Hurricane Safety
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Resources
Additional resources will be posted here as necessary
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:
- 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.
- Check your insurance coverage.
- Trim your trees and bushes in May so they will survive damaging winds.
- If you live in an evacuation zone, make plans to leave early.
- 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.
- Keep a mattress nearby to protect your head.
- 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.