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Inspire others to act by being an example yourself, Pledging to Prepare and tell others about it! Click the button below and register your support.
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone or severe tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. 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. Parts of the Southwest United States and the Pacific Coast also experience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30.
Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Hurricane can produce winds exceeding 155 miles per hour as well as tornadoes and mircrobursts. Additionally, hurricanes can create storm surges along the coast and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall. Floods and flying debris from the excessive winds are often the deadly and destructive results of these weather events. Slow moving hurricanes traveling into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall.
Between 1970 and 1999, more people lost their lives from freshwater inland flooding associated with tropical cyclones than from any other weather hazard related to such storms.
Before
Before a Hurricane
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
To begin preparing, you should
build an emergency kit and
make a family communications plan.Know your surroundings.Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.Make plans to secure your property:Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.Determine how and where to secure your boat.Install a generator for emergencies.If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.Consider building a safe room.
Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site,www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419. For more detailed information on how you can protect your property, view NFIP’s printer-friendly handout Avoiding Hurricane Damage.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their sustained wind speed at the indicated time. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale provides information on wind impacts only. The scale does not address the potential for other hurricane-related impacts, such as storm surge, rainfall-induced floods, and tornadoes.
Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and property. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventive measures.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale SummaryScale Number (Category)Sustained Winds (MPH)Damage1
74-95
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage
Minor damage to exterior of homesToppled tree branches, uprooting of smaller treesExtensive damage to power lines, power outages2
96-110
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
Major damage to exterior of homesUprooting of small trees and many roads blockedGuaranteed power outages for long periods of time – days to weeks3
111-129
Devastating damage will occur
Extensive damage to exterior of homesMany trees uprooted and many roads blockedExtremely limited availability of water and electricity4
130-156
Catastrophic damage will occur
Loss of roof structure and/or some exterior wallsMost trees uprooted and most power lines downIsolated residential due to debris pile upPower outages lasting for weeks to months5
157 or higher
Catastrophic damage will occur
A high percentage of homes will be destroyedFallen trees and power lines isolate residential areasPower outages lasting for weeks to monthsMost areas will be uninhabitable
For more information on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, visit the National Hurricane Center.
For information on the Scale as it affects Hawaii, visit the National Hurricane Center here.
Storm Surge
The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge!
Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level to heights impacting roads, homes and other critical infrastructure. In addition, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the normal high tides. Because much of the United States' densely populated Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastlines lie less than 10 feet above mean sea level, the danger from storm tides is tremendous.
The storm surge combined with wave action can cause extensive damage, severely erode beaches and coastal highways. With major storms like Katrina, Camille and Hugo, complete devastation of coastal communities occurred. Many buildings withstand hurricane force winds until their foundations, undermined by erosion, are weakened and fail.
Get more information through the National Hurricane Program SLOSH.
Know the Terms
Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a hurricane hazard:
Tropical Cyclone: A warm-core non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone, originating over tropical or subtropical waters, with organized deep convection and a closed surface wind circulation about a well-defined center. Once formed, a tropical cyclone is maintained by the extraction of heat energy from the ocean at high temperature and heat export at the low temperatures of the upper troposphere.
Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 38 mph (33 knot) or less.
Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) ranges from 39 mph (34 knots) to 73 mph (63 knots).
Hurricane: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 74 mph (64 knots) or more.
Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, and whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Storm surge is usually estimated by subtracting the normal or astronomic high tide from the observed storm tide. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline.
Storm Tide: The actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the storm surge.
Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
Short Term Watches and Warnings: These watches/warnings provide detailed information about specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.
DuringDuring a Hurricane
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
Listen to the radio or TV for information.Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.Turn off propane tanksAvoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.Moor your boat if time permits.Ensure a
supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.Find out how to
keep food safe during and after and emergency.
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.
Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.Avoid elevators.AfterAfter a HurricaneContinue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact FEMA or the American Red Cross.FEMA has established the
National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS), which has been developed to help reunite families who are separated during a disaster. The NEFRLS system will enable displaced individuals the ability to enter personal information into a website database so that they can be located by others during a disaster.The
American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text
SHELTER + your ZIP code to
43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example:
shelter 12345).For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing.
Apply for assistance or
search for information about housing rental resourcesDrive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed¬ out bridges. Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.Hurricane Prep WeekHurricane Preparedness Toolkit
Are you looking for the Hurricane Preparedness Toolkit? Don't forget to Pledge to Prepare: ready.gov/pledge.
The 2012 National Hurricane Preparedness Week Toolkit you will receive when pledging provides useful resources for making your family and community, safer, more resilient, and better prepared. The toolkit includes a press release, blog post, talking points and op-ed template as well as online resources for use on your website or social networking pages. These tools are designed to be used as part of an individual-based approach to preparedness.
As you pledge to prepare, please consider using the toolkit to be an example and invite your members, employees, constituents, customers, friends, family and community to Be a Force of Nature as well.
DAILY THEMESSunday, May 27 – Overview: Introduction to the
National Hurricane Preparedness WeekToday marks the first day of the 2012 Hurricane Preparedness Week. This is the time for everybody who lives in hurricane prone coastal states to make weather-readiness a priority and examine how each of us in the coastlines across the United States can be a force of nature.When it comes to this hurricane season, beginning June 1st,
being a force of nature means taking appropriate actions and inspiring others to do the same. An informed and motivated public will transform the way the United States responds to hurricane seasons and, ultimately, save more lives and livelihoods.
Make A Pledge to prepare, Complete a
Ready Emergency Preparedness Plan,
Update Your Emergency Kit and be an example by sharing your story.Monday, May 28 – Hurricane Response: FEMA Partners and the Public Response Capabilities
FEMA is continuing to aggressively prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, coordinating across the administration while working with state, tribal and local officials to be ready and prepare their communities.FEMA is part of the emergency management team. That team includes federal partners, state, tribal and local officials, the private sector, non-profits and faith-based groups, and most importantly – the general public.FEMA encourages all individuals, communities, local, state, tribal governments, private sector, non-governmental and faith-based organizations, congress and senate members to join the
National Hurricane Preparedness Week by
Making A Pledge, completing your
Ready Emergency Preparedness Plan,
Updating Your Emergency Kit and sharing your story.Tuesday, May 29 –
Hurricane Hazards: WindThe
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their sustained wind speed at the indicated time. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and property. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous and require preventive measures.It is important that you know your
hurricane warning and alerts terminology – the difference between watches and alerts:
Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.Hurricane wind damage often result in power outages. FEMA works very closely with the Department of Energy who serves as the focal point for response and recovery efforts by monitoring energy infrastructure and coordinates the response across the federal community, state and local governments, and industry.The Energy Department's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) is the designated Federal Sector-Specific agency directing activities for the Energy Sector. In the event of an emergency, this office maintains teams of responders that specialize in energy infrastructure.Wednesday, May 30 – Hurricane Hazards:
Inland Flooding and Storm SurgeLast year Hurricane and Tropical Storm Irene affected in different ways 14 states, commonwealths and territories. FEMA made available federal resources to support recovery efforts in areas that received a federal disaster declaration.FEMA working with state, tribal, and local governments proactively plans for storm surge as part of hurricanes and potential response operations.Storm surge is a risk that affects residents along coastal areas. Be familiar with your risk and factor it into your preparedness plan. Identify your communities' evacuation and shelter plans.Hurricanes can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Flooding or flash flooding can happen before, during and after a hurricane.Don't put yourself at risk; follow the instructions of local officials – and if told to evacuate, evacuate. Everyone should get familiar with the terms that are used to identify a flooding hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a flooding hazard include the following:
Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to
NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.Remember, turn around, don't drown. The reason that so many people drown during flooding is because few of them realize the incredible power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs.It's important to follow the instructions of state, tribal and local officials, and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. We urge all individuals in the region to listen to
NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for updates and directions provided by their local officials.Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage.Learn more on how to prepare for flooding, flash flooding and other hazards at
www.ready.gov.To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site,
www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.Thursday, May 31 – Forecast ProcessPart of the mission of the
National Weather Service (NWS) Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) is to save lives and protect property by issuing watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather conditions in the tropics. This section provides information about the roles of those responsible for providing hurricane information to emergency managers and decision makers.It is through observation, analysis, model guidance and interpretation, coordination with the National Weather Service, forecast and warnings generation and dissemination that climate forecast is available to help you being informed.The most important action residents can take during a threat of a hurricane is to heed to the instructions of their local government. When told to prepare and evacuate, follow these instructions.Throughout the entire hurricane season it is important to stay informed of the latest weather information. Having a battery-powered radio, like a
NOAA Weather Radio is a critical first step.Know more about evacuation orders, routes and shelters by
contacting you local emergency management agency and obtain contact information at
www.Ready.gov for
groups in your community to better understand emergency plans.Friday, June 1 –
Make A Pledge to Prepare:
Get a Preparedness PlanJoin the
National Hurricane Preparedness Week by
Making A Pledge, Completing Your
Ready Emergency Preparedness Plan,
Updating Your Emergency Kit and sharing your storyWhen you pledge to prepare, you will take the first step to making sure that you and your family are prepared for hurricanes. These include developing a family communications plan, putting an emergency kit together, keeping important papers and valuables in a safe place, and getting involved. Visit
http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes for more on family preparedness for hurricanes.Saturday, June 2 – Act: Take Action –
Make A Pledge,
Be a Force of NatureFEMA and NOAA are just one part of the emergency management team that works to prepare and respond to disaster. A key member of the team is the public. That is why we are encouraging everyone to do their part - pledge, prepare now, so that you know what do when hurricanes strikes.During this preparedness week we ask you to
Pledge, Complete Your
Ready Emergency Preparedness Plan,
Update Your Emergency Kit and share your story.
Be a Force of Nature– Pledge to prepare at
http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes, take action and be an example by sharing what you have done, with your friends, family, and coworkers.Share your story with your family and friends through your social network - create a YouTube video, post your story on Facebook, or send a tweet.Talk about Hurricanes
Your friends, neighbors and colleagues are more likely to prepare for the various weather hazards that frequently impact the nation when they see those around them prepare, so inspire them to act by being an example yourself. The first step you can take is to Pledge to Prepare. The resources you will receive once doing so provide tools for making your family and community, safer, more resilient, and better prepared.
Also, the widget allows you to share our content directly with your website visitors. The links take users to content to help them learn about their risks, know how to take action, and see what others are doing to be a force of nature. You or your web team just need to grab our short code, add it to your site, and you’re all set.
Copy this code for the "FEMA Preparedness" Widget:
Proclamation
The Entire Presidential Proclamation is available here(PDF - 106 Kb)
“Every year, hurricanes put communities at risk of catastrophic damage from storm surges, flooding, high winds, and tornadoes. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we rededicate ourselves to preventing loss of life and damage to property by raising awareness about hurricane hazards and taking action to protect our families, our homes, and our neighborhoods.
My Administration is working hand-in-hand with communities and State and local officials to take necessary steps to prepare before storms strike. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center, we continue to advance accurate tropical storm forecasting that gives individuals more time to get out of harm's way. And through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, we are collaborating with partners across all levels of government and throughout the private and non-profit sectors to develop robust systems for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. By engaging voices not only at the State and national levels, but also within neighborhoods, we empower communities across America to identify their unique needs and existing resources that may be used to address them.
A community-based approach to emergency management begins with an informed public. This week, I encourage all Americans living in areas that could be impacted by a hurricane to prepare by creating an emergency supply kit, learning evacuation routes, and developing a family communications plan to help ensure loved ones can find one another before and after a severe storm. If a hurricane is approaching, take shelter immediately, follow the directions of State and local officials, and evacuate if instructed. To learn more and find additional resources on how to prepare for and respond to severe weather, visit www.Ready.gov and www.Weather.gov.
As we mark the beginning of hurricane season, let us recommit to ensuring the safety of our loved ones and our communities, and to building a stronger, more resilient Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 27 through June 2, 2012, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon government agencies, private organizations, schools, media, and residents in the coastal areas of our Nation to share information about hurricane preparedness and response to help save lives and protect communities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
- President Barack Obama More InfoPublicationsFEMA Publications
If you require more information about any of these topics, the following are resources that may be helpful.
Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane and Wind Damage. FEMA-247. A guide to hurricane preparedness.
Community Hurricane Preparedness. IS-324. CD-ROM or Web-based training course for federal, state and local emergency managers.
How to Guides to Protect Your Property or Business from High Winds.
Surviving the Aftermath of a Hurricane. A guide from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.Other Publications
Returning Home after a Hurricane or Flood. American Red Cross.
Repairing Your Flooded Home. American Red Cross.
Avoiding Hurricane Damage. Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. Detailed information on how you can protect your property.Related Websites
Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a hurricane and learn about available resources by visiting the following websites:
Federal Emergency Management Agency NOAA Hurricane CenterAmerican Red Cross U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control Consumer Product Safety CommissionRecommended Training
FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) has developed a training program to encourage community hurricane preparedness. This computer-based course provides basic information about dealing with tropical cyclones and hurricanes. Visit EMI online and select the ‘take this course’ option at the top of the right hand column to take the interactive web-based course.
Listen to Local Officials
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
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