Preparing for Hurricane Season
An average of 11 tropical storms develop each year over the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. While many of those storms stay over the ocean without impacting the U.S., about five hurricanes will strike the U.S. Coastline from Texas to Maine in a given three-year period, with two being Category 3 (111-130 mile-per-hour winds) or higher storms. The official Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. As peak season approaches, it is important to understand and prepare for hurricane hazards, including storm surge, high winds, tornadoes and inland flooding.
Viewer Tip: National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 24-30, 2009. Be prepared before hurricane season arrives.
- Make an emergency evacuation plan prior to June 1.
- Find out if your home meets current building code requirements for high winds. If not, consider making some improvements to your home. Visit the National Hurricane Center’s “Retrofitting Your Home” Web site for more information: www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/secure_home.shtml.
- Determine if you live in a flood zone. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information.
Learn more about National Hurricane Preparedness Week: www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml.
Seasons: Summer, Fall
(Source: National Hurricane Preparedness Week: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml)
