* HURRICANE: A tropical cyclone with winds of 74 mph or more.

* HURRICANE WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area, usually within 24 hours.   Complete all storm preparations and evacuate if instructed by officials.

* HURRICANE WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area of watch, usually within 36 hours.   Prepare to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a hurricane warning is issued.

* NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER:

* SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY:

* STORM SURGE:

* STORM TIDE:

* TROPICAL STORM: A tropical cyclone with 39 to 73 mph winds.  These storms are assigned names.

* TROPICAL STORM WARNING:

* TROPICAL STORM WATCH:

* TROPICAL DEPRESSION:

* TROPICAL CYCLONE:

* TROPICAL DISTURBANCE:

* Decide now where you plan to go if you are ordered to evacuate.  You may go to a hotel or motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location, or go to a Red Cross shelter.

* Put together your survival kit (see below)

* Register now with your local emergency management agency if you will need assistance during evacuation and there is no one else to help you.

* Have your car ready.  Check gas, oil, water and maintenance.

* Check your emergency evacuation supplies.

* Board up or put up storm shutters on windows.  Reduce the risk and danger of broken windows and flying glass.

* Plan for pets.  Pets are not allowed in public shelters.  If you need to make arrangements for your pet, contact your vet, local SPCA or humane society now.

* Clear your yard of loose objects, bicycles, lawn furniture, trash cans, etc.

* Secure your boat.   Remember that most drawbridges and and swing bridges will be closed to all boat traffic after the evacuation order is issued. 

* Leave swimming pool filled.   Super chlorinate and cover pump and filtration systems and intakes.

* Obtain a week's supply of non-perishable foods.  Don't forget a non-electric can opener.

* Check your emergency supply survival kit.

* Be a good friend.  Offer your home as a shelter to friends or relatives who live in vulnerable areas or mobile homes.

* Stay inside, away from windows.

* Wait for OFFICIAL word that the danger is over...  Don't be fooled by the storm's calm eye.

* Turn off electricity, water and gas at their main valves and switches.  Never attempt to turn utilities back on after you return home.  Call your utility company to do this for you so they can check for damage and breaks.

* Contact friends and relatives to let them know where you are going.  Keep telephone calls short to avoid jamming phone lines needed for emergency calls.

* Check on your neighbors.  Make sure they have a safe ride out of the area or help if they need special assistance.

* Lock your windows and doors.

* It is advisable that all mobile home residents evacuate in all hurricane-force winds.  Seek safe shelter with friends, relatives, or with the Red Cross.  Do not bring pets, weapons, alcohol, or extra food to public shelters.

* Avoid driving.  Roads must be left clear for emergency vehicles.

* Don't sightsee.  You may be mistaken for a looter.

* Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground.

* Avoid downed or dangling utility wires.

* Enter your home with caution.

* Be cautious with fires.   Do not strike matchesuntil you are certain there are no gas leaks.

* If a blackout occurs, turn off or disconnect all motor-driven appliances and fixtures to avoid damage from sudden surges when power is restored.

* Avoid using candles, as they may result in a fire.  Use a flashlight.

* Fill clean containers and bathtubs with water for drinking, cooking, washing and to flush toilets.  A pail of water poured in the toilet will flush it.

* Turn the refrigerator and freezer controls to the coldest settings.

* To keep spoiling and thawing to a minimum, open the refrigerator or freezer as seldom as possible during a blackout.   Food will stay frozen for up to 48 hours if a freezer is full and tightly packed and the door is kep closed.  Food in a partially filled freezer may keep for 24 hours.

* Fill empty freezer spaces with reusable ice containers, or fill empty milk containersabout four-fifths full of water, cap the containers loosely and place in empty space.

* If food in freezer does defrost, use it within one or two days.  Never refreeze food that has thawed completely.  How do you tell if food has gone bad?  The rule of thumb is, "If in doubt, throw it out!"

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Why hurricanes are named

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What watches, warnings mean
Information on watches, warnings, how alerts are issued,
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SURVIVAL IN A HURRICANE

National Severe Storms Laboratory

Hurricanes: online meteorology guide

All About Hurricanes

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