When is Hurricane season, June 1st thru November 30th. This doesn't mean that hurricanes couldn't happen outside of this six month period; however, 97% of hurricanes fall within those months.
Most tropical storms are likely to form in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and off the Southeast coast of the United States.
Since 1953, hurricane names in the Atlantic have been named by the National Hurricane Center and women's names were used exclusively until 1979. After 1979, men's and women's names were alternated. This year's storms have been named and released. Some of the names will be Bill, Fred, Kate and Mindy.
Whether the hurricane season is below average, average or above average, getting prepared early is critical. If you live in a hurricane prone area, along the gulf coast or eastern seaboard, preparing with a 72-hour hurricane supply kit
that has water, food and other emergency supplies, will help you and your family survive.
How to Get Ready for Hurricane Season:
Have hurricane storm shutters installed or cut to fit 5/8 inch marine plywood on hand to cover all windows (taping windows will not prevent them from breaking).
Hurricane clips or straps securely fastened between the roof and frame structure will help reduce damage.
Trees and scrubs should be well trimmed around your home.
Rain gutters and downspouts should be cleared.
Establish a safe room in your house (a room within your home that is designed to withstand severe winds).
If a hurricane is likely to come through your area, you should:
Get the hurricane forecast by listening to your television or radio.
Secure all windows by closing the storm shutters or by installing the 5/8 inch marine plywood.
If instructed to, turn off all utilities.
Avoid using the telephone, unless you are in a serious emergency.
Propane tanks should be turned off.
If you have a boat and you have time, moor it properly.
Make sure you have enough water for sanitary purposes by filling the bathtub and larger containers.
Evacuate Your Home Under the Following Conditions:
Local authorities have directed you to do so. Make sure that all of their instructions are followed.
Mobile or temporary structures should be vacated, due to the fact that they are vulnerable during a hurricane. Even though they may be well fastened to the ground.
Living in a high-rise building. With higher elevations, the hurricane winds are stronger.
Living on a flood plain, along the coast, or near a river or inland waterway.
Feeling that you or your family may be in danger.
If You Are Unable To Evacuate Your Home, Follow These Guidelines:
During the hurricane, always stay indoors away from windows and glass doors.
Close and secure interior doors and brace all exterior doors.
Close all curtains and blinds.
Go to a small interior room, hallway or closet on the lowest level of your home.
Take cover under a sturdy object, such as a table or desk.
What To Do After Hurricane storms:
Do not leave your home until the local authorities say it is safe.
If you evacuated from your home to a community shelter or outside the area, do not return home unless authorities say it is okay to do so.
When you return to your home, make sure you have made a careful examination of your home for any unsafe conditions.
Talk with your family about what happened and how each of you can work together during the recovery process. By involving your children in the recovery process, it will help them to cope with the situation.
When you prepare ahead of time, you will be able to put your mind at ease knowing that you have done everything you can to help keep you and your family safe.
Paul Laris is an author and advisor on Emergency, Disaster and First Aid information. His website EmergencySuppliesInfo.com, will give you up to date information and videos on what to do before, during and after an Emergency.
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