Hurricane Safety Tips

Hurricanes are habitual, unwelcome visitors to certain coastlines generally during late summer and early fall. These powerful winds form over water, then simmer for weeks while they gather energy from warm waters. The winds then turn to land pounding coasts with fierce winds, heavy rains, and swollen seas.

What is a Hurricane?
A Hurricane is a severe weather system that brings high winds, torrential rain, storm surges, and flooding-it can even produce tornadoes.



When Hurricanes Strike
Most hurricanes occur in late summer and early fall, when the ocean water is above 79 degrees.

Where Hurricanes Strike
Hurricanes most often devastate Florida, Texas and North and South Carolina. However, the states that make up the eastern seaboard have also seen their share of hurricanes.

How Hurricanes Strike
Hurricanes begin as tropical storms over the warm moist waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans near the equator. Meteorologists use the term hurricane when a storm's winds are more than 74 miles per hour.

When a Hurricane Watch is Issued:
Bring objects such as lawn furniture and trash cans inside
Cover all windows of your home with shutters or plywood
Fill your car's gas tank
Recheck tie-downs
Check batteries