Taken by Storm: UH Offers Hurricane Experts for Array of Topics

Houston, TX, June 24, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Hurricane Ike was the third most destructive hurricane to ever make landfall in the United States and left such an imprint as to be among the list of retired hurricane names for the annals. As you consider stories for your coverage of this year’s storm season, be prepared with resources from the University of Houston.

Insurance Policies Key to Protection
Robert Schneller, director for environmental health and risk management, can discuss what type of insurance is needed for hurricane coverage. He can talk about why residents in coastal counties need separate policies for windstorm damage, about FEMA’s national flood insurance program and tips on steps to take before a hurricane or tropical storm hits and what to do after if property damage is sustained.

Keeping Anxieties at Bay
For many Houston-area residents who survived Hurricane Ike, another round of storms brings another round of anxieties. Peter Norton, a clinical psychologist who runs UH’s Anxiety Disorder Clinic, works on the front lines of treatment and research.

Survivors Struggling with Post Trauma
While it will take years to fully understand Hurricane Ike’s profound effects on locals’ mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder likely will play a significant role. Patrick Bordnick, an associate professor in social work, runs a lab equipped with a storm simulator used to treat those with PTSD and also has treated patients with general storm phobias.

Storm Chaser Tackles Hurricanes
Geosciences professor James Lawrence has developed a device to measure salt content of rain while flying through tropical storms and hurricanes. Lawrence’s research is aimed at understanding how extra heat derived from sea spray enhances the development of the dangerous Category 3 to 5 hurricanes. The instrument was developed for use on the NOAA P3 research aircraft and flew last fall in Hurricane Paloma. His team is rebuilding the device to make it sturdier, with plans to fly it on all the hurricane missions of the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA this season.

Medication Safety Nets
Pharmacy professor Ray Hammond can offer tips on precautions people should take to ensure they have access to needed prescription medication during hurricanes or other natural disasters. They also can discuss a state law that can provide a safety net for patients, along with other medication-related preparedness tips.

Evacuations: How to Respond During, After the Storm
Peter Bishop, associate professor of human development and consumer science, can discuss a strategic plan for evacuation and can explore the potential long-term economic and social repercussions of disasters. Bishop also can address changes in public policies and people’s behavior in the face of hurricanes, as well as society’s fears of natural disasters and how those fears trigger reactions such as the massive evacuation during Hurricane Rita.

Food Safety When Power is Out
Jay Neal and Nancy Graves, professors with the College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, can answer questions about how long food can go before spoiling without refrigeration and what steps can be taken to protect food in your freezer in the event of an extended power outage.

Shelter from the Storm
In times of crisis the hospitality industry recognizes a responsibility to those escaping the storm. Carl Boger, with the College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, can address how hotels manage the crisis for the weary traveler.

What to do about Work in Case of Crisis
Holly Hutchins, assistant professor of human development and consumer science, can discuss the effects a hurricane will have on employees, such as maintaining contact with employers and what to do when their place of employment has been destroyed. She also can address issues that face employers, including the areas of crisis management training and post-crisis learning.

Legal Matters Associated with Storms
Richard Alderman with the UH Law Center can discuss topics such as price gouging before hurricanes and consumer complaints about repairs, landlords, insurance issues and other legal matters involving damage to homes, trees and businesses in the aftermath of a storm.

Beach Replenishment
Geosciences professor Donald Van Nieuwenhuise says that while beach replenishment is touted to bring in tourist dollars, it is a short-term solution to protect Galveston from hurricanes. He can discuss past sand replenishment efforts, including what occurred with Hurricane Ike, and explain why even a Category 2 hurricane could easily remove all beach replenishment sands.

Economics of Disaster Relief
Economics professor Thomas DeGregori has written the article “The Do’s and Don’ts of Disaster Relief.” He is an economic development expert, who has been an adviser on disaster relief.

Mitigating Damage
Cumaraswamy Vipulanandan, chair of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Texas Hurricane Center for Innovative Technologies, deals with how to mitigate damage to structures and pipelines on and offshore, and how to protect coastal areas during extreme weather conditions.

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