Hurricanes typically move at a forward speed of 8 to 25 miles per hour, can be as much as 200 miles wide, eight miles high, and, have winds from 74 mph to more than 156 mph.
The storm surge (water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm) can be as high as 18 feet or more above the ocean’s tide.
Hurricanes are powerful and dangerous.
CategoriesHurricane Preparations
There simply won't be time to think of everything when a storm gets close. Think things through now and develop a plan for you and your family. Your plan should include evacuation preparations. No mobile / manufactured home is safe in hurricane force winds. Those residents should evacuate to a safer structure once local officials issue a hurricane evacuation order for their community.If you decide to evacuate determine beforehand where you will go. If you need to go to a shelter, find out now where the shelter would be located. Shelters do not allow pets, so decide now how you will care for your pets.
Map out your evacuation route. Determine how long it will take to pick up everyone in your family and notify other family members where you plan to be. Bring your three-day survival kit with you. (See below).
If you decide to stay, be sure to have shutters for all windows and openings and determine how long it will take you to put them up. Is rising water an issue in your home?
Notify any out-of-area relatives that you are staying. Determine what special supplies and food you will need to have on hand and how you will cope with any family member with medical needs.
Move vehicles to a covered area to prevent damage from high winds, flying debris and hail. Identify loose items located outside, such as lawn furniture, grills, toys, yard equipment, etc., that should be brought inside before a storm. When picked up by high winds, these items can become deadly missiles.
Have you videotaped, photographed or compiled a written inventory of your home and belongings for insurance purposes? Have you stored those and other important documents in a secure location such as a bank’s safe deposit box?
Be prepared to live without utilities and normal services for as long as two weeks after the storm. Have equipment available for clean-up after the storm such as saws, wheelbarrows or plastic sheeting.
Three-day supply kit
Start with an easy to carry, water tight container - a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next gather up the following items and place them in your kit:
Fourteen-day Supply Kit
The experiences of Hurricanes Hugo, Bertha and Fran have taught North Carolinians to be prepared to live without utilities and basic services for up to two weeks or more. In addition to the three-day supply kit, these supplies will be helpful for 14 days without electricity or running water:
It is also important to fuel all vehicles before a storm hits, get to the ATM or bank and secure some cash since banks will probably be closed for some time after a severe storm, and keep a photo I.D. that shows your home address.