Tips & Safety Guidelines for Tropical Cyclones (Hurricanes)
What is a Tropical Cyclone?
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone that can cause high winds, torrential rain fall, flooding, and the most dangerous of all, storm surges. This can last up to days, or weeks if the storm in over open water. The storm can move rapidly and sporadically across the entire length of the eastern seaboard, its coastal areas and barrier islands.
According to the National Hurricane Center, a hurricane is primarily defined by its windspeed, which must be 74mph (118 kph) or greater. Anything less than 74mph (118 kph) is classified as a tropical storm.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage Potential Scale
A scale that was created to categorize hurricanes based on barometric pressure (in inches), wind speeds (in miles per hour), storm surge (in feet) and potential damage based on the previous three components. If you want to learn more about the Saffir-Simpson scale, click here.
If you would like to read more in-depth information of the Saffir-Simpson scale and their potential damage predictions and examples, click here.
If a hurricane is (likely) in your area, you should:
Stay informed by monitoring the storm via radio, TV, and internet.
Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. Objects such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys, and even awnings can be broken and picked up by strong winds and potentially become a projectile!!!
Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Have a certain amount of cash available. If power is lost, ATMs may not be working.
Moor your boat if time permits.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes—no matter how well fastened to the ground.
If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
If you feel that you are in danger.
If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.
Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm—winds will pick up again.
Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories and has more information about the current hurricanes, potential disturbances and key messages for each storm. For more information visit their website.
If you want to know more about Hurricane Irma and it’s potential track area, click here.
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