Tropical Cyclones: Preparation and Safety

Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are all the same weather phenomenon.  They are all tropical cyclones but are called different things depending on where they originated. The tropical cyclone seasons may be categorized as below:

• June to November. Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific Ocean
• November to April. South Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
• April to January. Northwest Pacific Ocean

While these are the times when storms are most likely to happen, it is possible for intense storms to occur at any other time. If you are planning to travel, monitor the weather and take precautions as needed, prepare for an emergency, and follow standard travel advice.

Before you travel

• Review country information for information on safety and security risks.
• If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas follow Traveler Guidelines.
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before your departure. Enrolling your trip in STEP allows you to receive important information about safety conditions in your destination and helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you in an emergency.
• Keep the contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with you.
• Develop a Personal Emergency Action Plan (PEAP).
• Be aware of potential weather hazards and plan accordingly.  Include mitigation measures in your PEAP.
• Inquire with your hosts or other trusted local connections about emergency response procedures for cyclones and related adversities at your destination.

If affected by a cyclone

• Find the nearest safe place for shelter.
• Stay in touch with your local network, and local authorities for evacuation instructions.
• Contact your loved ones and let them know you are okay.
• If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, let the University know you are okay or contact International SOS to request assistance.
• Stay aware of developments by monitoring local media.
• Monitor the storm through the National Hurricane Center or other global tropical cyclone warning center.

After the cyclone has passed

• Keep yourself safe after the storm by following the CDC’s safety tips.
• Protect yourself from infectious diseases caused by flood water and standing water.
• Prompt first aid can help with small wounds and prevent infection.  Seek immediate medical assistance as needed.
• Learn about some of the common health issues you might experience after returning home.
• If you feel sick, visit your doctor and let them know about your trip.

Additional resources

• U.S. Department of State. Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters.
• The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Tropical Cyclones: a preparedness guide.
• Australian Bureau of Meteorology. South Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook for 2018 to 2019.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Test your knowledge: Hurricanes.
• International Risk and Safety, UT Dallas: Personal Emergency Action Plan.

Sources

• U.S. Department of State. Crisis Abroad: Be Ready
• U.S. Department of State. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hurricanes and Other Tropical Storms; Preparedness & Response
• Australian Bureau of Meteorology: Surviving Cyclones: Preparation & Safety Procedures
• Federal Emergency Management Agency. Hurricanes
• US Embassy: Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
• National Hurricane Center: News & Local media reports on Hurricanes
• University College London: Tropical Storm Risk Tracker

The risk information in this post is retrieved from sources as listed in the post. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the published date of this post,  and go to the direct sources listed in the post for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.