It’s Official, It’s Hurricane Season

Hurricane wreckage

Well Hurricane Season is here again!! It officially began on June 1st. The season runs from June 1st through November 30th. This in no way means that one can’t happen in May or November. Since the frequency of tropical development in June normally does show a small increase, June 1st is the  official starting point.

There have  actually been some big hurricanes in June, like Hurricane Agnes and Audrey, both of which were very devastating storms. Audrey reached Category 4 intensity making it the strongest June hurricane on record. Then there was Hurricane Agnes, which produced unprecedented flooding from Virginia to upstate New York.

In June, Atlantic Basin tropical storms are most likely to form in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and just off the Southeast coast of the United States. Storms are unlikely to occur through the central and eastern Atlantic this early in the season, since sea surface temperatures are below the minimum for a storm to develop.

The names for this year’s storms have been released. They include Bill, Fred, Kate and Mindy, they don’t sound too scary….but as you know, one or more of these names may become synonymous with destruction and death. We have already had our first tropical depression of the year. So we’re off to a quick  start!

No matter if we have 1 or 10 Hurricanes, it is so important that you get prepared early, and be ready. If you live in hurricane country along the gulf coast or eastern seaboard, you should have at least a 72 hour survival kit, hopefully more. Make sure you have a stock of emergency food, water and emergency supplies to help you survive the storms when they come. (and they will).

We must be prepared before a Hurricane hits, all the supplies in the world won’t help you if they are still at the store!!

Visit http://www.survivalgearsource.com and get yourself prepared today!

Preparing For a Hurricane – Yes, It’s That Time Again!

While all natural disasters can be frightening, one of the most common is a hurricane. A hurricane is a severe tropical cyclone. One of the most recent and deadliest hurricanes to strike in American history includes Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. Hurricane Katrina caused severe destruction and devastated all those in it’s path.

Hurricane season takes place between June 1st and November 30th. If you reside in an area typically known for being struck by hurricanes, it’s advisable to monitor the Storm Watch feeds provided on our web site home page, or the Weather Channel to find out if a hurricane may be headed your way.

To prepare yourself, you should create a Kit with things you will need in case of a hurricane emergency. This Hurricane Kit should include essential items such as those found within a First Aid Kit, as well as food, water. Water should be enough for 1 gallon of water, per person, per day. (food and water should be stored in a cool place) batteries, medication, blankets, etc. Also prepare a box with the family’s passports, birth certificates, mortgage information (if applicable), and home insurance policy. There are also complete Hurricane Kits available to purchase, to take a lot of the guess work out of it for you.

You should ensure that your home insurance policy is kept up to date. If your home is located in a flood zone, you may need to purchase flood insurance separately from your regular home insurance, as it is not always included. Another good idea is to perform regular maintenance on your car. After all, it will be your transportation should you need to evacuate. Be sure to also have emergency supplies in your car as well, in case you are unable to retrieve your supplies from home.

Once your family has formulated a plan of defense in the case of a hurricane, practice it. Make sure each family member knows who to contact, and how to contact them, and vice-versa. Hurricanes normally travel slowly, so as soon as you’ve received word of one approaching your area, you should begin finalizing your plans and decide whether you will evacuate or stay put. If you do decide to stay. It is advisable to have a few sheets of ply-wood on hand, even cut to size ahead of time, and stored in a shed or garage. When a Hurricane is confirmed, the home improvement stores, and lumber yards will be a mad house and may even be already sold out of the supplies you’ll need!

Remember, forming and exercising the right plan can make a world of difference and may save a life. Live well and live safe!

Know the difference between Hurricane “Watches” and “Warnings.”

• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch—Hurricane/tropical storm conditions
are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours.

• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning—Hurricane/tropical storm conditions
are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.

• Short Term Watches and Warnings— These warnings provide detailed information
on specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale:

(Category) (Sustained Winds MPH) (Damage) (Storm Surge)

(Cat. 1) 74-95 Minimal: Untied mobile homes, vegetation and signs. 4-5 feet

(Cat. 2) 96-110 Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding. 6-8 feet

(Cat. 3) 111-130 Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off. 9-12 feet

(Cat. 4) 131-155 Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes
destroyed. Beach homes flooded. 13-18 feet

(Cat. 5) >155 Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed.
Major roads cut off. Homes flooded. >18