Hurricanes are one of nature's fiercest and least predictable forces. Though it can be nearly impossible to forecast severe storms in advance, a group from Colorado State University (led by long-time hurrican prognosticator Dr. William Gray) predicts an average hurricane season in 2009. The team anticipates 12 named tropical storms between June 1 and November 30. Six of those storms are predcted to become hurricanes, and two are expected to develop into intense or major hurricanes (Saffir/Simpson category 3, 4 and 5). The same group predicts there is a 54 percent chance a hurricane will make landfall on a U.S. coastline.
Due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, it is important to take steps now to protect yourself, your business and your family. Even areas far removed from the coastline may feel the impact of the side effects of a major hurricane, such as spin-off tornadoes, storm surges and flooding.
The following tips are designed for safety in hurricane conditions, though many of the precautions also apply to any severe storm situation.
* Plan your escape route early.- Find out where the nearest official shelter is in your area. The Red Cross or local government can give you this information. Keep a good map in your car in case you are forced to seek and alternate route on your way out of town.
* Take inventory of your personal property.- Make a detailed list of your possessions and back it up with photos or video footage. Keep one copy in your home and another in a separate location, in case the storm damages the original copy. For help with your business or home contents inventory, contact Servpro.
* Take steps to protect your home.- Hurricane-force winds can turn landscape materials into missiles that can break windows and doors. Trim weak branches off of trees and replace gravel/rock landscaping with shredded bark.
Also consider buying the materials needed to brace garage doors and windows in advance, since many of these items may be in high demand when a severe storm is forcasted.
For more prepardness tips contact Servpro or visit www.ready.gov
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