Let’s Prepare for a Let’s Prepare for a Hurricane!Hurricane!

By Stacy Bodin

What's a hurricane?• A A hurricanehurricane is a very is a very

destructive and dangerous destructive and dangerous stormstorm. . It forms in stages. The It forms in stages. The hurricaneshurricanes are filled with are filled with rainrain, , strong strong winds, lightning, winds, lightning, thunder, hail thunder, hail and and tornadoestornadoes.. In In these storms, when the winds these storms, when the winds range from 35 to 54 miles an range from 35 to 54 miles an hour, it is called a hour, it is called a tropical tropical depressiondepression.. When the winds When the winds are from 55 to 74 miles an hour are from 55 to 74 miles an hour then it is called a then it is called a tropical tropical storm. storm. When it reaches 75 When it reaches 75 miles an hour, it is called a miles an hour, it is called a

hurricanehurricane..

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane ScaleSaffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

CategoryCategory Wind speed (mph)Wind speed (mph) Storm surge (feet)Storm surge (feet)

55 156156 More than18More than18

4 131–155 13–18

3 111–130 9–12

2 96–110 6–8

1 74–95 4–5

Additional classificationsAdditional classifications

Tropical stormTropical storm 39–7339–73 0–30–3

Tropical depressionTropical depression 0–380–38 00

How do they measure hurricanes?How do they measure hurricanes?

What is the “eye” of the hurricane?

• Eye of the HurricaneEye of the Hurricane: The eye is the calm center of a hurricane. In the middle of the storm, things may seem calm, but you may be in the middle of the storm. Listen to the radio to find out when the storm has really passed.

What does evacuate mean?

• EvacuateEvacuate: You and your family may be asked to leave your home. You can return after your town or state leaders say you can return.

What does floodingflooding mean?

• FloodsFloods: FloodingFlooding occurs when water rises. More people are killed by floodsfloods during a hurricanehurricane than by any other hazard. Tidal surges Tidal surges push water in hurricanes hurricanes and can cause flooding.flooding.

What is a What is a storm surgestorm surge??• Storm surgeStorm surge: Storm surge Storm surge is a massive

dome of water, that sweeps across the coast near the area where the eyeeye of the hurricane hurricane comes makes landfall. landfall. The stronger the hurricanehurricane the higher the storm surgestorm surge. For those living along the coast, storm surge storm surge is one of the most dangerous parts of a hurricanehurricane. Here are examples of a storm surge flooding a town.

What is a What is a hurricane watch & warninghurricane watch & warning??

• Hurricane WatchHurricane Watch: A hurricanehurricane is possible within 36 hours. Listen closely to the radio and television for more information. It is very important for your parents to listen for the hurricane updates.

• Hurricane WarningHurricane Warning: A hurricanehurricane is expected within 24 hours. You may be told to evacuateevacuate. You and your family should begin preparations to evacuateevacuate.

Do I need to prepare for Do I need to prepare for tornadoestornadoes??

• YES! HurricanesHurricanes often bring tornadoes with them. Listen to your radio for tornado warnings tornado warnings and try to stay safe.

What can you do?

• Listen to the radioListen to the radio: Get radio and extra batteries for it, and be sure to listen to it during a hurricane or any emergency.

• The radio will tell you when you need to take shelter.

What can you do?What can you do?

• Prepare your house for Prepare your house for the stormthe storm!• Help your parents get the

house ready by picking up loose items in the yard, covering windows plywood, removing roof antennas and turning off utilities.

What can you do?What can you do?• Disaster supply kit: Make

sure your family has a disaster supply kit assembled and ready to use.

• Disaster meeting place: Ask your family to decide on a meeting place in case you get separated during a disaster. Choose an out-of-town relative or friend who you can check in with to say you're OK.

What can you do?What can you do?• Pets: If you have pets, you

need to find a place for them to stay if you have to evacuate your home.• Make sure this safe place is

outside the evacuated area. If your family plans to stay in a public shelter, you may have to keep your pets somewhere else.

• You could also take shelter in a hotel, but make sure they accept pets before you evacuate

Keep Track of the HurricaneKeep Track of the Hurricane

• If you know how, try to keep track of the hurricane.

• You can see it on the internet (if you are away from the storm) or listen to a radio and download a hurricane tracking chart.

• When a hurricane forms, you can follow its course by listening to the news on the radio and you can plot it on the chart.

Last, stay safe and listen!Last, stay safe and listen!

• The final thing is to stay indoors and stay safe and dry! Listen to the adults around you!

THE END• Pictures from NOAA

Center, Microsoft Clip Art Collection or personal photographs.