A hurricane, also known as a tropical cyclone, is a severe storm system that has a low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that surround it, producing strong winds and heavy rainfall. Hurricanes occur when air with lots of moisture rises, causing condensation of water vapor and the release of heat. Since hurricanes use heat to fuel their destructive power, they are classified differently than nor’easters and European windstorms. Hurricanes usually originate at or near the equator, about 10 degrees from it (which is where the name ‘tropical cyclone’ comes from). They always develop and gain momentum over water and when they reach land, their power subsides.

What is Hurricane Preparedness?

Hurricane preparedness refers to all the actions and mitigation measures taken before a hurricane hits land inhabited by humans and livestock reducing damage, injuries and death from a storm. Hurricane preparedness can be at any level, from personal preparation, and efforts done by governments and public and private organizations.

How did Hurricane Preparedness originate?

When hurricanes hit dry land inhabited by humans and livestock, they can create billions of dollars worth of damages. Studies have shown that damage caused by the high winds and precipitation in a hurricane can be greatly reduced by following certain measures, especially in areas prone to hurricanes. This includes improved building structural technologies, advanced warning and communication, and more accurate predictions.

Preparedness in Individuals:
Evacuation is always the best defense against a hurricane, but if it is not possible due to certain limiting situations, securing one’s home is the best defense against a hurricane. All homes in hurricane prone areas should be equipped with hurricane preparedness kits. Kits include water, prepared meals, first-aid kits, and battery powered tools useful in the event of a tropical cyclone.

Evacuation plans should also be discussed with with all residents within a community. Hurricane shelters are usually present in certain areas and are quickly prepared for housing many residents in the event of a hurricane strike. The shelters are designed to protect residents from the wind and precipitation in a hurricane.

What is Home Retrofitting?

If a homeowner in a hurricane prone area would like to protect their property, there are many ways to improve the structure of a house so that it is not completely destroyed in a storm. Hiring a hurricane mitigation professional will ensure that a house is structurally resistant and may provide tips on having the house secured. Although retrofitting can help protect a house from strong winds and precipitation, floods can still occur and damage a home.

Organized Preparedness:
One of the primary organizations that specialize in hurricane preparedness is the National Hurricane Center, located in at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. The National Hurricane Center is a part of National Weather Service’s Tropical Prediction Center. They are able to predict weather patterns to a certain extent and track storms to help provide early warnings to areas vulnerable to an approaching hurricane. When a hurricane is expected to reach land in 36 hours, the National Hurricane Center issues warnings to news media sources to inform the public of the approaching tropical cyclones.