Disaster Preparation and Recovery 

• Take Action during a Tornado Warning!
• Hurricane Safety Rules
• Keep Clear from Lightning!
• Floods

Disaster Response Information

Storm Preparation: "It is not a matter of IF... but WHEN!"

The Storms of 2005 & 2006

The 2007 "Groundhog Day" tornadoes placed CCCF in the arena of early responders. Strong on the ground and knowledgeable about the most vulnerable populations, CCCF uniquely responded with personnel and resources to communities touched by disaster. As a member of The Florida Catholic Conference and Catholic Charities USA, CCCF had the reach and support beyond our diocesan boundaries and was honored with the Governor's Award for Disaster Preparation and Recovery in 2007.

This past year, CCCF took command and control responsibilities for an Emergency Communications Vehicle (ECV). The unit is self-contained/self-powered and has wireless and satellite, emergency response operations for use at a disaster site. The unit is a 7'x14' Wells Cargo dual axel Cargo Master, with a Trac Star satellite system and an Onan 12KW generator to power computer and communications equipment.

The northern counties of the Diocese of Orlando were hit very hard by the "Groundhog Day" tornadoes, February 2, 2007. CCCF, First Baptist Church of Paisley, and Northland Community Church have partnered together to bring relief to the victims in underserved areas. To date, 4 families have received new manufactured homes with 3 more on the way. Other Long-Term Recovery Operations are handled in conjunction with LASER (Lake and Sumter Emergency Recovery) County program.

To contribute to the Catholic Charities Disaster fund, please send your donation to:

Catholic Charities Disaster Fund
1771 N. Semoran Blvd.
Orlando, Fl 32807-3598

Click here to Make a Donation

Take Action during a Tornado Warning!

Tornadoes are violent rotating wind storms that spawn from powerful Thunderstorms, and are capable of causing extensive personal and property destruction within seconds. Wind speeds can reach up to 300 miles an hour,
and can move along the ground erratically at rapid speed. Its path of
destruction can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. 

A tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service means that a tornado has been sighted and confirmed, and thus, immediate action is required to protect yourself and others.  You should take the following action:

• If you are at home or work, go to your designated shelter immediately!
• Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
• If you are at home or at work, go to the basement or storm cellar. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lower level of the building. Get under a doorway or table and remain there until the tornado has passed.
• If you are in a vehicle, pull over, get out and seek a secure building to enter. If a secure building is not an option, seek a ditch in the ground, lie down flat, and cover your head with your arms.

For additional information on Tornado Safety tips, click on the following Links

 http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornadoguide.html

Back to Top

Hurricane Safety Rules

• Enter each hurricane season prepared. The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30th.  Periodically check your supply of boards, tools, batteries, nonperishable foods, and the equipment you will need if a hurricane strikes.
• Store drinking water in jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils; your water supply may become contaminated.
• Check battery-powered equipment. The radio may be your only link with the world outside the hurricane. Emergency lights and flashlights will be needed if utilities are interrupted.
• When you hear the first tropical storm advisory, listen for future messages; this will prepare you for a hurricane emergency well in advance of the issuance of a WATCH and a WARNING.  Plan your time before the storm arrives and avoid the last minute hurry which might leave you marooned or unprepared.
• When your area is covered by a hurricane WATCH, continue normal activities, but stay turned to radio or television for all National Weather Service advisories. Remember, a hurricane WATCH means possible danger within 36 hours. A hurricane WARNING will be issued within 24 hours of landfall. Meanwhile, keep alert. Ignore rumors. Keep calm.
• When your area receives a hurricane WARNING:
• Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters. Danger to small windows is mainly from wind-driven debris. Larger windows may be broken by wind pressure.
• Secure outdoor objects that might be blown away or uprooted. Harmless items become missiles of destruction in hurricane winds. Anchor them or store them inside before the storm strikes.
• Leave low-lying areas that may be swept by high tides, storm surges, or flooding.                                    
• Keep your vehicles fueled.  Service stations may be inoperable for several days.
• Remain indoors during the hurricane. Travel is extremely dangerous when winds and tides are whipping through your area.
• Monitor the storm’s position through National Weather Service advisories.
• Beware the eye of the hurricane. If the calm storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to half an hour or more.
• Stay in a safe place unless emergency repairs are absolutely necessary. But remember, at the other side of the eye, the winds rise very rapidly to hurricane force, and come from the opposite direction.

When the hurricane has passed:

• Seek necessary medical care at designated disaster stations or hospitals.
• Stay out of emergency areas. Unless you are qualified to help, your presence might hamper first-aid and rescue work. Remember that hurricanes moving inland can cause severe flooding.
• Stay away from river banks and streams.
• Drive carefully along debris-filled streets. Roads may be undermined and may collapse under the weight of a car.
• Avoid loose or dangling wires and report them immediately to the power company or the police. Any objects may become electrically charged when in contact with a downed power line.
• Report broken sewer or water mains to water department.
• Prevent fires. Lowered water pressure may make fire fighting difficult.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage if power has been off during the storm.

Back to Top

Keep Clear from Lightning!

Lightning is a common killer within Thunderstorms, and occurs year round. Lightning, supercharged heated electric discharges within a Thunderstorm, can strike ground up to 30 miles away from Thunderhead.

If you hear thunder, you are within Lightning striking distance!  Get inside a home, other building or car.

While in a home or building during a Thunderstorm….

• Do not use the land-line telephone.  If lightning hits the telephone lines, it could flow to the phone.
• Avoid running water within a building. Do not take a shower, bath, or do the dishes, etc., as the metal pipes can conduct electricity.

If you are caught outside during a Thunderstorm…..

• Stay clear from tall objects, such as cell towers, trees, flagpoles, etc.
• Do not stand on a hilltop, but rather, seek a low ditch or ravine.
• Stay clear from open water.  If you are on a boat, come in to shore immediately.
• Stay clear from any large metal objects, such as metal fences, tractors, etc., as these objects act as conductors for lightning.

If you feel a pronounced tingling on your skin, and your hair is standing on end, you need to get down near the ground immediately!  Lightning is about to strike you!

• Drop to your knees and bend forward putting your hands on your knees.  Do not lie flat on the ground.

For additional information regarding Lightning safety tips, click on the following links.

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/emergency/weather/lightning/

Back to Top

Floods

Floods are the most common natural disasters.  Being prepared for local and regional flooding is necessary, especially if you live in flood prone areas, including low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a levee or dam.

The following steps are necessary to prepare for a flood.

• Listen to NOAA radio or watch the “Weather Channel” to receive possible flood advisories within your area.
• Be prepared to evacuate to higher ground, and know your evacuation route.
• Unplug and elevate all power cords within your home or building.
• Move electronic equipment to a windowless room and cover or encase in plastic bags or sheeting. Seal bags with duct tape.  Equipment can include computers, telephones, file servers, home electronic appliances (microwaves, TV’s), etc.
• Place as many items within your home or work up on tables.
• If instructed by local authorities, turn off the water, electricity and gas when flooding is imminent.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit and have plenty of drinking water and canned food readily available.

For additional information on Flooding and Flood Safety tips, click on the links below.

http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/floodsafe.shtml

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm

Back to Top