Badgers Abroad

Episode #7 - The Basics of Tropical Storms

• UW–Madison International Safety & Security

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Jeremy Rohrer: Welcome to the Badgers Abroad podcast. My name is Jeremy, and I'm the Assistant International Safety and Security Director at UW Madison's International Division and the host of this podcast. In today's episode, I'm going to talk about tropical storms and how you can plan and prepare for them while traveling abroad. 

Tropical storms are a broad term that encompasses hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones. To be clear, you don't have to be visiting a tropical destination or a coastline to be affected by a tropical storm. They can impact destinations all over the world, including inland areas. Now, while they don't exclusively impact tropical areas, tropical storms do typically form over tropical or subtropical water, and may have different names based on where they originate. Hurricanes refer to tropical storms that occur in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Typhoons are storms that occur in the northwest Pacific Ocean. And cyclones are storms that occur in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

Regardless of where they occur or what they are called, tropical storms can be a serious threat when you're traveling. These storms can include a variety of hazards like storm surges, high winds, heavy rain, flooding, landslides, and tornadoes, which can cause widespread damage. Tropical storms often bring heavy rainfall, even to inland areas, which can lead to widespread flooding. Floodwaters can be fast-moving and deadly, carrying dangerous debris and contaminants. Heavy rainfall and steep terrain can trigger mudslides and landslides, which can occur with little warning and be extremely dangerous and destructive. 

Storms can cause significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, power lines, and buildings. This damage can pose safety risks, such as collapsed buildings and unstable structures. Damage to roads and infrastructure may limit access to emergency services, medical facilities, and supplies. Affected areas may experience serious shortages of safe housing, electricity, communication services, food, potable water, and medical capacity. Downed power lines and damaged electrical systems can present electrocution hazards. Storms can also scatter debris such as broken glass, building materials, tree branches, and other objects. Walking or working around debris can lead to injuries. 

Flooding and heavy rain can leave behind standing water, which can increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and leptospirosis. Disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rats can thrive in post-storm conditions. Floodwaters can collect waterborne contaminants such as sewage and animal waste, which can breed disease and persist for months. Damaging storms may knock out the power or destroy water pumps or treatment facilities, limiting the ability to store and cook food, and jeopardizing access to safe drinking water and making it impossible to conduct personal hygiene or wash clothes. Storms can also damage facilities that contain hazardous materials such as fuel or industrial chemicals, creating spills that contaminate the area and take significant time and resources to clean up. 

After a storm has passed through an area, hazards and disruptions can persist for days, weeks, or months. With all that said, you can protect yourself by preparing for tropical storms before you travel. Stay informed ahead of time and know the risks for your area, including what the storm seasons are. Have an emergency kit and emergency plan, and know where to get appropriate storm information. Listen to local authorities and follow the instructions and advisories issued by local agencies and the nearest U.S. embassy. 

Before your trip, familiarize yourself with international tropical storm forecasting resources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System, the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center, and the Department of Defense's Joint Typhoon Warning Center. I'll include links to all of these resources in the show notes. 

Research and follow the local news and local government social media, particularly local weather services, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency management, and civil defense agencies. Local U.S. embassies and consulates may also share information about developing storms, so it's important to sign up for the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so you can get embassy alerts about severe weather or emergency resources. 

Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and mentally rehearse how you would get out and where you would go if you needed to leave for a storm. When packing for your trip, consider bringing a portable power bank and a solar charger so you can recharge devices in case you lose power. Bring appropriate shoes, weather gear, and clothes, including long-sleeved shirts and pants. No matter where you go, it's always a good idea to have a good pair of sturdy, closed-toed shoes that you can walk in for long distances. It's also important to bring general preparedness items like fresh batteries, a first aid kit, a light source like a headlamp or flashlight, and an emergency radio. Bring a small, easily carried bag for an emergency kit in case you have to relocate. 

When you get to your destination, put together a well-stocked emergency kit that includes some local currency, bottled drinking water, non-perishable food, and medication. Crackers, canned goods, peanut butter, and other packaged foods are good options because they take up limited space and will keep for a long time if unopened. It's important to have enough food and water to last you several days in case you can't access resources. 

Consider scanning your important documents and storing digital copies in a secure cloud storage service. Also print important documents, including lists of emergency phone numbers and travel insurance information, and keep those in a dry container as well. Store the extra water, food, and medication. with your other emergency items and important documents. Make sure your kit is kept in a cool, dry spot that is easily accessible and not exposed to sunlight. 

Continuously monitor international disasters and weather agencies, local news and weather services, and host country emergency management or civil defense agencies, so you don't get caught off guard by a storm. If a storm is approaching, make sure you're prepared to act in a proactive manner. Follow local guidance and directives, including evacuation orders. Locate local shelters and evacuation routes. Let your family, friends, and UW-Madison contacts know how you plan to remain safe during a developing storm. 

Consider local directives and U.S. Embassy guidance and work with your group and local hosts to determine where the best place is to ride out the storm. Always listen to local authorities and the nearest embassy regarding whether you should evacuate or stay at home. Never ignore an order to evacuate. Even sturdy, well-constructed buildings may not hold up against the impacts of a tropical storm. Remember, each storm and destination is going to be different. You need to take all the factors into account when you make your plan. 

If you need to evacuate, grab your emergency supply kit and follow the guidance of local officials. Travel in groups and have a plan for where you will go and how you will get there. Follow through with that plan. Create backup plans in case your original plan doesn't work out. Keep your emergency kit, your important documents, and cell phone on you at all times. Avoid traveling at night if you can. Stay in contact with your family and university contacts and local hosts and keep them updated on your status and your progress. 

If you need to shelter in place, keep your emergency supply kit easily accessible. Check the internet, radio, or TV for updates on the storm. If you can go to a designated storm shelter or sturdy building away from flood-prone areas, do so. Once the storm hits, stay inside unless there's an emergency. Even if it looks calm, don't go outside. Wait until you hear or see an official message that the storm is over. There could be more bad weather on the way. Try to stay towards the interior of the building and definitely stay away from windows. You could get hurt by pieces of broken glass or flying debris. Be ready to leave if you need to, especially if emergency authorities order you to leave or if the place you're staying in is damaged or if it becomes compromised by floodwater or other hazards. Have an idea of where you could go as a backup facility. But again, remember, don't go outside unless it's absolutely necessary. 

Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just a few inches of fast-moving water can knock you down or sweep away your vehicle. After the storm, observe the guidance of local officials and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Travelers should be extremely cautious if they're trying to navigate through impacted areas, especially around debris or standing water. If you must go out after the storm, avoid damaged areas, travel in groups, and wear protective clothing and good shoes. Mold, chemicals, and other dangerous things may be in the air, so you may need to use appropriate face coverings or a mask. You should never, for any reason, approach or touch downed power lines or other exposed electrical lines or wires, as they may still carry an electrical charge. Do not enter floodwater. It can contain dangerous pathogens that can cause illness or infections. There may also be dangerous debris, chemicals, waste, and wildlife. Follow the guidance of local officials and communicate with those around you and your contacts back home. 

That is just a brief introduction to planning and preparing for tropical storms while traveling. So you need to make sure you do your own research, create your own plans, and stay aware of the risks at your destination. Preparedness starts with you. Take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and well-being and inspire those around you to do the same. Stay prepared, stay informed, stay empowered, and stay ready for whatever challenges may come your way. That concludes this episode. Thank you for listening. Until next time, stay safe out there.