ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
While most families are turning their attention from school and homework to more recreational activities during the summer months, families should continue to prepare for the seasonal threat of hurricanes.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 1 each year, usually peaking from mid-August to late October.
Known as typhoons in the Pacific, hurricanes are tropical cyclones with winds from 74 mph to more than 155 mph. Anything lower than 74 mph is considered a tropical storm.
Hurricanes however, are more than strong winds. They bring torrential rains leading to severe flooding and can spawn both tornadoes and microbursts which are brief, but severe thunderstorms. Flooding is the greatest of these concerns.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports, "Between 1970 and 1999, more people lost their lives from freshwater inland flooding associated with land falling tropical cyclones than from any other weather hazard."
The damage from hurricanes can be absolutely devastating, as is especially evident in areas hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Because of this, preparation is an essential part to adequate response.
Families can prepare themselves in a number of ways. While boarding up windows is usually the first measure that comes to mind, storing/securing loose items, trimming greenery and cleaning out gutters are all fairly simple to accomplish and reduce the potential for both flying debris and localized flooding.
Within three days of the arrival of a large storm, such as Categories III, IV and V, more guidance will be provided to families on when and possibly where the installation commander has chosen to evacuate.
General steps to take in preparation for evacuation are to ensure homes are secure, gas tanks are full and to depart as early as possible. It is also important to follow recommended evacuation routes; though you will encounter more vehicles, you will avoid roads blocked by flooding, downed power lines, etc.
Lesser hurricanes, such as Category I and II storms, however, may not require evacuation. If you and your family are still in the path of one of these storms, continue to monitor local radio and television stations, and the Commander's Access Channel and the Straight Talk line for hurricane information. It is especially important to know when your area is in a Hurricane Watch, when a hurricane may threaten your area within 36 hours, and a Hurricane Warning, when a hurricane is expected to strike your area within 24 hours or less.
Families should also turn their refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep it closed to preserve food for as long as possible should power go out, close all interior doors and secure those on the exterior, and move as far away from exterior walls and windows as possible.
Recovering from a hurricane can be a long, demanding process with severe costs both financially and emotionally. With preparation, however, these costs may be lower and the process may be shorter.
Remember that this kind of rainy day doesn't just happen -- it's predictable and can be prepared for.