 - WTAR 850 am

– Channel 13 - WWDE 101.3 fm

• Avoid elevators in public buildings

• Keeps windows closed, and do not take refuge beside them

• Consider moving extremely valuable items to upper floors

• Move furniture away from exposed doors and windows

• Bring household pets indoors

• Stay on the side of your house opposite direction wind is blowing

• If at home, go to a protected area - closet/bathroom

• Do not use open flames - candles, kerosene lamps, gas grills

• Cut off your utilities, if flooding threatens home

• Turn off major appliances if electricity is lost

• Use phone only in emergencies

• Rely on your Hurricane Preparedness plan:

– Police, Fire and Rescue services may not be available

– Electric, Water and Sewer services may not be available

• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days

• non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices ▪ foods for infants or the elderly• snack foods ▪ non-electric can opener ▪ cooking tools / fuel• paper plates / etc.

• Blankets / Pillows, etc.• Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs• Special Items - for babies and the elderly• Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes• Flashlight / Batteries• Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio• Cash (with some small bills) - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.• Keys for cars and house• Toys, books and games• Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight reseal able plastic bag place insurance,

medical records, bank account numbers, Passports, etc.• Tools - keep a set with you during the storm• Vehicle fuel tanks filled• Pet care items:

• proper identification• immunization records• medications• a carrier or cage• muzzle and leash

Supply Checklist

When Evacuation is Ordered(Be prepared to remain at home unless ordered to evacuate by CDLS(W),

NLR HQ SACT, or local authorities.)

• Leave as soon as possible, during daylight hours is preferred• Secure your home by unplugging all appliances and turning off electricity and the water and gas

mains• If possible advise someone outside of the storm area where you are going• Take pre-assembled emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to

shelter or evacuation location• Take all credit cards and very important papers• Use VDot evacuation route from your area to your selected evacuation location• Once in location contact the NLR and CDLS(W)• Remain in contact with the NLR and CDLS(W) on a daily basis• Utilize commercial or non-commercial accommodation as per guidance in CDLS(W) instruction.• Save all your receipts

• If leaving a pet behind, consider the following:• leave your pet indoors• leave only dry foods out for your pet and use sturdy food containers• do not leave out any treats, vitamins or mineral supplements• water for pets should be left in bathtubs or other sturdy spill proof containers• leave toilet seats up, flushing toilets before leaving home• consider methods to minimize damages due to pet waste during your absence • keep small pets such as birds and hamsters away from dogs and cats• put difficult or dangerous animals in large, sturdy crates

VDOT Evacuation Plan: http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/hurricane_default.asp

CDLS (W) Direction: A SUMMARY• Instruction covers Emergency Evacuation and Loss

• Intent: to provide some compensation for expenses associated with actual evacuation and the loss of property as a result of the incident that prompted evacuation

• Voluntary Evacuation: no financial compensation is warranted

• Refusing to evacuate when ordered: no financial compensation is warranted

• Ordered Evacuation: will be passed through Canadian chain of command, but in the event of lost communications you are to adhere to “ordered evacuation” made by state authorities

• Members will need to provide:

– who ordered evacuation

– who is evacuating

– safe location being used

– vehicle details

– contact number

– once home, a report of evacuation and losses suffered

• Evacuation Location: either dictated by Canadian authorities or chosen by member

• Member Status: considered to be on duty following an ordered evacuation

• Expenses of Evacuation (receipts required): Travel – actual and reasonable; Accom – commercial or non-commercial; Meals – commercial accommodation should having cooking facilities; Telephone – 2 five minute person-to-person long distance; Loss of Food Stuffs: up to $500 without receipts, and in excess of $500 with receipts; Boarding of Pets – with receipts

• Insurance Reimbursement: coverage from private insurance will not be duplicated by CF coverage

• NOTE: This is a summary of CDLS (W) Instruction and is meant only as a general guide, consult the actual instruction for specifics.

Important Numbers

CASUALTIES: Any casualty, including serious injury or death, of a CF member or a dependant posted in the US and administered by CDLS(W), must be reported immediately to the CDLS (W) Commanding Officer and the NLR. If not readily available, notification should be attempted through the CDLS(W) Duty Officer.

Emergency Contact

Phone NumberCDLS (W):CO work- 202-682-7763CO home- 703-448-0030Admin Asst- 202-682-7764

Toll Free- 800-247-7212Duty Officer- 202-256-7894

NLR HQ SACT:NLR work- 757-747-4445NLR home- 757-410-8588NLR Blackberry- 757-288-3282Admin Asst (W)- 757-747-4444Admin Asst (H)- 757-410-9137

Fill in the numbers you will need…… ……before you need them !

CDLS (W) Instruction (1-4)

ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTION EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND LOSSReferences:  A. Working Draft Annex A 1611-10-22 (4460) (DCBA 4) 9 April 2003B. MFSI 10.25

Purpose: The purpose of this instruction is to outline CDLS (W) policy and limitations on support for temporary Emergency Evacuation and Loss. This instruction is focused on evacuation caused by natural disasters and is not designed for evacuation from posts of a permanent nature. In addition, any benefits not specifically outlined in this Administration Instruction (AI) will not be considered for reimbursement unless personally authorized by the MFSI AA (Comd CDLS(W)) in conjunction with the Departmental Authority, DCBA.

Intent: This instruction recognizes that emergency evacuation from a post may result in unanticipated financial burden. This instruction is intended to advise the Military Foreign Service Instruction Approving Authority (MFSI AA) and the member on the procedures which are to be followed in order to submit a compensation claim for: 1. any temporary evacuation resulting from the emergency evacuation of a member and or dependant from a post in the event of hostilities, natural disasters or other threatening circumstances; and 2. provide compensation for any loss resulting from the event, which causes the evacuation.

Eligible Personnel: Members who are posted, attached posted, or attached posted (temporary) to a place of duty outside Canada either accompanied or unaccompanied are entitled to the benefits and allowances outlined in this instruction except that only one member of a service couple is entitled to assistance in accordance with this instruction.

Voluntary Evacuation: Members should be aware that the provisions of this instruction do not apply for voluntary evacuations. A voluntary evacuation is one where members request the departure of dependants upon their own initiative without specific direction from the MFSI AA. In the case of voluntary departure, members should plan to cover any expenses for their dependants at their own expense.

Ordered Evacuation: The Minister, or where insufficient time or inadequate communications exist, the CDLS(W) CO or where the CDLS(W) CO is not available or specific direction cannot be received from Higher Headquarters, the Senior Canadian Officer at the affected location may authorize the emergency evacuation of a member and/or a dependant(s) from a post to a suitable location convenient to the post and, if subsequent conditions warrant, their return to the post where: 1. hostilities, natural disaster or other threatening circumstances necessitate such evacuation in order to ensure the safety of the person concerned; 2. evacuation is ordered by local state authorities; and 3. such evacuation is more reasonable and expedient than direct transfer to another post or to Canada.Note: In certain natural disaster situations such as Hurricanes, Flooding or Tornadoes, members may be given the option of not evacuating. In all instances where an evacuation is ordered or offered but the member declines, no benefits are eligible to be claimed in accordance with this instruction.

Notification: Once it has been determined that an evacuation has occurred, the Senior Canadian at the unit shall notify the MFSI AA who is the CDLS(W) Support Services O (Spt Svcs O). The Spt Svcs O will in turn notify the Departmental Authority, DCBA 4 and other higher authorities as required. Notification normally includes if feasible, a Situation Report fully outlining and detailing the requirement for the evacuation. In addition to this requirement, member's who are evacuating are requested to personally provide the CDLS(W) Spt Svcs O with the following information: 1. who ordered the evacuation and by what means; 2. who is evacuating; 3. details of where you will be evacuating if known; 4. make, license plate number and colour of your vehicle; and 5. any emergency numbers you may want us to contact in case you are not able call such as family back in Canada. Note: once the evacuation order is lifted, notify the Spt Svcs O that you have returned home and what damage was incurred if any.

Evacuation Location: When members and dependants have received authority and have been ordered to evacuate, one specific location identified by the MFSI AA or the Senior Canadian shall normally be designated as the evacuation point. However, in a situation where this is not feasible due to the large amount of populace evacuating, a radius of 300 miles from the evacuated area shall serve as the evacuation radius.

Member Status: A member evacuated pursuant to this instruction is deemed to be on duty from the day of departure from the post until the return to that post or assignment to another post in Canada as the case may be.

CDLS (W) Instruction (2-4)

Temporary Relocation Expense Claims: When a member and/or the member's dependants have been evacuated under the circumstances described in this instruction, the Minister may authorize the reimbursement of expenses incurred by the member for actual and reasonable lodgings, meals gratuities and personal service expenses incurred during the period the member is required to remain at the post in temporary evacuation. Temporary Relocation claims normally include but are not limited to the following expenses: 1. payment of authorized travelling expenses incurred to get to the designated temporary relocation site and actual and reasonable temporary living expenses for the period of such evacuation; and 2. actual and reasonable living expenses incurred during the period the member is required to remain at the post in temporary accommodation.(Receipts required)

Accommodation: Members requiring commercial accommodation at the temporary relocation site may book themselves into any government approved hotel, preferably one offering self-contained cooking facilities. (Receipts required) Members and or dependants who remain with friends or relatives may claim up to the maximum monthly private accommodation rate of $420.00 CAD per month which can be pro-rated on a daily basis. The daily rate in the Treasury Board Travel Directives for private accommodation does not apply in the case of evacuations in accordance with this instruction. The payment of Shelter Share and Utility Factor shall continue until the member is posted to another location.

Meals: (Note : Children under 12 years of age are entitled to 50% of the applicable TD meal rate).

(a) Commercial accommodation without cooking facilities •  ( days 1 and 2) 100% of the location meal rate not exceeding the Ottawa meal rate, unless otherwise authorized by DCBA; •  ( days 3 to 21) 100% of the location meal rate not exceeding the Ottawa meal rate, unless authorized by DCBA; •  ( day 22 and beyond) 65% of the TB dinner rate, not exceeding the Ottawa rate, unless authorized by DCBA; and •  ( incidental expense for days 1 to 21) the applicable TD location incidental rate not to exceed the Ottawa rate. One incidental rate is claimable despite there may be more than one person in travel status.

(b) Commercial accommodation with cooking facilities ( days 1 and 2) 100% of the location meal rate not exceeding the Ottawa meal rate, unless otherwise authorized by DCBA; •  ( days 3 to 21) 80% of the location meal rate not exceeding the Ottawa meal rate, unless authorized by DCBA; •  ( day 22 and beyond) 65% of the TB dinner rate, not exceeding the Ottawa rate, unless authorized by DCBA; and •  ( incidental expense for days 1 to 21) the applicable TD location incidental rate not to exceed the Ottawa rate. One incidental rate is claimable despite there may be more than one person in travel status.

CDLS (W) Instruction (3-4)

(c) private accommodation ( days 1 and 2) 100% of the location meal rate not exceeding the Ottawa meal rate, unless otherwise authorized by DCBA; •  ( days 3 to 21) 80% of the location meal rate not exceeding the Ottawa meal rate, unless authorized by DCBA; •  ( day 22 and beyond) 65% of the TB dinner rate, not exceeding the Ottawa rate, unless authorized by DCBA; and •  ( incidental expense) there is no entitlement to incidental expense.

Telephone Calls: On initial evacuation from a post, a member may claim the cost of two, five minute, person-to-person long distance telephone calls, one to the member's relative or designated next-of-kin and one, if applicable, to a spouse's relative or designated next-of-kin.

Loss of Food Stuffs: During the period of evacuation, members may request for the reimbursement of foodstuffs lost as spoilage. Procedures and amounts eligible to be requested for reimbursement are all follows: 1. an amount not to exceed $500.00 CAD. No receipts are required however; members must provide an itemized list identifying the items lost and an approximate amount of the cost; and 2. an amount in excess of $500.00 CAD, receipts are required. Note: All requests must be submitted through CDLS(W) to DCBA for approval. Boarding of Pets: Member's are authorized for reimbursement of cost for the boarding of pets at the post for the period of the evacuation or, at the evacuation point in the event that hotels do not accept pets.

Reimbursement from Insurance: Any reimbursement from insurance or other sources received by the member as payment or partial payment for loss or damage due to material damage/loss or temporary relocation expenses shall be deducted from any related request for compensation referred to in this instruction.

Claims: Members claiming for traveling and/or living expenses shall be submitted on form CF 99 or CF 1492 as applicable.

Financial Code: Claims in accordance with this instruction shall be coded to financial code: 2202ZH C103 01210 GRC 0000MFS66 or GRC 0000MFS67 with the member's name and last three digits of the SN.

OPI: Sp Svc O Revised: 21 Jan 07

CDLS (W) Instruction (4-4)

Record of Evacuation Details

Local Residence Family Details

Address Member

Phone Service number

Landlord Unit

Phone Spouse

Evacuation Circumstances Children

Reason

Date Expenses

Time Public transport

Who ordered PMV fuel costs

Evacuation Shelter

Facility used Food

Location

Phone Lodgings

Transport Details

Distance to shelter Misc

Method of transport

PMV plate number

If You Stayed Home:

• Stay tuned to local radio for information and updates

• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help if possible (cell phones may be rendered inop if storm has damaged towers

• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police, or fire department

• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home

• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage

• Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges

• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance claims

• Make contact with the NLR and CDLS(W) to advise them of your condition

Following The Storm

If You Evacuated:• Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so• Do not stop in damaged areas to satisfy your curiosity • Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water• Confirm condition of house and services before turning on utilities• Check food items for spoilage and / or contamination• Use only bottled or stored water until official confirmation that local supply is potable • Take pictures of damage, both to house and its contents for insurance claims• Make contact with the NLR and CDLS(W) to advise them of your condition

Hurricane Fact: More people are injured or killed during the clean-up than by the storm itself.

Helpful Websites

• Channel 13 Weather Lab / Hurricane Centre: http://www.wvec.com/weather/hurricane/index.html

– Monitor news on local hurricane threats

• National Hurricane Centre: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/– Educate yourself on hurricanes– Monitor current advisories

• Ready Virginia: www.readyvirginia.gov– Get a kit– Make a plan– Stay informed

• Virginia Dept of Transportation: www.virginiadot.org– Virginia Hurricane guide– Virginia Dept of Transportation evacuation Information

• City of Virginia Beach: http://www.vbgov.com/default.aspx– Storm surge data and weather warnings– Flood data and storm surge maps for your address