Terms to know :
Tropical Wave or Disturbance: A cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorms without an organised circulation, moving through the tropics.
Tropical Depression: An organised system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and top winds of less than 39 mph.
Tropical Storm: An organised system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and top winds of 39 to 74 mph. Tropical storms can quickly develop into hurricanes. Storms are named when they reach Tropical Storm strength.
Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system with a well defined circulation and a sustained wind speed of 74 mph or higher.
Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical Storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning within 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning within 24 hours.
Storm Surge: A dome of seawater up to 20 feet, or 6 meters, high that arrives with a hurricane, and can affect as much as 100 miles of coastline.
What to do:
Before a Hurricane threatens: It is important that you determine your plan of action before a Hurricane strikes. First and foremost, STAY CALM and listen to your local radio station for weather advisories. Monitor the storm's position. Have the following items readily available: Dry cell batteries for flashlights and radios, Canned and dry food, flashlight, battery operated radio, bottled water, First Aid Kit, matches and candles and a manual can opener. Make sure that there is an adequate supply of any special medication that may be necessary.
When a Hurricane threatens: Once a Hurricane Watch or Warning is in effect, you should begin to implement your plan of action. Prepare your home by boarding and taping all windows, store drinking water in clean containers and bathtubs, clear your yard of all loose furniture, equipment, tools, containers, etc. Continue to monitor your local radio station for weather advisories.
During a Hurricane: Once the Hurricane begins, you must remain indoors and stay away from windows.DO NOT leave a window open at the "opposite side" from the storm but open a vent to the attic if you have one. If the centre of the Hurricane passes through your area, stay indoors unless emergency repairs are necessary. The wind and rain may stop for a few minutes or more but the wind will suddenly pick up again from the opposite direction with greater force than before.
Immediately after a Hurricane: Be extremely careful when you venture outside your home. DO NOT touch fallen or hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances. Whether on the ground, hanging free or attached to an object, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Stay away from puddles with fallen wires in them. Monitor your local radio station for updates on Emergency Services.
TTARS, EARS & NEMA
The Emergency Amateur Radio Service (EARS) consists of licensed amateur radio operators, organised by TTARS, who have volunteered to provide radio communicationsin support of the public services in the event of an emergency.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is responsible for all emergency services under the NEMA Director who co-ordinates all emergency activities.
The NEMA Sub-Committee for Telecommunications co-ordinates all communication services at an emergency.
TTARS is organised into four (4) Regions, with main centres at Port of Spain, Chaguanas, San Fernando, and Scarborough.
EARS is organised at three levels; National, Regional and Local. The Management Committee of TTARS appoints the National Emergency Co-ordinator (NEC) who is responsible for overall co-ordination of EARS activities. The NEC liaises with the Telecommunication Sub-Committee of NEMA.
The Regional Representative and members of TTARS resident in the specific Region appoint the Regional Emergency Co-ordinators (REC) who reports to the NEC and co-ordinates all EARS activities within the assigned Region. The REC liaises with the regional officials of the Public Services Agencies.
The TTARS Regional Representative and the REC appoint Assistant Regional Emergency Co-ordinators (AREC) who report to the REC and co-ordinate all EARS activities at a local level. The EARS volunteers resident in the local area report to the AREC.
The EARS emergency plan provides a guide to assist all members of EARS in fulfilling their primary responsibility of furnishing an effective communication service as requested in the event of an emergency or disaster.
9Y4IH Ian Hart
