Storm Surge

Preparing for a Storm Surge

It’s important to be ready for a storm surge so you’re not caught unprepared. Some of the most important things you can do are:

• Know if your property is at risk – chances are you could be affected by storm surge if your property is close to the coast and you have a “nice” bathing beach with a gently sloping shore and swimming water that is not deep or does not drop off suddenly.
• Consult your development planning office – to enquire whether they have a storm surge hazard map for your area so you can gauge the vulnerability and risk of this area to storm surge and the frequency of the event. Talk to old timers to find out how far the sea normally travels during storms or hurricanes.
• Take action to reduce your risk and loss – this is known as mitigation. If your area is susceptible, consult with an engineer about what type of construction would be needed to withstand the worst-case scenario.
• Assess your options –the choice is then with you: either take a risk with the event or spend additional money upfront in construction to withstand the high waves. If storm surge insurance is available, buy it.

• Make plans – make sure you have a well-prepared personal evacuation and participate in the local community processes for planning, preparedness, hazard mapping, evacuation planning and search and rescue.
• Be aware – listen to local radio stations and obey official instructions and advisories.

During a storm surge

If a storm surge is occurring, you need to know the hazards you face and how to minimize those dangers. Some of the most important things you can do are:

• Make sure you’re in a safe place – stay at home, if it’s safe and on high ground. If you are in an unsafe area move to a designated shelter and stay there until the storm is over. If evacuation orders are given, evacuate early to provide better management at shelters and remain indoors.

• Be prepared – If you move to an emergency shelter, make sure you take some food with you, masks and hand sanitizers or rubbing alcohol (70%)

• Listen closely and act – during a storm surge, local authorities will be issuing advisories and official instructions identifying danger zones and issuing evacuation orders. Listen and obey these instructions and evacuate early rather than waiting until it’s too late.

• Know the hazards – the key hazards during a storm surge are:
  • coastal flooding and severely eroded beaches and coastal highways
  • buildings collapsing due to having their foundations eroded
  • salt water intrusion in fresh water wells; when this happens pumping of water may be suspended
  • temporary migration of animals, such as snakes, from flooded coastal areas to more urban areas because of salt water flooding into their habitat.

Sources/more information

• https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge

After hearing a Storm Surge

• Pay close attention – listen to local radio stations and obey advisories and official instructions given by local authorities.
• Stay safe – Do not enter into declared danger zones identified by local authorities and stay clear from collateral activity and await further instructions.

• • Get help if needed – seek necessary medical care at health centres or hospital and boil all drinking water until the Health Authorities have declared the water supply safe.
  • Help out – assist your neighbours and search and rescue personnel. Share information and eyewitness accounts of your area where possible of things like:
    • loose or dangling wires
    • broken sewer or water mains