American Red Cross
Remember extensive flooding of many streets and neighborhoods across Florida in Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005? Horrible emotions are intensified by the feelings of helplessness at the impact of this natural disaster.
Over recent years, hurricanes have struck many lives of Floridians. Proximate to the tropics and surrounded on three sides by warm water, Florida can be particularly vulnerable to hurricanes.
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone or severe tropical storm that is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth’s surface. Parts of the Southwest United States experience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes. Hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from August to September.
Catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland can be caused by hurricanes. Hurricane hazards include storm surge which is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm. Additionally, hurricanes can create extensive damage from heavy rainfall which is known as instant flooding. Hurricanes can also produce tornadoes that add to the storm’s destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane. Flying debris from poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes also result from Hurricane-force high winds.
Click here to see a video of hurricane destruction.
Are You Ready for A Hurricane?
Preparing your home for a hurricane is vital. Make sure you take the following measures:
It’s rather simple to find information on how to prepare your home and how to evacuate for disaster. However, the best way to plan in advance is to keep your family safe by building an emergency kit and making a family communications plan. Flood insurance protection is also needed to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about flooding risk and protection, please visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) or call 1-800-427-2419.
What Do You Do During A Hurricane?
If a hurricane is likely to occur in your area, you should:
How Do You React After A Hurricane?
Don’t take hurricanes lightly. By always preparing well beforehand and know how to react, we can save lives!
References for researching this article: