The Anatomy of a Hurricane

Hurricane: hur·ri·cane (noun)

1. A storm with a violent wind, in particular a tropical cyclone in the Caribbean. 
Synonyms: storm-tornado-gale-tempest-typhoon-whirlwind

Facts: 

¨ On average hurricanes are about 300 miles wide although they can vary in size.

¨ The eye at a hurricane's center is a calm, clear area around 20-40 miles across.

¨ The “eye wall” surrounding the eye is composed of dense clouds that contain the strongest winds in the storm.

¨ The storm's outer rain bands are made up of dense bands of  thunderstorms They range a few miles to tens of miles wide and 50 to 300 miles

¨ Hurricane-force winds can extend out to about 25 miles in a small hurricane and to more than 150 miles for a large one. Storm-force winds can stretch out as far as 300 miles from the center of a big hurricane.

¨ Usually, the right side of a hurricane is the most dangerous in terms of storm surge, winds, and tornadoes.

¨ A hurricane's speed and path depend on ocean and atmospheric interactions, including the presence or absence of other weather patterns. This complexity of the flow makes it very difficult to predict the speed and direction of a hurricane.

¨ Do not focus on the eye or the track–hurricanes are immense systems that can move in complex patterns that are difficult  to predict. Be prepared for changes in size, intensity, speed, and direction.

Safety Tips:.
Pre-Season

• Enter the season prepared.
• Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.
• Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters.
• Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
• Have plenty of batteries and flashlights
• Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.

Watch or Warning in effect:

• Leave low lying areas.
• Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
• Secure outside objects.
• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
• Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.
• If called to evacuate, do so immediately.

Before the storm

• Be ready to put your plan and preparation into action.
• Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the internet.
• Have house boarded up, or have storm shutters in place.
• Have plenty of food and water.
• Make sure all your tools, supplies, and first aid kit available for use.
• Have a secure room available.

During the storm

• Stay in Secure Room.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not use the phone, or candles.
• Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.
• Have supplies on hand.
• Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.

After the storm

• Make sure that all is definitely clear outside, and the storm has completely passed before going out.
• Report downed power lines, and stay away from them.
• Use stored water and food.
• Be patient. Things will take a while before they get back to normal.

Watch vs. Warning, do you know the difference?

June 1st - November 30th 

Tropical Storm/Hurricane WATCH is in specified area of watch within the next 48 hours. During a  hurricane watch is when you want to prepare to take immediate action to protecting your family and investments.

Tropical Storm/Hurricane WARNING is in specified are of the warning in the next 36 hours. During this time is when you want to complete all preparations.

*Tropical storm is a severe offshore storm developing in tropical seas with less than hurricane for winds, can develop into a hurricane.

*A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the Eastern Pacific.

BEWARE! Hurricane 2013 is here!

Floridians & East Coasters...tis' the season to be prepared for the WORST!!

Whether it is a Cat 1 or a Cat 4, you need to be ready for anything and everything that these destructive storms can throw at you. We have seen the media plaster the pictures of damage from past storms such as Hurricane Sandy,Katrina, Wilma, Andrew, as well as aftermath of Oklahoma tornado devastation. As a Floridian, we learn to take it as it comes, but we tend to not blink at a smaller storms. The problem with that is you cannot predict mother natures plan. As a homeowner you cannot take the risk, you are protecting not only your family, but also your investment. So ask your self...

Am I ready? 
Here are a few questions to ask yourself...

What is the plan for my family? Will we evacuate or stay home?
Are we in a flood zone? Will we HAVE to?

Evacuating? Where to? What is the best route?
           Will your pets be able to accompany us? Is a pet friendly hotels an option?

Is my home ready?
- Is my roof up-to-date & secure?
- What about storm shutters? generator?
- Yard debris free?

How is our Emergency Supply Kit? Stocked: Food? Water? Batteries? First Aid? 

Is my insurance current? What are my deductibles? 

Do I have a current inventory of my home and boat?
Pictures/Video of each room and all of the contents?

What will I do with my boat/waverunner?
On a trailer? Will it fit in my garage?
In a marina? What are the dockage policies for storms? Is there a Hurricane Club?
What does the Coast Guard dockmaster advise

What to be prepared for?
-Loss of electricity
-No roof
-Severe water damage
-No way to get money out of bank
-No credit cards
-No grocery store/ gas station
-No car- debris blocking streets
-No phones (land or cell)
-No trees
-Not recognizing surroundings
-$5 bags of ice
-lost personal belongings
-Warlike setting with military presence
-Extreme heat and no way to cool off
-Out of home possibly for weeks
-Not able to work
-Chaos!
-Devastation!

Let your smart phone help:
American Red Cross
American Red Cross: Hurricane
American Red Cross: Tornado
American Red Cross: Shelter
FEMA
FloodSmart.gov