Hurricane, Page 1

  
     
 

hurricanes

note: there are variations in how different browsers display the text such as between internet explorer and firefox.

  
     
   
     
 

About

  
 

What is a hurricane? It is a tropical cyclone.  This is a low pressure system that typically forms in the tropics.  Generally, a hurricane is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surfac

  
     
 

A hurricane can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines, and sometimes up to several hundred miles inland,  Its winds can exceed 150 miles per hour.  A hurricane and/or tropical storm also may spawn tornadoes and micro=-buirsts, create storm surges along the coast, and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall.

  
     
 

The US Weather Service has classified hurricanes into five different categories.  These categories are based upon wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential.  Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, although Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous.

  
     
 

Before

  
 

Here are some precautions you should take before a hurricane strikes:

  1. Plan to secure your property. In fact, permanent storm shutters off the best protection for windows. Also consider boarding up your windows with 5/8 marine cut to fit and ready to install.  Remember that tape does not prevent the windows from breaking.
     

  2. Place straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the building's frame.  Doing this will reduce roof damage.
     

  3. Make sure that trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.  The force of the hurricane could shatter windows by throwing trees against the house if not secured as well.
     

  4. Learn how to turn off utilities to avoid fire and flood and to prevent structures from falling apart.
     

  5. Finally, if the US Weather Service classifies the hurricane as a Category Three or higher, get out of the area.
     

  6. Make sure that you have adequate supplies when leaving the area or waiting out the hurricane.

 

  
 

Home

Forward