Hurrican Preparation Q &A
If you are new to South Florida, the idea of Hurricanes may make you a little apprehensive. If you have lived here through a recent Hurricane Season, you know how unpredictable a storm can be. The best approach is to maintain a healthy respect for the potentially awesome power a storm can generate. Take the time to prepare a Hurricane Action Plan to protect your family and your property. And, if you have kids, involve them in your Action Plan from the start. If Hurricane warnings are posted, the more informed your family is the more likely they will remain calm throughout the storm.
Question:
How Long Does Hurricane Season Last?
Answer:
For six months beginning June 1st through November 30th.
Question:
Is There A Month With More Storm Activity?
Answer:
August, September and October are typically the busiest months. However, the smart approach is to have your Hurricane plan ready from June 1st on.
Question:
What Is The Difference Between A Tropical Storm and A Hurricane?
Answer:
A Tropical Storm is a named storm with a rotating system of strong thunderstorms with top winds between 39 and 73 mph. A Hurricane is also a named storm, but a much more intense, rotating tropical weather system with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
Hurricane wind strength is based upon the Saffir-Simpson Scale:
> Category 1 - 74-95 mph
> Category 2 - 96-110 mph
> Category 3 - 111-130 mph
> Category 4 - 131-155 mph
> Category 5 - more than 155mph
Question:
What Should I Look For In "Watches" and "Warnings"?
Answer:
A "Watch" means that Tropical Storm or Hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours in the watch area. A "Warning" means Tropical Storm or Hurricane conditions are expected in the watch area within 24 hours.
Question:
When Should I Put Up Storm Shutters?
Answer:
When a Hurricane Watch goes into effect your preparations should be well underway. If you wait until the wind gets too strong you won't be able to put up shutters. By the time a Hurricane Warning goes up all preparations should be complete, including any evacuation plans.
Question:
What is meant by the term, "Safe Room"?
Answer:
It is the room within your home where you go to at the height of the storm. Your best "Safe Room" is generally a bathroom or walk-in closet near the center or strongest part of your home. If you have a two-story residence, the strongest wall is often near the stairwell; a bathroom or closet nearby would be your best "Safe Room". This room should be well stocked with your most needed short-term supplies. Keep a bed mattress nearby to help close off the area in the event you need to "hunker down".
Question:
What Supplies Should I Keep On Hand?
Answer:
A good rule of thumb is to keep enough supplies to last you two weeks. General supplies should include:
> Canned food, a can opener and plenty of bottled water.
> A small camp stove.
> A recently stocked first aid kit, mosquito spray, and a backup supply of any prescribed medication.
> Storm candles, a couple of flashlights, plenty of batteries and a portable radio.
> Games and reading material. If you have young children, try to think of games that the whole family can play. Not only will this help to pass the time, it will help to keep everyone calm.
> Mattress, blankets and pillows.
> A fully charged cellular phone.
> Tools and protective clothing for after the storm.
> An animal carrier for the family pet. It is a good idea to talk with your pet's veterinarian about caring for your pet during a Hurricane. At a minimum, try to make your pet as comfortable as possible and have at least a three-day supply of food and water on hand. An identification collar is also a must!
> A full tank of gas in your car.
> Extra cash on hand along with a safely packaged set of your important papers.
Question:
What If I Decide Not To Stay At Home?
Answer:
Part of your Action Plan should be to know where storm shelters are in your town.
If you go to a shelter, bring pillows and blankets, food and supplies and leave your pets at home. Attempting to "get-out-of-town" is generally not a good idea. Airports will be busy and if the wind gets too high they will close. Highways to the central part of the state, Orlando for example, will very likely be crowded and slow moving. A Hurricane can change course quickly, stay off shore, and then turn back to the west cutting a destructive path across the center of the state. You could be stuck on the side of the road. Overall, it is best to remain in your home or go to a friend's house on higher ground. As a last resort, go to a Red Cross shelter and ride out the storm.
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
