Surviving Natural Disasters

Lockheed Martin WC-130J Hercules hunts hurricanes.

A tropical cyclone is a rotating low-pressure weather system of organized thunderstorms without a front. Cyclones, Hurricanes, and Typhoons are all categorized as tropical cyclones, the only difference being where they occur. A hurricane usually originates in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or Northeastern Pacific Ocean, but less frequently they can originate in the North Central Pacific Ocean. A typhoon originates in the North Western Pacific Ocean. A cyclone originates in the Indian Ocean or South Pacific Ocean. The only difference between a cyclone, hurricane, and typhoon is where they occur. The characteristics of the storm are the same. 

If you are living in the USA in an area that is vulnerable to cyclones, hurricanes, or typhoons, visit the National Hurricane Center and the Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Center on a frequent basis. Check the graphics of each active storm and review the most recent advisories for each of the active storms to see if you are, or will be, in the path of the storm. For additional information on extreme weather events throughout the world, see the Worldwide List of Extreme Weather Events.

Both mental and physical preparation is required to survive natural disasters like cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons. Mentally be aware your situation - where you are geographically with respect to the oncoming storm, do you plan to flee or shelter in place, an escape route to a safe destination, and transportation available to get you to that safe destination. Physically be prepared with quick access to food, water, shelter and transportation. Some ideas include; Assembling a kit with essential supplies such as food, water, bandages, batteries, cell phone and charger, and cash. Credit and debit cards will not be your best bet if the storm causes an electronic payment system outage. Create a list of items and take photos of these items in your house and verify what your insurance will cover. If you choose to evacuate, decide where you would move to and how to get there. In the case you would not be able to drive to your safe destination, find out which bus, train, or plane routes would help you arrive there. When the storm threatens your area, attempt to protect your home from storm damage. If any local or state evacuation orders are given, comply with them. If you had planned to travel to an area at the mercy of a cyclone for vacation, cancel or reschedule your vacation to a different date. If you were to travel to an area under the threat of a storm for work-related business, consider virtual options if postponing is not possible. Should you decide to shelter in place protect yourself from high winds and flooding using a storm shelter or interior room. If trapped by flood water go to the highest floor of the building you are in. Don't shelter in a closet as you may be trapped by flood waters. Stay out of the flood waters. Even very low levels of flood water are dangerous and are notorious for containing biologic pathogens and swift currents in which you may drown. Do not return to the threatened area until you are informed that it is safe to do so. Continue to be watchful of any potential hazards such as downed power lines or phone lines, unknown bodies of water, or remaining debris from the storm. 

General information concerning the mental and physical preparation required to survive cyclones, etc. maybe be found on The Psychology of Survival page of this website. Additional information specific to surviving cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons may be found on the U.S. Federal Government Ready Dot Gov website.