What Is A Hurricane?

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, the generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth’s surface.

All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. Parts of the Southwest United States and the Pacific Coast experience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

Before A Hurricane

● Check whether the walls, roofs and eaves are safe;

● Trim tree tops and branches (with permission from the city hall) to ensure the safety of the house;

● Install shutters, or at least install metal guardrails for glass windows;

● Clean up loose parts of the house where high winds may blow or cause injury;

● Find out the heights and safe paths closest to you in the event of heavy rain, tides and floods

Prepare An Emergency Kit

●Portable battery-powered radio, torch and spare battery;

● Water storage containers, dried and canned food, opening tools;

● Matches, oil lamps, portable stoves, cooking utensils and eating utensils;

●First-aid kit and instructions for use, window labels and waterproof bag.

When a hurricane warning is issued, closely follow local authorities reports on hurricanes and do the following:

● Follow the directions of local emergency management.

● Park the vehicle in a solid shelter, tighten the handbrake, and hang in the parking gear;

● Move wooden and plastic furniture in the swimming pool or courtyard to the house;

●Close the storm shutters, draw the curtains, and lock the door;

●Prepare evacuation boxes, including warm clothes, commonly used medicines,important documents, photos, and put large and heavy possessions in sturdy cabinets;

●Stay at home and stay informed by tuning into local radio and TV broadcasts.

When prompted to evacuate

●The local authorities will notify the safe route and time of evacuation;

During A Hurricane

● Turn off all electrical power connections,monitor radio for information;

●Stay in the most solid parts of the building, such as cellars, bathrooms, etc. Bring emergency supply kit with you;

● If the building begins to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs, tables, coffee tables, or grab sturdy objects such as water pipes;

●Keep calm and don't think the hurricane is over if the wind becomes less. Strong winds may be blowing from the other direction. Awaiting official confirmation;

●If you are driving, stop in time (pull the handbrake, hang in the parking gear), sit in the car, and keep away from sea water, trees, wires and streams.

After The Hurricane

●Do not go outdoors until the official announcement is safe;

●Check for gas leaks. Do not use the appliance if it is wet;

●Listen to the official warnings and suggestions from local radio stations;

●If it is necessary to evacuate, don't return home until given permission by local emergency management, take the recommended route, and don't be in a hurry;

●Downed power lines are a serious electrocution hazard. Never touch downed power lines or any objects that are in contact with them, including water.

●Do not make unnecessary calls.

● Wear strong shoes and thick clothes;

●Lock the door, turn off the power, and bring evacuation and emergency supplies;

● If evacuating out of the city, go out early to avoid traffic jams, flooding and flood risk;