Safety & Security Magazine

By Ron Nelson, Staff Editor
Copyright(c)2004

EAST CANTON, OHIO, 18 September 2004 -- Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that have sustained winds of at least 75 miles per hour. The name comes from the West Indian "huracan" meaning big wind. They form over the ocean where the water temperature is at least 80 degrees F, and intensify when they pass over warmer water and tend to weaken when passing over colder water. Hurricanes develop in the summer months when the humidity and water temperature are highest, although they have on occasion appeared just before or after.

The National weather Service uses satellites in geosynchoronous orbits to detect and monitor the movement of storms. Specially equipped airplanes are also used to measure the conditions and development of the storm. Using these methods, the national weather Service can usually provide 12 to 24 hour warnings of approaching hurricanes. A "Hurricane Watch" is issued when a hurricane is expected to threaten coastal areas within 24 to 36 hours. A "Hurricane Warning" is issued when the winds reach 74 miles per hour or when a combination of dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in a specific coastal area within 24 hours.

Stay Informed

• If a "Hurricane Watch" is declared listen to your local radio and TV for additional advisories.
• When a "Hurricane Warning" is issued, coastal residents should be prepared to evacuate when advised by local officials. Pay close attention to news bulletins and weather updates.
• Unless an official evacuation order is issued, stay home and make emergency preparations.
• Keep tuned to local radio and TV stations for updated weather reports and instructions from government officials.
• You can tune to the National Weather Service radio at 162.55Mhz for additional information and advisories.

Prepare For A Hurricane

• · Secure lawn furniture and any outdoor objects, such as trash cans and toys, that may be affected by very high winds. If you have a boat make sure that it is moored securely.
• Fill you cars with gas. In the event of a power outage the gas pumps may not be operational.
• Keep a fresh supply of batteries for flashlights and radios.
• Turn your freezer and refrigerator to the coldest settings to preserve perishable foods in the event of a power outage.
• Fill clean bottles or jars with water and place in your refrigerator. Empty plastic soda bottles can be filled ¾ with water and placed in the freezer. Not only will this keep your freezer colder, longer but it will also give you a supply of water in needed and you can use the frozen bottles to help keep your refrigerator cold. Additional water can be stored in pots, pans, and even the bathtub. Remember you may need water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• Maintain a supply of non-perishable foods. Special attention must be paid to infants or anyone on a special diet or that requires special medication. The stores may not be open if the power goes out.
• If you cook by electricity it is a good idea to have a small propane stove or BBQ for cooking, and make sure that your propane supply is full.
• If you have pets try to make arrangements for them. If you have to go to a shelter they may not allow you to bring your pet with you.
• Board up windows or cover them with shutters. If you cannot do that use tape to cover the glass. It will not stop it from breaking but it will reduce the amount of flying glass that can cause serious injury.

What To Do When Ordered To Evacuate

• Carefully follow all instructions given by the authorities.
• Before leaving turn off all water, electricity, and gas.
• Remember to re-light any pilot lights when you return.
• If a specific route is given, use it! Your shortcut may take you to a flooded out or storm blocked road. This is not the time to be adventurous.
• Make sure that you take only essential items including special medicine, baby formula, diapers, eye glasses, contacts, hearing aids, personal hygiene items, clothing, games for the children, a radio with extra batteries, a flashlight with extra batteries, and any important papers. You should also bring non-perishable foods and soft drinks.
• Plan on being away at least 3 days when packing.

What To Do When The Hurricane Strikes

• Remain indoors and stay away from any glass windows!
• Traveling or even walking outside can be dangerous due to flying debris, loose power lines, or falling trees.
• If the winds die down don't rush outside. It could simply be that the center of the storm is passing overhead. When that happens the winds will become calm for up to 30 minutes or more. Once the eye passes over the winds will suddenly increase, in the opposite direction.
• Be alert for tornadoes. hurricanes can spawn tornadoes. If a tornado does strike get inside immediately and stay there, in the basement if possible, until it passes.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting your insurance company or local government emergency office.

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