HURRICANE - A hurricane is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum average wind speed near a centre or eye exceeds 74 mph or 119 Km/h.
Cool Hurricane Ready Kids
Prepare! Protect! Assist!

Welcome to the Hurricane
Buster Academy!


Yes, hurricanes can be scary, but since we can’t stop them, we have to be ready in case one comes. Enter the Hurricane Classroom and make sure you read everything carefully. Then take the Hurricane Quiz, if you pass, you can become a Hurricane Buster Kid!


A Hurricane Buster Kid knows how to be ready in case a hurricane strikes. Here is everything you need to know about hurricanes. Good luck!

A hurricane is a natural weather system that forms over warm seas; it is like a large storm. Hurricanes can be destructive! They cause heavy rain, strong winds and large waves which often damage many homes, cars, buildings and trees.

 

Hurricanes are grouped into 5 categories, which tell you how strong they are. Category 5 hurricanes are the strongest. Hurricanes have wind speeds of 74 mph or more, and their winds spin in an anti-clockwise direction around the centre (“eye”) of the hurricane.

 

Hurricane season in the Atlantic is between June 1st and November 30th.

  1. Hurricanes are given names so that they are easier to track. You can track hurricanes by recording the coordinates given by your meteorologist on a hurricane tracking map.

  2. A hurricane which starts near Australia is called a “Willy Willy”.

  3. Hurricanes have wind speeds higher than 74 mph and a category 5 hurricane has wind speeds greater than 155 mph.

  4. The centre of a hurricane is called the “eye”. The “eye” is the calmest area of the hurricane.

  5. Tape does NOT prevent windows from breaking during a hurricane.








A Hurricane Buster Kid should always know what to do before, during and after a hurricane strikes.

  • Help your parents to save extra water.

  • Remind your family to purchase additional canned foods and juices.

  • Pack your Super Hurricane Kiddie Kit.

  • Plan a place to meet your family and write down contact names and numbers for family in case you are separated during a disaster.

  • Write down the emergency contact numbers in your country. Learn how to call the police and fire departments

Continue to #6!

  • Remind your parents to protect the windows with shutters.

  • Ask your parents to teach you how to tune into the right radio station for information in case a hurricane comes.

  • Let an adult show you how to shut off your utilities (water, electricity and gas). Remember how to do this in case they need your help during the hurricane.

  • If you have a pet, remind your parents that pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on animal shelters

A hurricane watch is announced when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

 

  • If your house does not have shutters, help an adult close and board up windows.

  • Listen to the radio or television for reports on the weather.

  • Help store drinking water in clean jugs and bottles.

  • If you can, help bring outdoor objects like large toys and garden tools inside.

  • Help bring pets indoors and give them adequate food and water.

  • Stay indoors during a hurricane. Only leave if you and your family have been told to evacuate.

  • If you have to evacuate, do NOT go back home until local officials say it is safe.

  • Keep listening to weather updates on radio or TV.

  • Avoid using the phone except for an emergency so the phone lines can stay open for others.

  • Turn off utilities if told to do so.

  • Stay away from windows, glass doors and skylights.

  • Remind your parents to store any important documents in waterproof packaging.

  • If you are scared it is ok, be sure to talk to an adult about it.

When the hurricane has passed an all clear announcement is given to let you know that the hurricane is completely over.

Do NOT go outdoors until you are sure that the all clear announcement has been given.

  • If your parents give you permission, you can help them in search and rescue efforts and getting medical attention for persons injured.

  • Do NOT go sightseeing.