Listen to the radio and television for official bulletins. Fuel and service family vehicles. Bring lawn furniture and other loose objects inside. Cover all windows and door openings with shutters or other shielding materials. Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if told to do so. Store drinking water in clean containers in the bathtub. Severe winds and blackouts frequently accompany hurricanes. You and your family can prepare by printing and filling out the Duracell Preparedness Checklist and posting it in your home.
What is a hurricane? A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean, usually involving heavy rains and winds over 74 miles per hour. In other parts of the world, the same types of storms are called typhoons or cyclones. How do they form? Hurricanes form in tropical regions where there is an abundance of warm water, moist air and intersecting equatorial winds. Most hurricanes begin as thunderstorms that move out over tropical ocean waters. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days for a thunderstorm to fully develop into a hurricane. Where and when do they hit? Hurricanes are most likely to hit the eastern and gulf coasts of the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean from June 1 through November 30th, during the period known as "hurricane season."
HURRICANE SEASON WEATHER TERMS Small Craft Advisory: When winds 21-38 miles per hour (18-33 knots) or hazardous wave conditions threaten a coastal area, small craft operators are advised to remain in port or to not venture into the open sea. Tropical Storm: A distinct low pressure area well defined by rotating circulation, with winds of 39-73 mph. Hurricane Watch: An announcement for specific areas that a hurricane or hurricane conditions pose a threat to a coastal area, generally within 36 hours. Hurricane Warning: An alert that a hurricane is expected in a specific coastal area within 24 hours. When a hurricane warning is issued, all precautions should be completed immediately. If the hurricane's path is unusual or erratic, the warning may be issued only a few hours before the beginning of hurricane conditions. Hurricane Hazards: A striking hurricane creates four major hazards-storm surge, high winds, tornadoes and heavy rains. Evacuation Orders: The most important instruction you will receive from local government officials is relayed over local radio and television stations. Because of long evacuation times and the unpredictability of hurricanes, you may be ordered to leave before the storm arrives.