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.

Emergency Supply, can't have a storm without it!

IT'S THAT TIME!! In less then 24 hours we will be officially in storm season! To those who have lived through more seasons then you can count, your emergency supply kit is most likely already stocked. For those who don't have one... Every home, condo, apartment and business should have an emergency supply kit. The contents of each supply kit may vary, but there are necessities that no kit should be without. Checking the stock and expiration of your supply kit is best not to wait until you are under warning or even a watch. No matter when you build your kit, make sure it is enough for each member of your family and be prepared for at minimum 5 days. If you have pets, don't forget to include their needs in your kit.

For you & your family □ Water: one gallon per person per day for 7-14 days for personal and sanitary purpose (fill tubs in home with water before storm)                               □ Food: Non perishable packaged or canned food 7-14 days □ Cooler for ice and food storage     (Gel packs, Freeze water in zip-loc bags & 2 liter jugs, fill coolers to preserve food)  □ Extra formula & diapers for babies □ Flashlights with extra batteries         □ Battery or solar powered lanterns □ Radio, battery powered or hand crank □ Solar or cell phone charger □ Corded land line phone   □ AC adapter                      □ Grill or camping stove with extra  propane or charcoal □ Waterproof matches  □ Sandbags- important if you live near any body of water                                                  □ Paper plates & plastic utensils □ Trash bags □ Manual can opener                                □ Non-scented bleach or water purification tablets                                                  □ Duct tape & extension cord                   □ Basic tool kit with shovel & ax  □ Utility knife                                              □ Fire extinguisher  □ Blue tarps to cover entire roof, in case of damage □ Sturdy shoes (post storm)   □ First Aid Kit including gloves □ Sunscreen & bug repellent              □ Personal Hygiene                                    □ Important documents & contacts   □ Local maps                                         □ Waterproof container with all important documents and paperwork  □ generator & extra fuel (in proper fuel container)  □ CASH! For your pets □ Non-perishable food □ Water                                                     □ Medications                                           □ License & Documentation     □ Pet carrier For fun: □ Board games □ playing cards □ coloring books & crayons □ books & magazines If you are evacuating your home during the storm, you will want to add a few items to the list □ Clothing  □ Sleeping bags □ Extra set of house/car keys Tips: If in doubt of what else you may need to keep you and your family comfortable...pack like you are going camping. It is also wise to have a mini-supply kit in your vehicle.  Helpful Apps: