Hurricanes
Hurricanes are powerful tropical weather systems. When hurricanes move onto land, they sweep the ocean inward. Heavy winds, tornadoes, strong thunderstorms, flooding, storm surge and landslides can all be caused by hurricanes.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 with the peak season from mid-August to late October.
Hurricane Categories
Tropical Depression: winds up to 39 miles per hour (mph).
Tropical Storm: 39 to 73 mph winds
Category 1: 74 to 95 mph winds
Category 2: 96 to110 mph winds
Category 3: 111 to 130 mph winds
Category 4: 131 to 155 mph winds.
Category 5: winds 156 mph or greater.
Hurricane Preparedness
Remember the four steps: Gather. Record. Prepare. Protect.
Gather important documents, such as insurance policies, birth certificates, deeds, and utility bills and store them in waterproof containers. Also gather any important mementos, such as family photos and keepsakes. Write down any important numbers in case you lose power.
Record evidence of your home. Take photos of the inside and outside, including walls, floors, close-ups of appliances and other high-end items. Email photos to yourself for backup.
Prepare your home if you have time. Secure outdoor objects or move them inside, protect windows and use sandbags in doorways.
Protect yourself. This is the most important step. Keep cash, your photo ID and any medications with you. Follow evacuation orders — they are made to keep you safe. If you choose to stay, remember to store enough food, water and pet supplies with you. Store extra batteries, a battery-operated radio and gasoline
Get Connected. Get Help.
When a disaster happens, help is just a phone call away.
211 provides information about emergency information, natural disaster relief, available shelters, financial assistance, and more.
To get connected, dial 211 on your phone or text your zip code to 898-211.
For life-threatening or property emergencies, please call 911.
