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| .Volume 2, Number 2 |
June, 2001 |
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  Hurricanes
are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean,
Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean
waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power.
Hurricanes rotate in a
counter-clockwise direction
around an "eye." Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per
hour. When they come on to land, the heavy rain, strong winds, and heavy
waves can damage buildings, trees and cars. The heavy waves are called a
storm surge. Storm surges are very dangerous and a major reason why
people MUST stay away from the ocean during a hurricane warning or
hurricane. Hurricane Classification
Category One—Winds 74-95 miles per hour Category Two—Winds 96-110 miles per hour Category Three—Winds 111-130 miles per hour Category Four—Winds 131-155 miles per hour Category Five—Winds greater than 155 miles per hour In the U.S., the official
hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, but hurricanes can
happen any time of the year. Hurricanes are named by the National
Weather Service. Terms to know Hurricane Watch: A hurricane is possible within 36 hours. Stay tuned to the radio and television for more information. The Hurricane Center is tracking the storm and trying to predict where it may come ashore. Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected within 24 hours. You may be told to evacuate, and you and your family should begin making preparations to do so. DO NOT QUESTION EVACUATION ORDERS. Create a family disaster plan
Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home. In certain circumstances the safest place may not be your home but within your community. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Document your valuable possessions by photographing/ videotaping them. If possible, keep receipts for those items. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a DISASTER SUPPLY KIT. Use a NOAA Weather Radio. Remember
to replace its battery as you do your smoke detectors. Visit WWW.NHC.NOAA.GOV for a wealth of information about hurricanes and other natural disasters. |
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1 Cheers and Jeers Page 2 Page 3 PAGE 4 Archives |
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Hurricanes
are classified into five categories, based on their wind speeds and
potential to cause damage.
Discuss
the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's
vulnerability to storm surge,
flooding and wind.