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Hurricane Information
HURRICANE SEASON OFFICIALLY
BEGINS ON JUNE 1 AND LASTS UNTIL NOVEMBER 30
The 2008 prediction is that 13 named storms will form in the Atlantic basin and 7
storms are expected to develop into hurricanes and 5 are anticipated to evolve into major
hurricanes.
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BEFORE
THE HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
Develop a plan. Know your home's vulnerability to the most common major threats - surge,
wind, and flooding. Check your supplies- water, batteries, food, etc. Plan ahead of time -
do not wait until the last minute to gather hurricane preparedness items. Make
arrangements ahead of time for evacuation routes and procedures. Plan ahead of time where
you are going to stay if you decide to evacuate.
WHAT IS A HURRICANE?
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone. Hurricane winds rotate in a counterclockwise
direction around the center of the storm, which is called the "eye"where the
winds are nearly calm. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:
Tropical Disturbance
Organized thunderstorm activity in the tropics and subtropics, not associated with a
front, maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more.
Tropical Depression
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum
sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
Tropical Storm
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum
sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).
Hurricane
An intense tropical weather system with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained
winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. |
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IF STAYING AT HOME
Only stay in a home if you have NOT been ordered to evacuate by local officials. Stay
inside a well constructed building. In structures, such as a home, examine the building
and plan in advance what you will do if winds become strong. Strong winds produce deadly
missiles and structural failure. |
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Know how to turn off utilities
if told to do so by authorities. Post a set of instructions that can be easily followed by
others in the family. |
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Fill bathtub and large
containers with water for sanitary purposes. |
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Insure that you have a battery
operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a supply of canned goods, and a non-electric
can opener. |
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Remove objects from around your
home that could become dangerous wind-driven projectiles. |
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Turn refrigerator to maximum
cold and open only when necessary. |
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Freeze water to create ice.
Insure adequate supply by storing extra in large bags. |
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Turn off propane tanks. |
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Board up windows. |
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IF EVACUATING
When advised or ordered to evacuate: |
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Stay calm. |
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Fill your vehicle’s gas
tank. |
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Bring a disaster supply kit for
each person (3-day water supply, non-perishable food, a change of clothes and footwear,
blanket or sleeping bag, and a first-aid kit including prescription medication). |
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Take a battery-powered Weather
Radio, portable radio, and flashlight with extra batteries. |
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Make sure you have an extra set
of car keys, credit cards, cash, and important papers. |
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Bring special items for infants
and elderly or disabled family members. |
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Remember to do the following: |
-Turn off all the lights, household appliances, gas, heating,
cooling, and ventilation systems.
-Leave the refrigerator and freezer on.
-Secure your home and make arrangements for pets.
-Let others know when you leave and where you are planning to go.
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Hurricane
Tracking Map
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To print your own
copy
of our hurricane tracking map
click here. |
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