Hurricane Safety

Important Terms

Hurricane: Formed when sustained winds reach 74 mph.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within the next 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are a possible threat within the next 36 hours.
Tropical Storm: Formed when sustained winds reach 39 mph.
Tropical Depression: Formed when a tropical wave develops cyclonic (counter-clockwise) circulation with sustained (one minute) winds up to 38 mph.
Tropical Disturbance/Tropical Wave: A grouping or cluster of clouds moving through the tropics.

Household Preparations

The following information will assist you in keeping your home and family safe in the event of a hurricane:

1. Develop a personal disaster plan that includes where to go if you have to evacuate, how to prepare your property and personal belongings, and what to include in your kit.
2. Check your insurance coverage.
3. Trim your trees and bushes in May so they will survive damaging winds.
4. If you live in an evacuation zone, make plans to leave early.
5. If you plan to stay at home, take refuge in an interior hallway or smaller room with no windows, like a closet near load bearing walls.
6. Keep a mattress nearby to protect your head.
7. Make sure to leave a clear path to exit in case of fire and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Only use battery-operated lamps or flashlights.

Hurricane Kit

• Prepardedness Letter
• Prepardedness Card