Hurricane Information and Preparedness
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Hurricane Information
Hurricanes
A hurricane is a powerful, rotating storm that forms over warm ocean waters near the Equator. They usually travel from the ocean to the coast and on to land, where the wind, rain, and storm surge can cause extensive destruction. On average, there are about 100 storms worldwide each year; 12 form in the Atlantic Ocean, 15 in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the rest are in other areas.Hurricane winds blow in a counterclockwise spiral around the calm, roughly circular center called the eye. In the eye, it is relatively calm and there is little or no rain. Surrounding the eye is the eyewall, a wall of thunderclouds. The eyewall has the most rain and the strongest winds. The smaller and more compact the eye, the stronger the winds. The winds spiral around the eye in a counterclockwise direction, so if you are facing in the direction that the hurricane is traveling, the right side generally has the fastest winds, and the left side usually has the most rain. In addition, long spiral rain bands surround the eye and can be hundreds of miles across. Generally, hurricanes travel relatively slowly, usually at about 20 to 25 mph and when they move over land the storm begins to weaken and dies down rather quickly.
Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.
Hurricane Resource Information
- National Hurricane Center
- Government Hurricane Information Website
- Fema & Flood Insurance
- FEMA Flood Information
- FEMA for Kids
- Hurricane Information for Kids
Terms to Know
Tropical Wave:A cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorms with little or no circulation or strong winds.
Tropical Depression:
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with some circulation at the surface and winds less than 39mph.
Tropical Storm:
An organized system of thunderstorms with strong circulation and winds of 39 to 73mph.
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch:
Possible storm or hurricane conditions within 36 hours.
Hurricane:
An organized system of very strong thunderstorms, pronounced circulation and winds greater than 74mph.
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning:
Expected storm or hurricane conditions within 24 hours.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale:
Category 1 Hurricane - 74 to 95mph winds. Damage primarily to trees and unanchored mobile homes; minor flooding.
Category 2 Hurricane - 96 to 110mph winds. Some damage to roofs, doors, windows, trees and shrubbery; damaging coastal flooding, minor inland flooding.
Category 3 Hurricane - 111 to 130mph winds. Some structural damage, mobile homes destroyed, major trees blown down; more severe flooding possible in all areas.
Category 4 Hurricane - 130 to 155mph winds. Extensive structural damage especially near the coastline, severe flooding in all areas. Evacuations may be called for up to six miles inland.
Category 5 Hurricane - 155+ mph winds. Catastrophic structural damage, some building failures, major flooding in all areas. Evacuations may be called for up to ten miles inland.
More Resource Information
- Hurricane Season and Insurance Coverage
- Information on Obtaining Homeowners Insurance During Hurricane Season
- Homeowner's Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance Information
- My Safe Florida Home
- Information on the My Safe Florida Home Inspection Program
When Hurricane Season Begins
The beginning of the season is the best time to develop your emergency plans.
Make sure you have supplies at home to last at least two weeks.
Essential medications.
Canned and dry foods, manual can opener.
Toiletries and infant supplies.
Lanterns and fuel.
Charcoal and starter.
Generator and fuel.
Bottled water.
Bleach and mosquito repellant.
Candles and waterproof matches.
Ice chests and ice.
Fire extinguisher.
If you're under a evacuation order, "don't be stuck on stupid", leave and move to a safer area.
Create a disaster kit to take with you in case of evacuation. The American Red Cross recommends it contain the following items:
First aid kit and essential medications.
Canned food and manual can opener.
At least 3 gallons of water per person.
Protective clothing and rain gear.
Bedding or sleeping bags.
Cell phone and charger.
Sun and eye glasses.
Flashlights and extra batteries.
Hand crank/battery powered radio and cell phone charger.
Special items for infants, elderly or the disabled.
Don't forget to plan ahead for you pets too. Shelters do not allow pets!
Your insurance policy and other important papers.
Ice chest and ice.
Cash and identification.
Map of evacuation routes.
If you do have to evacuate, make sure the electric, gas and water are shut off. Secure or remove all outside moveable objects.
Additional Hurricane Considerations
Secure your boat. Lash it to the trailer and secure it to something sturdy. Move it inland if possible. If you keep it at a Marina, follow their guidelines. Lower hydro-lifts, double all lines, use cross springs line fore and aft. Allow for tidal rise and use chafe protectors and bumpers liberally. Also, never stay one your boat during a storm!Minimize pool and cage damage. Turn off all pool equipment. Add additional chlorine and lower water level by no more than 6 inches. Do not completely drain your pool. If it is a major storm and you are concerned about damage to the cage, cut a screen panel on both sides of the structure to allow free air flow. Replacing a screen is cheaper than an entire cage.
Be prepared for lots of stress. Hurricanes can take hours to pass and dealing with the resulting damage afterwards can be a lot to have to handle. Take it slow and realize it's all a part of living in the place you chose to call home.
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