AZ Prepper
11-24-2009, 11:24 AM
Facts About Hurricanes
1. Hurricanes are tropical cyclones with torrential rains and sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour that blow in a counter-clockwise direction around a center “eye.” Winds can exceed 155 mph.
2. A storm surge is a huge wall of water that crashes into the coastline as the hurricane approaches the coast.
3. Hurricanes also can produce tornadoes and cause severe flooding from heavy rains.
4. Classifications of Hurricanes
a. Category One (minimal) - winds 74-95 mph
b. Category Two (moderate) - winds 96-110 mph
c. Category Three (extensive) -winds 111-130 mph
d. Category Four (extreme) - winds 131-155 mph
e. Category Five (catastrophic) - winds greater than 155 mph
5. Types of Warnings
a. Hurricane Watch - A hurricane is possible within 36 hours.
b. Hurricane Warning - A hurricane is expected within 24 hours.
What to do to PREPARE FOR a Hurricane
1. Follow procedures for “General Emergency and Disaster Preparations”.
2. Have your home inspected for compliance with local building codes. Many roofs destroyed by hurricanes were destroyed because they did not meet local building codes.
3. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you may want to consider adding hurricane insurance to your home-owners policy.
What to do DURING a Hurricane
1. If you have a boat, moor it securely and then go to a safe place on land.
2. Protect windows by boarding them up, closing storm shutters, and taping a large “X” on them to prevent them from shattering in case they break.
3. Prepare to evacuate.
4. If you are not told to evacuate, stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and upper floors.
5. Do not use the telephone unless it is an emergency. It is very easy to jam the telephone lines when everyone is using them at the same time. Check to make sure all of the telephones are hung up.
What to do AFTER a Hurricane
1. Follow procedures for “General Post Emergency and Disaster Response”.
2. Stay away from flood waters caused by hurricanes.
a. They may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
b. The water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
c. Moving water only six inches deep can knock you off your feet.
d. Wash your hands with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters.
This information was taken by permission from the author of, "Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response" by Kenneth Moravec. This booklet (very highly recommended) can be purchased for a very low cost by contacting the author at: Kenneth Moravec - MoravecKennethB@aol.com - (801) 492-9029
1. Hurricanes are tropical cyclones with torrential rains and sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour that blow in a counter-clockwise direction around a center “eye.” Winds can exceed 155 mph.
2. A storm surge is a huge wall of water that crashes into the coastline as the hurricane approaches the coast.
3. Hurricanes also can produce tornadoes and cause severe flooding from heavy rains.
4. Classifications of Hurricanes
a. Category One (minimal) - winds 74-95 mph
b. Category Two (moderate) - winds 96-110 mph
c. Category Three (extensive) -winds 111-130 mph
d. Category Four (extreme) - winds 131-155 mph
e. Category Five (catastrophic) - winds greater than 155 mph
5. Types of Warnings
a. Hurricane Watch - A hurricane is possible within 36 hours.
b. Hurricane Warning - A hurricane is expected within 24 hours.
What to do to PREPARE FOR a Hurricane
1. Follow procedures for “General Emergency and Disaster Preparations”.
2. Have your home inspected for compliance with local building codes. Many roofs destroyed by hurricanes were destroyed because they did not meet local building codes.
3. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you may want to consider adding hurricane insurance to your home-owners policy.
What to do DURING a Hurricane
1. If you have a boat, moor it securely and then go to a safe place on land.
2. Protect windows by boarding them up, closing storm shutters, and taping a large “X” on them to prevent them from shattering in case they break.
3. Prepare to evacuate.
4. If you are not told to evacuate, stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and upper floors.
5. Do not use the telephone unless it is an emergency. It is very easy to jam the telephone lines when everyone is using them at the same time. Check to make sure all of the telephones are hung up.
What to do AFTER a Hurricane
1. Follow procedures for “General Post Emergency and Disaster Response”.
2. Stay away from flood waters caused by hurricanes.
a. They may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
b. The water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
c. Moving water only six inches deep can knock you off your feet.
d. Wash your hands with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters.
This information was taken by permission from the author of, "Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response" by Kenneth Moravec. This booklet (very highly recommended) can be purchased for a very low cost by contacting the author at: Kenneth Moravec - MoravecKennethB@aol.com - (801) 492-9029