Natural Disasters - Hurricanes

Continuing on with the natural disaster portion of my March series, I am dedicating this post to hurricanes. Much like tornadoes, these monsters can have different category strengths and have the ability to destroy everything in their path. Hurricanes, however, bring with them water ... LOTS of water. Which after the hurricane has passed, leaves behind bugs, mosquitoes, mold, mildew, and many other problems.

Unlike tornadoes, hurricanes have a season where it is common to see them. If you have children who want to know more about hurricanes, I strongly recommend the Magic School Bus: Inside a Hurricane. Hurricane season is typically from the beginning of June to the end of November. Due to the possibility of flooding and storm surges, preparing for a hurricane is much different than a tornado.

First, the terms you will want to know:

• Tropical Cyclone: A cyclone with a non-frontal synoptic-scale shape. They form over the tropics and wind speeds are only at gale strength. The warm air is picked up from the bottom of the cyclone and transported up.
• Tropical Depression: These storms are tropical cyclones with a wind speed of less than 38 mph.
• Tropical Storm: Tropical cyclones with wind speeds between 39 mph and 73 mph are classified as tropical storms.
• Hurricane: Once the tropical cyclone surface wind speed exceeds 74 mph, it is considered a hurricane
• Storm Surge: When the sea level rises abnormally during a storm (hurricane or otherwise) it is called a storm surge
• Storm Tide: The actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the storm surge.
• Hurricane Warning: Warning is issued when wind speed is above 74 hours and expected to hit within 36 hours.
• Hurricane Watch: A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before the hurricane is expected to hit.
• Tropical Storm Warning: As with a hurricane warning, tropical storm warnings are issued 36 hours before the storm is to hit.
• Tropical Storm Watch: Again, the watch is issued 48 hours before a tropical storm is to hit.

Hurricanes come in categories that talk about their strength. The categories (just like tornadoes) are ranked one through five.

1. Wind Speeds are less than 100 mph, but can cause damage.
2. Wind Speeds up to 110 mph. Roads become blocked, power outages, damage to homes, and trees may be uprooted.
3. Wind Speeds up to 130 mph. Most trees are uprooted. Water may become limited in supply.
4. Wind Speeds up to 156 mph. Structures are destroyed, areas may become impassable, and power may be out for months.
5. Wind Speeds are over 157 mph. Most areas become inhabitable until a complete rebuild can occur.

 So ... How can you prepare for a hurricane? There are many pictures of people boarding up windows (and that is what you see in movies/tv shows), but that is only part of it. In addition to the windows, you will want to do the following to prepare:

• Create a disaster kit (keep supplies stocked)
• Create an evacuation plan (this includes knowing your city's layout to avoid flooded areas)
• Fill up your tank and have an emergency kit packed
• Secure your home (bring items inside, clip the roof, trim trees, secure your boat, turn the fridge and freezer to the coldest setting and do not open it unless absolutely necessary, unplug unnecessary appliances, shut off the propane, set up a generator)
• Have FLOOD INSURANCE!

Flood insurance is not something that comes automatic on homeowner's or renter's insurance. You MUST purchase it. Find out more at www.floodsmart.gov.

If you are not told to evacuate, and you choose to remain at home ... please take care and be safe. Make sure you are in a secure area of your home with a emergency radio nearby. Put as much distance and protection as possible between the outside storm and yourself. Just because the storm has quieted, it does not mean that it is over. Listen for the all clear to begin checking for damage.

If you have sustained any water damage, make sure you get your property checked for mold and have it properly cleaned.