Hurricane Preparedness

One of the most dramatic, damaging and potentially damaging weather events that occur in this country is a  hurricane. Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken by individuals and communities  before a hurricane strikes to reduce vulnerability to hurricane hazards.

During a hurricane, homes, businesses, public buildings, roads and power lines may be damaged or  destroyed by high winds and floodwaters. Debris can break windows and doors. Roads and bridges can be washed away by flash flooding or blocked by debris.

The force of wind alone can cause tremendous devastation, toppling trees and power lines and undermining weak areas of buildings.

In extreme storms the force of the wind alone can cause weak places in your home to fail. Remember that hurricanes deliver torrential rains which often cause flooding and sometimes trigger landslides. In addition, hurricanes can spawn tornados, which add to the destructiveness of the storm.

Here's what you can do to prepare for such an emergency.