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Getting
Ready For A Hurricane
Your
Home, What To Do Before Hurricane Season
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During
A Hurricane
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Hurricane Information
After
The Hurricane Passes
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1. INTRODUCTION
This guide is a compilation of the best advice from experts such as the National Hurricane Center, American Red Cross and Emergency Management Offices.
Experts believe the best way to cope with a hurricane is to prepare a plan in advance. In addition, you must be able to separate myths from facts.
2. WHAT IS A HURRICANE
A hurricane is a type of tropical storm with strong winds circulating around an extreme low-pressure area. When wind speed reaches 74 miles per hour, the storm is officially classified as a HURRICANE.
A hurricane's spiraling wind and rain bands can extend hundreds of miles from its eye. As the storm approaches land, tornadoes may form around its outer edges.
The most dangerous part of a hurricane is the storm surge, the large dome of water that floods the coast as the storm makes landfall. This surge is the greatest threat to life. Even if the storm strikes at low tide, the water level might reach as high as 20 feet at the shoreline. Flooding is also caused by heavy rains as the hurricane moves inland.
Most hurricanes start in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Although "hurricane season" runs from June 1st to November 30th, most hurricanes strike I August, September and October.
3. HURRICANE-RELATED TERMS
- TROPICAL DISTURBANCE: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms without a defined circulation.
- TROPICAL STORM: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.
- HURRICANE WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in 24-36 hours. You should complete all hurricane preparations. Follow evacuation instructions from local officials. Leave immediately after an evacuation notice is issued to avoid delays.
- HURRICANE WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible within 36-48 hours. You should begin preliminary preparations to protect life and property. Stay tuned to radio and TV for weather updates.
4. SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE
The severity of hurricanes is rated using the Saffir/Simpson scale. This scale assigns a storm to one of five categories based on its wind speed. Category one is a minimal hurricane and category five is the strongest. Using this scale helps estimate the potential property damage and expected coastal flooding from a hurricane.
Categories Wind Speed
1 74-95 mph
2 96-110 mph
3 111-130 mph
4 131-155 mph
5 155 + mph
5. PRE-HURRICANE PLANNING
Before hurricane season begins, experts agree that one of the best things to do is prepare a family hurricane plan - an outline that specifies what every member of the family will do before, during and after a hurricane.
Some general guidelines for preparing your family hurricane plan are:
- Find out if you live in an evacuation zone.
- Call your local emergency information center.
- Decide in advance where your family will stay during a hurricane - at home, a friend's home, a shelter or a hotel. Pick a back-up location in case there is a problem with your first choice. Make sure everyone knows the location, address and phone number.
- Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to be your emergency contact, and make sure everyone knows that person's phone number. Tell your contact person where you will be during the hurricane.
- Make arrangements for those with special needs.
- Talk to your employer about whether you will have to work in the event of a hurricane. If so, decide who will pick up the children from school.
- Practice and review your plan.
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