How to stay safe during a

hurricane?

By: Teresa I. Esmurria

Torres
What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a wind spiral that moves on

the earth's surface and has closed
circulation around a center point. In the
northern hemisphere the winds rotate
counterclockwise.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Category Winds Efects
(MPH)
1 74-95 Minimal

2 96-110 Moderate

3 111-130 Extensive

4 131-155 Extreme

5 >155 Catastrophic
Getting ready for the hurricane
season
The hurricane season starts on June 1 and
extends through November 30.
To get ready for the hurricane season people
should:
1.Determine safe evacuation routes inland.
2.Learn location of official shelters.
3.Make emergency plans for pets.
4.Check emergency equipment, such as
flashlights, generators and battery-powered
radio and cell phones.
5.Buy canned food, store drinking water
and a first aid kit.
6.Buy plywood or other material to protect
your home.
7.Clear roof drains.
8.Trim trees and shrubbery.
9.Review your insurance policy.
What to do during the hurricane

1. Frequently listen to radio or TV to

check official bulletins.
2. Fuel and service family vehicles.
3. Have extra cash on hand.
4. Prepare to cover all windows and
doors to protect from the winds.
5. Check batteries and stock up on canned
food, first aid supplies, drinking water and
medications.
6.Bring in light weight objects such as
garbage cans, garden tools, toys and lawn
furniture.
What to do after the hurricane
1. Keep listening to radio or TV.
2. Wait until an area is declared safe
before entering.
3. Watch for closed road. If you come
upon a barricade or a flooded road,
turn around don’t drown!
4. Avoid weakened bridges and washed
out roads.
5. Stay on firm ground.
6. Once home, check gas, water and
electrical lines and appliances for damage.
7. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.
Never use candles and other open flames
indoors.
8. Do not drink or prepare food with tap
water until officials say it is safe.
9. If using a generator, avoid carbon
monoxide poisoning by following
manufacturer’s instructions.
10. Avoid electrocution by not walking in
flooded areas with downed power lines.