General

A hurricane is an intense tropical weather system with sustained winds of 120-250 kph. They can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and even several hundred kilometres inland. Hurricanes can also spawn tornadoes.

Categories

Hurricanes have 5 categories based on their wind speed, pressure, and damage potential. Categories 3 – 5 are major hurricanes and 1 and 2 are less intense, however they are still dangerous. Hurricanes can produce storm surges and torrential rains causing flash floods. Tropical storms moving into mountainous regions tend to produce heavy rain sometimes triggering landslides.

Before A Hurricane

Consider the following:

• Check your radio or cell phone for information,
• Normally you will have at least 24 hours’ warning,
• Get out of the hurricane’s path,
• Keep away from the coast – destruction will be greatest due to stronger winds, storm surges and flooding.

Seeking Shelter Outdoors

Consider the following: 

• A cave – will give excellent protection,
• A ditch or gully,
• Move to the lee side of a solid object – such as a boulder, rocky outcrop, or large tree,
• Lay flat on the ground – to avoid getting hit by flying debris.

Seeking Shelter Indoors

Be sure that the structure is well fastened to the ground. Board windows with plywood. Turn off utilities, especially propane tanks. Ensure an adequate supply of water for drinking and sanitary purposes. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water. Seek shelter in your “safe room” – if you do not have one,

Hurricane off the Florida coast

Consider these guidelines: 

• Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors,
• Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors,
• Keep curtains and blinds closed,
• Do not be fooled if there is a sudden lull – it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again,
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level,
• Lie under a table or another sturdy object.