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Hurricane Information
HURRICANE SEASON OFFICIALLY BEGINS ON JUNE 1 AND LASTS UNTIL NOVEMBER 30
The 2008 prediction is that 13 named storms will form in the Atlantic basin and 7 storms are expected to develop into hurricanes and 5 are anticipated to evolve into major hurricanes.
| | BEFORE THE HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
Develop a plan. Know your home's vulnerability to the most common major threats - surge, wind, and flooding. Check your supplies- water, batteries, food, etc. Plan ahead of time - do not wait until the last minute to gather hurricane preparedness items. Make arrangements ahead of time for evacuation routes and procedures. Plan ahead of time where you are going to stay if you decide to evacuate.
WHAT IS A HURRICANE?
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone. Hurricane winds rotate in a counterclockwise direction around the center of the storm, which is called the "eye"where the winds are nearly calm. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:
Tropical Disturbance
Organized thunderstorm activity in the tropics and subtropics, not associated with a front, maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more.
Tropical Depression
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
Tropical Storm
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).
Hurricane
An intense tropical weather system with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. |
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| | IF STAYING AT HOME
Only stay in a home if you have NOT been ordered to evacuate by local officials. Stay inside a well constructed building. In structures, such as a home, examine the building and plan in advance what you will do if winds become strong. Strong winds produce deadly missiles and structural failure. |  | Know how to turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities. Post a set of instructions that can be easily followed by others in the family. | | Fill bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes. | | Insure that you have a battery operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a supply of canned goods, and a non-electric can opener. | | Remove objects from around your home that could become dangerous wind-driven projectiles. | | Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary. | | Freeze water to create ice. Insure adequate supply by storing extra in large bags. | | Turn off propane tanks. | | Board up windows. | | IF EVACUATING
When advised or ordered to evacuate: | | Stay calm. | | Fill your vehicle’s gas tank. | | Bring a disaster supply kit for each person (3-day water supply, non-perishable food, a change of clothes and footwear, blanket or sleeping bag, and a first-aid kit including prescription medication). | | Take a battery-powered Weather Radio, portable radio, and flashlight with extra batteries. | | Make sure you have an extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash, and important papers. | | Bring special items for infants and elderly or disabled family members. | | Remember to do the following: | -Turn off all the lights, household appliances, gas, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
-Leave the refrigerator and freezer on.
-Secure your home and make arrangements for pets.
-Let others know when you leave and where you are planning to go. | | | | |
 | Hurricane Tracking Map
 | To print your own copy
of our hurricane tracking map
click here. | |
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