Hurricane
A Hurricane, often called a tropical cyclone is a very powerful and violent storm accompanied by a strong winds and heavy rains as well as spawning tornadoes. It forms a spiral combination of water and air starting from the warm, condensed sea, near the equator. Hurricanes develop over large bodies or warm water, but they lose their strength when they move over the land. Tropical cyclones feed on heat released when moist air arises. It then results in condensation of water vapor coming from the moist in the air. The wind gives it power leading to what is called the warm core. A great damage happens when a hurricane hits the land. It carries furious winds, uncontrollable rains, intense floods and enormous waves crashing ashore. A ravaging hurricane can rip apart or damage properties, cause injuries and fatalities on the population than that of other disasters.
The term cyclone refers the storms cyclonic nature, rotating counterclockwise in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. A tropical cyclone is referred to by names such as hurricane, typhoon, tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical depression depending on its location and strength.
Before Hurricane
- Always make sure that your property is secure. Have the best protection for windows like the Permanent storm shutters. Or install a board window made from 5/8 marine plywood. Putting tape on a window does not prevent its breakage.
- Trim all the trees and shrubs around your home.
- Unclog rain gutters and downspouts.
- Have additional straps to secure your roof to its frame structure to avoid roof damage.
- In case you have a boat, make sure to determine where to fasten or secure your boat.
- If you live in a hurricane prone area, make sure to build a safe room for the family.
- Make sure to store food, water, candles, flash lights and first aid kit, in case of power shortage.
- Also, ensure a supply of water by filling in your water tanks, or store in a large water container or bath tubs for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing the toilets.
- If you have a generator, make sure is it fueled and working well.
- Listen on the radio or watch over the television if ever there is a warning for any typhoon coming.
- Keep a full tank of gas in your car just in case you need to evacuate. Gas stations may be close during the time of the calamity.
- Unplug any electrical equipment, such as radios and televisions, and small appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.
During the Hurricane and when to Evacuate
- As much as possible, stay indoors and away from windows and glass door that may shutter due to strong winds.
- Stay in an interior room, closet or hallway in the lowest level.
- Close exterior and interior doors, curtain and blinds closed.
- Since a weather condition such as the hurricane can be monitored, you may have a day or two to get ready and take the necessary actions to stay safe during the given circumstance.
- Vacate your place immediately if you are told or directed by local authorities to do so. Make sure to follow their instructions.
- If in case you live in a mobile home or a temporary structure, make sure to transfers to a more stable shelter as these shelter can be hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened they are to the ground.
- Hurricane's winds are stronger on a higher elevation so if you live in a high rise building, better evacuate.
- Even before a hurricane hit, if you are living on the coast, floodplain, near a river or an inland water way, secure your family by evacuating and stay in a stable shelter or stay with a relative that you know won't get affected by the hurricane.
- Hurricane oftentimes brings flood and heavy rains. If you live in a flood prone area, make sure to vacate your house before the water rises.
