Once the water reaches the shore, it combines with normal tides and creates the storm surge. Here is other extreme weather that’s associated with a hurricane: STORM SURGEĪs a hurricane barrels across the open ocean, strong winds drive the water forward. “A simple one, two, three, four, five scale is not sufficient to communicate the threat that a hurricane brings,” said Jeff Masters, a hurricane expert for Yale Climate Connections. This means a Category 1 hurricane could be more devastating than a Category 3. “It is very misleading because somebody may not evacuate for a tropical storm or a Category 1 hurricane, but we have seen time and time again that these storms have had a lot of impact,” said Jennifer Collins, a hurricane researcher at the University of South Florida.Įach storm has its own personality, and there isn’t always a direct correlation between category and damage. Some experts hypothesize that people anchor to the storm category and don’t adjust for other risks. Scientists and forecasters are still learning how individuals perceive and adjust to risks as threats develop during hurricanes, Eosco said. “It ends up missing the myriad of other risks that are oftentimes more serious in a hurricane, such as storm surge,” she said. Now the wind is the scale’s strength - but also its weakness, said Gina Eosco, the division chief and social science expert at the Weather Program Office for NOAA. If emergency authorities order you to leave or if your home is damaged, you may need to go to a shelter or a neighbor’s house.The scale used to include other impacts like storm surge ranges and flooding, but they were removed to reduce public confusion, according to the National Hurricane Center. Stay in a room with no windows, or go inside a closet. Stay away from windows-you could get hurt by pieces of broken glass or flying debris during a storm. Sometimes, weather gets calm in the middle of a storm but then quickly gets bad again. Wait until you hear or see an official message that the hurricane is over. Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the hurricane.Keep your emergency supply kit in a place you can easily access.Learn more about evacuating with your pet. Contact your local emergency management office and ask if they offer accommodations for owners and their pets.Never drive through flooded areas-cars and other vehicles can be swept away or may stall in just 6 inches of moving water. Other routes might be blocked or flooded. Follow the roads that emergency workers recommend even if there’s traffic.If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water. Grab your emergency supply kit and only take what you really need with you (cell phone, chargers, medicines, identification like a passport or license, and cash).If driving conditions are dangerous, staying at home might be safer than leaving. Staying home to protect your property is not worth risking your health and safety. Even sturdy, well-built houses may not hold up against a hurricane. If a hurricane is coming, you may hear an order from authorities to evacuate (leave your home). Īlways listen to authorities regarding whether you should evacuate or stay at home. Make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it! Read the National Fire Protection Association’s tips for using fire extinguishers. Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification.Emergency power sources such as flashlights (don’t forget extra batteries).That’s why it’s best to be prepared-stock up on everything you might need now. You also may not be able to drive because of damage to your car. Remember that a hurricane could cut off your power and water supply. Local animal shelters may be able to offer advice on what to do with your pets if you are asked to evacuate your home.ĭuring and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Pet owners: Pre-identify shelters, a pet-friendly hotel, or an out-of-town friend or relative where you can take your pets in an evacuation.If shelter locations in your area have not been identified, learn how to find them in the event of a storm. Locate the nearest shelter and different routes you can take to get there from your home.Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them on the refrigerator or near every phone in your house.Before hurricane season each year, make sure you and your family are prepared by planning ahead. Hurricane season starts on May 15 in the north Pacific and June 1 in the Atlantic and the Caribbean.
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