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Jackson Bureau Of Fire Safety Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips
JACKSON - Hurricane researcher William Gray has forecasted three named storms, two hurricanes and one intense hurricane in August; five named storms, four hurricanes and two intense hurricanes in September and five named storms, two hurricanes and one intense hurricane in October and November combined. A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, the generic term for a low-pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and in the northern hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the Earth's surface.
All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.
Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Winds can exceed 155 miles per hour. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also spawn tornadoes and microburst, create storm surges along the coast and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall. Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure and damage potential. Category 3 and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories 1 and 2 are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.
Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains. Floods are the deadly and destructive result. Slow moving storms and tropical storms moving into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides, especially in mountainous regions. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall. Flooding on rivers and streams may persist for several days or more after the storm.
Before a Hurricane: Make plans to secure your property; Board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood; Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed; Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts; and determine how and where to secure your boat.
During a Hurricane: Listen to the radio or TV for information; Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors; Turn off utilities if instructed to do so; Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed; Turn off propane tanks and avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies; Have a supply of water for sanitary purposes; Fill the bathtub with containers of water.
Evacuation: If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions; If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure, such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground or if you live near a river or waterway. If you feel you are in danger, you should also evacuate.
Unable to Evacuate: Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors; Close all interior doors - secure and brace external doors and take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
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