During the Hurricane

TAKE COVER

Remain indoors during the hurricane. Blowing debris can injure and kill. Travel is extremely dangerous. Be especially aware of the "eye" of the hurricane. If the storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting for a few minutes to a half an hour or more. At the other side of the "eye," the winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction.

STORM SURGE

Storm surge is a great dome of water often 50 miles wide, that sweeps across the coastline near where the eye of the hurricane makes landfall. The surge, aided by the hammering effect of breaking waves, is like a giant bulldozer sweeping everything in its path. The stronger the hurricane, the higher the storm surge. This is unquestionably the most dangerous part of the hurricane. Nine out of ten hurricane fatalities are caused by the storm surge.

FLOODS

The floods and flash floods brought by the torrential rains of a hurricane are dangerous killers. Even though hurricanes weaken rapidly as they move inland, the remnants of the storm can bring 6 to 12 inches of rainfall to the area it crosses. The resulting floods have caused great damage and loss of life.

WINDS

The winds of a hurricane (74 miles per hour or more) can be very dangerous. For some structures, wind force is sufficient to cause destruction. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to hurricane winds that can spawn tornadoes, which contribute to incredible destruction. The greatest threat from hurricane winds is their cargo of debris-- a deadly barrage of flying missiles such as lawn furniture, signs, roofing, trees, siding, etc.