What to Do in Specific Emergency Situations

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are a type of tropical cyclone, classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Categories 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes. In the United States, all Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. Hurricanes can bring winds that exceed 155 miles per hour and can cause major damage to both coastlines and inland regions. They can also result in severe flooding from coastal surges and excess rain, in which case transit workers should regard the flood  precautions and advice. If you and your customers are caught in a hurricane, understand and adhere to the following:

• A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. 
• A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater or dangerously high water and rough seas)are expected in 24 hours or less.
• Heed warnings and mandatory evacuation orders. Remember, as a transit employee your job may be a vital part of the community’s evacuation plan.  
• If flooding occurs, follow flood guidelines.
• If excessive high winds persist, follow tornado guidelines. 

Transit Facilities:

• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Avoid elevators.
• If power is lost, turn off/unplug major electrical devices to reduce power “surge” when electricity is restored.
• If in a mobile structure, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately.
• If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
  1. Secure your facility by unplugging electrical devices and
     turning off appropriate utilities.   
  2. Collect pre-assembled emergency supplies, extra clothing,
     blankets, and other items and bring to shelter.
  3. Lock up facility and leave.

Transit Vehicles:

• Be aware of community evacuation procedures and routes.
  If possible, stay away from coastal areas, riverbanks, and streams.
  Remain alert while operating your vehicle. Streets or tracks may fill with debris. Road and rail infrastructure may be weakened and could
  distort or collapse. 
• Do not drive or operate on flooded or barricaded roads or bridges.  Closed roads are for your protection. As little as six inches of water  may cause you to lose control of your vehicle—two feet of water will  carry most vehicles away.
• Stay away from downed power lines and do not walk through moving water.
• If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
  1. Collect pre-assembled emergency supplies, extra clothing,
     blankets, and other items and bring to shelter.
  2. Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for  washed-out bridges.