October 2011

As we enter the fifth month of hurricane season, Tropical Storms Ophelia and Philippe have been churning in the Atlantic Ocean, one near Newfoundland, Canada, the other far south of Bermuda. According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Ophelia weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm as it neared the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland.

Tropical Storm Philippe is expected to begin to turn away from land and back into the Atlantic. As of the last advisory, Philippe had maximum sustained winds near 65 mph as it moved west at 12 mph. The storm was about 745 miles southeast of Bermuda and 1575 miles west of Miami. Little change in strength has been projected over the next few days and there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

To date the Atlantic has seen 16 named storms, including four hurricanes. Since we still have two months left in this year's hurricane season, below is a recap of some of the biggest threats posed by hurricanes and ways to prepare for them.

Storm Surge

According to the National Hurricane Center, the greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from storm surge. Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. The surge combines with normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. Wind-driven waves also add to the storm tide. The danger from the storm tide cannot be underestimated, as much of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast is not higher than 10 feet above mean sea level.

Storm Surge Safety Actions

• Minimize the distance you must travel to reach a safe location; the further you drive, the higher the likelihood of encountering traffic congestion and problems.
• Use the evacuation routes designated by authorities and, if possible, become familiar with them before an evacuation order is issued.
• Contact your local emergency management office to register or get information for anyone in your household requiring special assistance to evacuate.
• Board up doors and windows before leaving, turn off utilities, and secure all loose objects outside.

Winds

Hurricane intensity striking land is expressed in terms of wind speeds and potential damage. Less intense storms may still be strong enough to produce damage, especially in areas that have not prepared in advance. Hurricane-force winds can easily destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.

High-rise buildings are also vulnerable to hurricane-force winds, particularly at the higher levels since wind speed tends to increase with height. It is not uncommon for high-rise buildings to suffer a great deal of damage due to windows being blown out. For this reason, the areas surrounding these buildings can be very dangerous.

High Wind Safety Actions

• Find out if your home meets current building code requirements for high winds.
• Protect all windows by installing shutters or plywood panels. Reinforce all garage doors so that they are able to withstand high winds. Garage doors are the first to fail.
• If you do not have to evacuate, designate an interior room with no windows or external doors as a "Safe Room."

Tornadoes

Hurricanes can also produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Some hurricanes seem to produce no tornadoes, while others develop multiple ones. In general, tornadoes associated with hurricanes are less intense than those that occur in the Great Plains. Nonetheless, the extent of damage caused by tornadoes can be as great as it can be unpredictable.

Flooding

The National Hurricane Center reports that in the 1970s-1990s, inland flooding was responsible for more than half of the deaths associated with hurricanes and storms in the United States. Inland flooding can be a major threat to communities hundreds of miles from the coast. Wind speed does not relate to rainfall, which can be extensive in slow-moving storms and cause considerable inundation and damage. Hurricane Floyd (1999) brought intense rains and record flooding to the Eastern U.S. Of the 56 people who died, 50 drowned from inland flooding.

Flooding Safety Actions

• If you live in a potential flood zone and have been asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Do not attempt to cross flowing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Have flood insurance. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
• Avoid driving into water of unknown depth. Moving water can quickly sweep your vehicle away.
• Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
• Test water to make sure it is safe to drink.
• Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
• Wash canned goods that come in contact with floodwaters with soap and hot water.

Remember the resources Ryder has made available to you during a storm:

The Emergency Broadcast Network (1-888-RYDER-911) provides employees with a pre-recorded status report on emergency conditions in a disaster area. The hotline is active 24 hours, seven days a week and is updated as conditions warrant. This network will be used for any major disaster situation affecting Ryder.

The Ryder Employee Help Desk (1-800-88-RYDER) will assist employees who request emergency services due to disaster. Services include, but are not limited to, cash or loans, food, clothing, counseling, temporary shelter, and transportation..

Interesting Hurricane Facts
Did you know…?

2011 Archived Issues
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