HURRICANES

Hurricanes are products of the tropical ocean atmosphere. Powered by heat from the sea, they are steered erratically by easterly trade winds and temperate westerly winds, as well as by their own energy. As they move ashore, they have the ability to bring with them a storm surge of ocean water, high winds, tornadoes, and both torrential rains and flooding.

Again, the best preventative tool in the case of a hurricane is being prepared and alert. With a hurricane, weather reports can issue a watch, warning or an evacuation. Here is what each means:

• A hurricane "watch" is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. During that time, stay indoors, away from windows and keep up to date with weather reports on the news or radio. This is also a good time to check on emergency supplies.
• A hurricane "warning" is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 mph or more) are expected in 24 hours or less.
  Once a warning has been issued, listen constantly to the latest weather updates on a battery-powered radio. If you are in a mobile home, check tie downs and evacuate immediately.
• If evacuation has been recommended by officials:
  Leave as soon as possible. Before leaving turn off the main water valve and unplug all appliances. It is also important to tell someone outside the storm where you are going. This contact person should be someone your whole family can reach in case you're separated. Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.

What to do before the watch, the warning or the evacuation:

• Have a getaway plan. Learn safe routes inland and be ready to travel 20 to 50 miles to locate the safest place. This would also mean to fuel your vehicle when hurricane weather is expected.
  
  
• Your pets. Some emergency shelters may not take pets, so it's imperative to make arrangement for your animal(s). Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.
  
  
• Eliminate the debris. Removing all yard art or any other items lying in your lawn will lower the chances of the wind using them as ammunition. Also, trim back weak or dead branches from trees to prevent them from breaking off and causing damage.
  
  
• Check into flood insurance. Because the high wind can break down the walls that would normally keep out water, you now must deal with a flooding issue.
  
  
• Use your shutters. Closing the shutters or boarding the windows will secure your home's most vulnerable area for debris to penetrate.
  
  
• H2O. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs and bottles.
  
  
• Review evacuation plan. In case your family is separated during a hurricane, it's a good idea to have a plan for getting back together.

Disaster Supply Kit

The same goes for a hurricane disaster supply kit as it does for a tornado kit. These items should be gathered before the hurricane arrives and stored in your shelter area.

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes
• Sleeping bags and blankets

After a hurricane has run its course you should:

• Give first aid when appropriate but do not move anyone unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
• Return home only after authorities say to do so.
• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire dept.
• Enter your home with caution.
• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance purposes.
• Call your local gas company to check for leaks. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, immediately leave the building.
• Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box and look for electrical system damage. An electrician would best handle this job.
• If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If you believe the water lines have incurred harm, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.

Hurricane Forces

Hurricanes are measured on a Safir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. Each category has different wind intensity and can do unthinkable damage.

Category 1: 74-95 mph, damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes and trees
Category 2: 96-110 mph, some roofing, door and window damage
Category 3: 111-130 mph, mobile homes are destroyed, some structural damage to smaller homes or utility buildings may occur
Category 4: 131-155 mph, extensive curtain wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences
Category 5: 155 + mph, complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings, massive evacuation of residential areas may be required