National Hurricane Preparedness Week: Day 1

Hurricanes come with multiple different risk - significant impacts can occur regardless of a storm's strength. While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and tropical depressions also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

Determine if you live in a flood-prone area
Anyone living in a flood-prone area is especially vulnerable to hurricane impacts. Find out today the flood risk for your area and plan accordingly. If you don't live in a flood zone, that doesn't necessarily mean you're safe - extreme rain from hurricanes can bring floods even to areas that aren't prone to flooding.

Find out if you live in an evacuation zone
Determine if you live in a storm surge evacuation zone. This can tell you about your vulnerability to storm surge and will be imperative when it comes time to develop an evacuation plan.

Identify your home's structural risks
Find out if your home has any weaknesses that could prove deadly in a hurricane. Are your exterior doors and garage door hurricane proof? Do you have storm shutters? Some aspects of your home can be strengthened to help withstand hurricane impacts, and some cannot. Mobile homes are especially vulnerable to hurricane-force winds, and basements are especially vulnerable to storm surge and flooding.

Additional Resources:

Information from the NOOA at: Know Your Risk: Water & Wind | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov)