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.
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Before a Hurricane

Hurricanes can be dangerous, listening to the hurricane warning messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major property damage. Here are a few steps to help you be prepared this hurricane season:

  • Know your Emergency Shelters
    Contact the National Disaster Office for the closest shelters. Have evacuation routes planned to the emergency shelters near you.
     
  • Have a Hurricane Survival Kit
     
  • Protect your windows
    Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each window. Remember to label each panel according to its respective window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.
     
  • Trim back branches from trees
    Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.
     
  • Check into your Home and Auto Insurance
    Confirm that policies are valid and coverage is appropriate.
     
  • Make arrangements for pets and livestock
    Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on animal shelters.
     
  • Develop an emergency communication plan
    Make sure that all family members know what to do.  Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
     

Hurricane Watches and Warnings

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


A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 24 hours or less.


When a Hurricane is approaching, it is important to know exactly how to prepare and protect you, your family and your possessions.

 

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Hurricane season in the Atlantic lasts from June 1st to November 30th.
Tropical storms are given male and female names because this makes them easier to track. Before 1979 though, they only had female names.
A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when its winds reach 74 mph or higher.
Hurricanes are grouped into 5 categories according to their strength. Category 5 hurricanes are the strongest.
The “eye” is the centre of the hurricane and is the calmest part.
Slow moving hurricanes produce more rain and can cause more damage from flooding.
Putting tape on windows and glass will not stop them from breaking during a hurricane.
The word hurricane comes from the word Hurakan. Hurakan is the name of the Mayan god of wind and fire.