1 of 34

Write now Article Tools

Before you begin to prepare for the approach of a hurricane, here is some basic information about these potentially life changing events. A hurricane is defined as a type of tropical cyclone that normally forms in the tropics. The system is accompanied by thunder storms and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counter clockwise circulation of wind over the earth's surface.

In the beginning development, a tropical cyclone is referred to as a tropical depression when it has stable wind conditions up to 38 miles per hour. When winds reach 39 to 73 miles per hour, the tropical depression is now reclassified into a tropical storm. Once the winds break the 74 miles per hour barrier, the weather system will officially be called a hurricane.

What makes a hurricane a devastating is the three hazards created by the storm. The first hazard is the storm surges created by the hurricane. Storm surges are when the water is pushed ashore by the forceful winds of the hurricane. Hurricane Katrina produced the largest storm surges ever associated with a hurricane and were the leading causes behind the damages and deaths. The second hazard created by hurricanes is the inland flooding. According to the National Hurricane Center, over the last thirty years, flooding has been responsible for more than half of the deaths associated with hurricanes. The last hazard created from hurricane systems is the high winds. Not only are hurricane force winds able to destroy a poorly constructed building, but it can turn any loose debris into a deadly missiles.

The best way to protect your family and home from the dangers of a hurricane system is preparation. The first key to preparation is to make sure you plan for the emergencies before they are imminent. You do not want to wait until the day before a hurricane to try and prepare.

Part of your preparation for a hurricane is to create a family disaster plan. You want to make sure all of the contact information for family members, work, and school are up to date. It is key to make sure the children know when and how to call emergency numbers if the need arises. Do not expect your children to know how to do this. During your preparation it is important to know where the evacuation routes are in prior to the order being issued. The conditions on the road will be bad enough without you trying to figure a way to get out of town.

Another key to the preparation for a hurricane is the emergency disaster kit. The number priority when stocking your emergency kit

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Preparing for a hurricane?
We want to hear your view. Write now!