Hurricane Safety

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, a low-pressure system that generally forms in the tropic regions. This cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counter-clockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface.

There are three classifications of tropical cyclones. If the winds measure at 38 mph or less, it is called a tropical depression. When the winds reach 39-73 mph, it is called a tropical storm. The storm is only considered a hurricane after the winds exceed 74 mph. Once the cyclone reaches hurricane status, it is measured by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. A Category 1 storm is the weakest, with winds of 74-95 mph; a Category 5 storm is the strongest, with winds greater than 155 mph. It is important to note, however, that lower category storms can sometimes inflict greater damage than higher category items, depending on where they strike and the particular hazards they bring.

The path and speed of a hurricane depend upon the interactions of the ocean and the atmosphere, including the presence or absence of other weather patterns. Hurricane-force winds can extend outward to about 25 miles n a small hurricane and to more than 150 miles for a large one. Tropical storm-force winds can stretch out as far as 300 miles from the center of a large hurricane.

One of the greatest threats to life and property resulting from a hurricane is a storm surge. A storm surge is a large dome of water, 50 to 100 miles wide that sweeps across the coastline where a hurricane makes landfall. At its peak, the storm surge may be more than 15 feet deep.

Damaging winds and considerable rainfall are also hazards associated with hurricanes. A typical hurricane brings at least 6 to 12 inches of rainfall to the area it crosses, making flooding a significant problem. Along with the destructive winds come tornadoes, which often develop on the fringes of a storm.

What can you do to ensure your safety?

• Plan an evacuation route
• Put together a disaster kit that includes at least a flashlight, first aid kit, and emergency food and water.
• Keep your car fueled during a hurricane watch, in case you are told to evacuate.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.