How to Prepare Your Family for a Hurricane

June 1 through November 30 is hurricane season. Many families along the North Carolina coast have experienced tropical storms and hurricanes, but for those families who are new to the area, here is some helpful information regarding preparation for these tropical storms.
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In contrast to other major weather phenomena such as tornadoes and earthquakes, hurricanes can be monitored and prepared for in advance.

Crystal Coast Parent editor, who has lived in the hurricane-prone states of North Carolina, Florida and Texas, offers these researched tips to families for preparing for hurricanes. Click here to read quick tips for hurricane preparation.

For those unfamiliar with hurricane terminology, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center offers a wealth of information, including the following explanation of tropical storms and their strength.

Tropical Depression
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds* of 38 mph (33 kt**) or less

Tropical Storm
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 kt)

Hurricane
An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher.

Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. A Category 1 storm has the lowest wind speeds, while a Category 5 hurricane has the strongest. As hurricanes approach the North Carolina Coast, it is important to monitor weather reports, and to know the terminology associated with “watches” vs. “warnings.” From the National Hurricane Center:

• 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.

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NOAA also offers the following preparedness tips:

• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. National Flood Insurance Program
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
• Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
• Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
  

In addition, locate all items of personal value, as well as necessary information such as bank and insurance accounts, birth certificates and other hard-to-replace items and secure them in a waterproof bag or safe location, or take these items with you if you choose to leave the area during a major storm.

Being prepared will allow your family to remain safe and sound during any tropical storm or hurricane that affects our area.

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