Practical advice for Dallas/Fort Worth DUers (Hurricane Rita)

derby378

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Wed Sep-21-05 03:25 PM
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Practical advice for Dallas/Fort Worth DUers (Hurricane Rita)

Some of you may remember my mentioning on DU that Dallas and Fort Worth are virtually hurricane-proof.

If Hurricane Rita continues to gain strength at its current rate, the above statement may be rendered inoperative.

Put simply, the lower the central air pressure in a hurricane, the stronger the hurricane. The average normal sea level air pressure is 1,016 millibars. The minimum central pressure of Hurricane Katrina, in contrast, has been estimated at 902 millibars. The strongest hurricane observed in the Atlantic was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, measured at 888 millibars.

Hurricane Rita, as of 12:45 CDT, has been measured at 923 millibars and falling. The pressure plunged 10 millibars earlier this morning from 944 to 934 over a 15-minute period.

All hurricanes begin to lose strength once the eye makes landfall, but a river or lake of adequate size and volume can prolong the life cycle of a hurricane. The Trinity River may provide enough sustenance to Hurricane Rita to allow it to push as far north as Dallas and Fort Worth before it downgrades into a tropical storm. If this happens, and if Rita follows its current projected path, Rita may hit the Metroplex by Sunday.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA
- Strong winds betwee 74-95 mph
- Storm surge of 4-5 feet above normal
- Possible formation of short-duration tornadoes
- Damage to mobile homes, trees, and shrubbery
- Possible flooding in downtown areas, riverside communities, and low-lying areas

WHAT TO DO IN PREPARATION
1. Fill your tanks with gasoline today while prices are relatively low in case of refinery damage in the Houston/Galveston/Texas City area.
2. Make sure your family or household has at least one well-stocked first-aid kit with bandages, alcohol pads, antibiotic ointment, gauze, etc.
3. Keep durable flashlights handy and stocked with fresh batteries in case of power failure.
4. Seal important documents (insurance papers, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, passports, etc.) in waterproof containers.
5. Keep a battery-operated or handcrank-operated radio available that can receive weather updates.
6. Stock up on drinkable water - at least one gallon per person per day.
7. Only idiots and trust fund kids wear Prada and Paul Smith during rainstorms; keep seasonal rain gear and sturdy shoes handy. Check your local military surplus store.
8. If you have pets, make sure they have adequate food and water, and don't forget to love on them constantly, because they're scared, too.
9. There probably will not be any need for Dallas/Fort Worth residents to evacuate, but designate an evacuation route and destination just in case.
10. Keep some books or games handy to exercise your mind while the storm blows over you.
11. If possible, secure your car to protect it from flying debris, falling trees, downed power lines, flooding, etc.

AFTER THE HURRICANE
1. Check the food in your refrigerator for spoilage.
2. If you must drive, avoid low-hanging power lines and anything touching them.
3. Depending on the severity of the storm, some bridges and roads may be weakened and could collapse. When in doubt, find another route.
4. Watch out for poisonous snakes! High water and piles of debris will attract snakes of all kinds.
5. If you must clear debris, do not do it with your bare hands (see #4 above). Use a rake, pole, etc.
6. Make sure that your local water supply has been declared safe before using it for cooking, bathing, or drinking.