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Hurricanes

When hurricanes hit, they hit hard. All it takes is one major storm to disrupt lives and cause damage to many communities. Unlike other storms, hurricanes can be tracked and usually allow enough time for preparation and evacuation. Make sure you have a safety plan in place and review with your family members every year before hurricane season starts.

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How to stay safe before and after a hurricane

Hurricane Plan Checklist

Assign

  • A deadline to evacuate – No matter what’s in your plan, obey all evacuation orders from local officials.
  • A duty for each member of the family – Who takes care of the dog? Who boards up the windows?
  • A plan for family pets
  • A standby plan for elderly family members, neighbors or friends who live alone
  • Storage plans for boats or recreational vehicles
  • Safe places to keep important items, i.e. papers and keepsakes
  • A destination after you evacuate – Map alternate routes in case roads are blocked.
  • Meeting places after the hurricane, if family members or friends get separated

Collect

  • List of emergency shelters, especially if you decide to leave last minute
  • Contact information for emergency services
  • Contact information for elderly family members, neighbors or friends who live alone
  • List of relatives to notify
  • Contact information of a friend or neighbor if you need last-minute help as a storm approaches

Learn the Lingo

Knowing the following terms will help you better prepare for a hurricane.  

  • TROPICAL STORM – A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind (using the U.S. 1-minute average) ranges from 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph).

  • TROPICAL STORM WATCH – An announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph) are possible somewhere within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical cyclone.

  • TROPICAL STORM WARNING – An announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical cyclone.

  • HURRICANE – A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind using the U.S. 1-minute average is 64 knots (74 mph) or more. 

  • MAJOR HURRICANE – A hurricane that is classified as Category 3 or higher.

  • HURRICANE WATCH – An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph) or higher are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical cyclone. The watch is usually issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

  • HURRICANE WARNING –  An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph) or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical cyclone. The warning is usually issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
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