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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The Role of the Media

Effective disaster management is crucial!


This can only be achieved when timely and accurate communication links have been developed and sustained when a natural hazard is expected or ongoing.


It is the media’s role to create public awareness by forging strong communication links between the disaster manager and the public.

 

Public awareness increases levels of consciousness about risks and lets people know what actions to take in reducing the damage which can be caused by hurricanes. As such, the media can help save lives and property in the event of a hurricane when there is an effective public awareness campaign in place. Public awareness activities help in changing behaviour, leading towards a culture of risk reduction. This involves educating the people using radio or television broadcasts, use of printed media, internet, and any source that the public uses to access information.
 

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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.