• General Hurricane Information
  • Saffir-Simpson Scale
  • Hurricane Communication Tips



• What To Do...
  • Before a Hurricane Approaches
  • When a Hurricane WATCH is Issued
  • When a Hurricane WARNING is Issued
  • During a Hurricane
  • After the Hurricane

General Hurricane Information

Saffir-Simpson Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale rates a hurricane's intensity using wind speed and storm surge, which is the abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm. The scale also estimates the potential damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall.

Hurricane Communication Tips

• Ensure that your mobile phone has sufficient credit
• Always make sure that your mobile phone is fully charged
• Have a carphone charger on hand

What To Do...

Before a Hurricane Approaches

• Familiarize yourself with Hurricane terminology:
  • Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours.
  • Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours.
• Closely monitor your local radio or TV stations news for weather-related information.
• Identify ahead of time official hurricane shelters.
• Keep a family emergency kit stocked and handy. Include items like flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, first aid supplies, essential medications, canned food and a can opener.
• Stock up on drinking water – at least 3 gallons of water per person.
• Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home.
• Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs and remove branches.
• Review your insurance policy and be sure you have sufficient coverage.

When a Hurricane WATCH is Issued

• Closely monitor your local radio and TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
• Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by the wind. container.
• Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use plywood.
• Fill your vehicle with gas and park on high ground and disconnect battery.

When a Hurricane WARNING is Issued

• Listen to advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
• Complete preparation activities
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.

During a Hurricane

• Listen constantly to your radio or television for official instructions and updates
• Follow instructions issued by local officials
• If power is lost, turn of major appliances to reduce power ‘surge’ when electricity is restored
• In the event of strong winds take refuge in small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor. Stay away from windows and doors
• If you happen to be outside take shelter in the nearest substantial structure or a sturdy tree and hold yourself to it.
• Be aware that the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from an opposite direction.
• If the water rises move to a higher floor or hold on to something that floats such as wooden furniture or a plastic container

After the Hurricane

• Keep listening to local news for instructions and for the all clear to be announced
• Wait until an area is declared safe before entering
• Drive only if absolutely necessary
• Check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage
• Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated.

Information provided by Government Information Services