How to Prepare your Self for a Hurricane

What is a Hurricane?

A severe tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or greater is a Hurricane. Major hazards include high winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surge and high surf. Hurricane is the term used for systems located in the central and eastern Pacific regions. Systems of this intensity occurring in the western Pacific are called typhoons. Five categories for hurricanes of various intensities have been established.

What to do to Protect Yourself
The basic things to do:

• Listen to local radio stations for official Civil Defense announcements and instructions.
• Evacuate, when advised, to sturdy buildings or public shelters.
• During a warning when sirens sound, cover windows with boards or tape.
• Secure loose objects that may blow away, such as outdoor furniture.
• Leave areas that may flood.
• Stay indoors during high winds; stay away from windows.
• Keep away from exterior walls and doors.
• "Be aware," the calm "eye" of the hurricane is deceptive.
• Turn off water/electricity at the main source to the house.
• Unplug all appliances.

Preparations:

• Have a chosen meeting location that is somewhere other than your home.
• Have an evacuation and disaster kit ready that includes a radio and batteries.
• Prepare a personal evacuation plan
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit
• Have Flood Insurance.
• Install Hurricane storm shutters or precut lumber for windows.
• Remove branches and small trees that may fall on the house.
• Stock extra food, batteries and drinking water.

Hurricanes related terms.

Flash Flood Warning means a flash flood is im minent; take immediate action.

Flash Flood Watch means a flash flood is possible in the area; stay alert.

Hurricane: Pronounced rotary circulation, constant wind speed of 74 miles per hours (64 knots) or more.

Hurricane Watch is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles an hour (64 knots) and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued.

Small craft cautionary statements. When a tropical cyclone threatens a coastal area, small craft operators are advised to remain in port or not to venture into the open sea.

Storm Warnings may be issued when winds of 55-73 miles an hour (48-63 knots) are expected. If a hurricane is expected to strike a coastal area, gale or storm warnings will not usually precede hurricane warnings.

Super Typhoon The Joint Typhoon Warning Center classifies typhoons with wind speeds of 150 mph or more (the equivalent to a strong Category 4 storm) as a Super Typhoon
Tropical cyclone is the general term for all cyclone circulations that originate over tropical waters.

Tropical disturbance: Moving area of thunder storms in the tropics that maintain an identity for 24-hours or more.

Tropical depression: Rotary circulation at surface highest constant wind speed 38 miles per hour (33 knots).

Tropical storm: Distinct rotary circulation, constant wind speed ranges 39-73 miles per hour (34-63 knots).

Typhoon A typhoon is a large and powerful tropical cyclone, a low pressure area rotating counterclockwise and containing rising warm air that forms over warm water in the Western Pacific Ocean. Less powerful tropical cyclones are called Tropical Depressions and Tropical Storms.