Hurricane Season: Information & Safety
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Every year, from June through November, hurricane season hits the Atlantic & peaks between mid August and October. The 2024 season has arrived! Hurricanes are defined by their strong wind speeds, heavy rainfall & inland storm surge. While these storms can be very dangerous both during & after their occurrence, knowledge & preparedness are your tools to safety & security through this turbulent season. Don't get caught in the storm, which could risk damage to your property & danger to your loved ones. Instead, inform, ready & protect yourself to minimize risk & damage.
Learn more about the power of hurricanes & download our 2024 Hurricane Preparation Guide so you'll know what to do in case of emergency.
The Weather Behind Hurricane Season
As part of the natural ocean cycle, surface temperatures rise throughout the course of the spring & summer season. The sun warms both atmospheric air & surface water, as the ocean absorbs both the heat & carbon gases to raise the temperature of the water. The warmed water, along with a more unstable atmosphere than usual, creates a low-pressure system. The stronger these conditions are more severe this pressure system becomes & can develop into a hurricane. As ocean temperatures continue to significantly rise world-wide, hurricanes have become more prevalent, more severe & occur outside the lane of typical weather patterns.
All of this means there is always a potential for you & your property to face the dangers of a hurricane & preparation is key.
Hurricanes are categorized into five levels, based on their wind speeds. They range from categories 1-4 range from 74mph to 156mph, while a category 5, currently the strongest, begins at 157mph & can reach up to 185mph. The strongest wind speeds ever recorded in the Atlantic were at 190mph during Hurricane Allen in 1980, while the most intense low-pressure system was during Hurricane Wilma in 2005.
Hurricane Season Preparation
Preparation is your key to maximize safety & minimize risk during hurricane season.
Some essential tips:
1. Create Your Emergency Plan: Ensure your family & all your household members know what to do in case of a hurricane. As a household, identify your safe room, choose your evacuation route, establish your communication plan & plan your potential shelter.
2. Build Your Emergency Kit: Stock up on your basic essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, flashlights & first aid supplies. Remember to include important documents, cash & emergency contact information & to account for any children, pregnant people, people over 70, people with disabilities, animals or pets that may require additional preparation or care.
3. Secure Your Home: Reinforce your windows & doors, clear your gutters & bring in your outdoor furniture to prevent any damage. If necessary, you may choose to install hurricane shutters for the season, depending on your location & the potential for harm.
4. Stay Informed: Consistently monitor weather conditions & remain connected to government-issued updates & warnings. You may choose to consider a satellite radio for communication.
During the Hurricane
If a hurricane is imminent in your area this season, remain calm & get prepared.
Some essential tips:
1. Stay Inside: Remain inside at all times until the storm has passed. Debris could be flying through the air at speeds over 100mph, posing extreme danger.
2. Keep Away from Windows: Your windows should be secured at this point & you should seek shelter on the lowest level of your home far away from windows.
3 - Listen to Authorities: When instructions from local officials come through, it is important to follow procedures, such as evacuation orders, in order to ensure your safety, the safety of your community & the safety of our first responders. If you choose to ignore orders & fall into unnecessary danger, you not only put emergency personnel at risk, but you take them away from servicing other emergencies.
After the Hurricane
Storm surge caused by a hurricane can be one of the most dangerous times, so it is important to remain alert & act with caution & care. In the event of an emergency, contact emergency personnel & remain calm.
Avoid any flooded areas in or around your home. Do not go near any downed powerlines or cables. Contact your loved ones to affirm your safety. Inspect your home for damage & take photos, if necessary.
When you understand how hurricanes operate & take the steps to protect yourself, your loved ones & your property, you greatly improve your safety & decrease your potential for harm throughout hurricane season 2024. Preparation & awareness are your best defenses against these powerful events.
Contact us for more information or if you require our facility services to prepare your property for storm safety. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates & insider tips & tricks!
Our 2024 Hurrican Preparation Guide is available for download now. Get your copy today & optimize your preventative safety efforts during this time of ongoing, volatile weather.