Page 76 - DB Crisis Management Guide

Natural Disaster and Fire

Similar to a tornado, the National Weather Service will provide advance warning of a potential hurricane or
tropical storm, which can also cause significant damage. In some cases the store may close during a tropical
storm because of anticipated flooding and high winds. Prior to landfall, any store in the hurricane’s path or
surrounding area will be closed. Most often these same areas will be evacuated by authorities to lessen the
risk of injury or death from the storm. The important thing is to monitor the news, stay in close contact with
your ROD/ROM, and make adjustments to the schedule below based on the current situation. Remember, your
safety and that of your Team Members and Guests is your first priority.

Part of knowing what to do for a hurricane includes understanding the terms and phrases used by officials
when a hurricane strike is imminent.

UNDERSTANDING HURRICANE WATCH AND WARNING TERMS

Tropical Storm High winds (39-73 mph) are
Tropical storms also pose a risk for
many parts of the country. While Watch possible within 48 hours
tropical storms have lower wind
speeds than hurricanes, they can still Tropical Storm High winds (39-73 mph) are likely
bring dangerous storm surges, heavy Warning within 36 hours
rain and high winds.
Hurricane force winds (74 mph or
Hurricanes produce three major
threats: wind, storm surge and Hurricane Watch greater) are possible within 48
flooding. Hurricane wind speed is used hours
to determine a hurricane’s category,
and stronger winds have a greater Hurricane Warning Hurricane force winds (74 mph or
potential to damage trees, buildings greater) are likely within 36 hours
and homes.
Life-threatening coastal flooding
Storm surge refers to water that is
pushed onto land by the hurricane. The Storm Surge Watch from storm surge is possible within
risk of storm surge determines 48 hours
whether or not an area is subject to
evacuation during a hurricane. In Life-threatening coastal flooding
addition, hurricanes bring rain, which Storm Surge from storm surge is likely within 36
can cause flooding inland, even in Warning hours
areas not subject to storm surge
evacuations.

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