Saffir-Simpson Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on the hurricane's present intensity. This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf and the shape of the coastline, in the landfall region. Note that all winds are using the U.S. 1-minute average.
-National Hurricane Center
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Category
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Winds & Effects
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Storm Surge
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Examples
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B-CU's Plan to each Category |
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1
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74-95 mph (64-82 kt)
No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery and trees. Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage.
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4-5 ft
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 College on alert  Possible cancellation of classes Students restricted to residence halls Food services provided in residence halls Residence hall monitored by security staff |
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2
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96-110 mph (83-95 kt)
Some roofing material, door and window damage. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, etc. Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected moorings may break their moorings.
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6-8 ft
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Students will be relocated to the Performing Arts Center (PAC), a Volusia County approved emergency shelter capable of sustaining category 5 hurricanes Curfew imposed Food service Security Planned student activities Adequate staffing |
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3
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111-130 mph (96-113 kt)
Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings, with minor amount of curtain-wall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys small structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland.
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9-12 ft
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Campus will be evacuated Staff will assist with evacuation/transportation plans Calls will be made to parents/guardians regarding students' plans to travel with friends Students will be asked to complege an evacuation/travel form inclusive of a contact person and relationship to student, telephone number, city, state and email address Parents/Guardians will be responsible for travel costs Online class assignments will be available to students through a link on the College's Homepage |
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4
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131-155 mph (114-135 kt)
More extensive curtain-wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland.
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13-18 ft
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See instructions for Category 3 |
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5
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>155 mph (135 kt)
Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete builiding failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required.
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>18 ft
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See instructions for Category 3 |
In the event that access to the University's website is unavailable, the University's 800 number (1.800.781.9104 or 1.800.781.1968) is a reliable way to obtain updated information regarding students' return to campus and the resumption of classes. During the 2004-05 academic year, the 800 numbers proved to be an effective vehicle to obtain much needed information.
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