Hurricane Saftey Guide

OK folks we have about 6 weeks before the Atlantic hurricane season starts and the time to prepare IS NOW. This is the most comprehensive hurricane saftey guide I have been able to find.

In it you will find everything you need to prepare yourself and your loved ones for when the next big one strikes.

Thats right it's a matter of WHEN not IF !!

Develop your plan of action now

Hurricanes are a normal phenomenon in Florida. Each year,
particularly between June 1st and November 30th, all residents
and visitors need to be prepared for the effects of a hurricane
or severe weather. Each household, visitor and business
must develop a PLAN OF ACTION for hurricanes and
severe weather.
This guide will lead you through the steps needed to develop a
PLAN OF ACTION. The guide will define unfamiliar hurricane
terms and explain how to protect yourself, your family and your
home, prepare your automobile, and keep your pets safe. It
will explain what to expect after the storm.
KNOW THE HAZARDS
Wind - A hurricane is a tropical storm with constant winds
greater than 74 miles per hour. These winds can extend inland
for hundreds of miles. Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes which
add to its potential destruction.
Rain - Because of the tropical nature of a hurricane they
contain rain. Sometimes the torrential rain will cause floods
and flash flooding.
Storm Surge - The most dangerous element of a hurricane.
This is a dome of ocean water that can be 20 feet high at its
peak and 50 to 100 miles wide. Nine out of 10 hurricane
fatalities are attributable to the storm surge.

Watches and Warnings
Hurricane Watch - The National Weather Service issues the
advisory when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within
24-36 hours.
Hurricane Warning - This National Weather Service advisory
is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours
or less.


Hurricane Categories
Category Winds Storm Surge
1 74-95 mph 4-5 feet
Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees, and unanchored mobile
homes. No real damage to other structures. Some damage to
poorly-constructed signs. Low-lying coastal roads inundated,
minor pier damage, some small craft in exposed anchorage torn
from moorings.
2 96-110 6-8
Considerable damage to shrubbery and tree foliage; some trees
blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes. Extensive
damage to poorly constructed signs; some damage to roofing
materials of buildings; and some window and door damage. No
major damage to buildings. Coastal roads and low-lying escape
routes inland cut by rising water two-four hours before arrival of
the hurricane’s center. Considerable damage to piers. Marinas
flooded and small craft in unprotected anchorages torn from
moorings.
3 111-130 9-12
Foliage torn from trees; large trees blown down. Practically all
poorly-constructed signs blown down; some damage to roofing
materials of buildings; some window and door damage; and some
structural damage to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed.
Serious flooding at coast and many smaller structures near coast
destroyed; low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water threefive
hours before the hurricane’s center arrives.
4 131-155 13-18
Shrubs and trees blown down; all signs down. Extensive damage
to roofing materials, windows and doors; complete failure of roofs
on many small residences; complete destruction of mobile homes.
Major damage to lower floors of structures near shore due to
flooding and battering by waves and floating debris.

5 155 + 18+
Shrubs and trees blown down; considerable damage to roofs
of buildings; all signs down; very severe and extensive damage
to windows and doors; complete failure of roofs on many
residences and industrial buildings; extensive shattering of glass
in windows and doors; some complete building failures; small
buildings overturned or blown away and complete destruction
of mobile homes. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising
water three-five hours before the hurricane’s center arrives.

To read the complete guide click here
This guide opens in Adobe Reader you can get it here

For information on how we can help you secure your home and family from the next sever weather threat please visit our website Folding Shutters.com