Today Marks the Start of Hurricane Season 2010...

June 1st marks the start of Hurricane Season. The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the 2010 season is going to quite active. According to NOAA there will be 14 to 23 named storms with top winds of 39 mph or higher. As well as 8 to 14 hurricanes with top winds of 74 mph or higher. And, finally, 3 to 7 major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph, reaching to Category 3, 4, or 5. If all holds true, this years' six month season will be one of the most active on record.

In order for everyone to stay safe during this hurricane season, everyone should take precautions and keep an eye out on the looming weather patterns. Have a safe Hurricane Season!

Take Action...National Hurricane Awareness Week Concludes...

To conclude, National Hurricane Awareness Week, we are going to focus on today's theme of "Taking Action." One must take action and utilize gathered knowledge regarding hurricanes. According to the National Hurricane Center, we must take action in three simple steps:

1.) Before the Hurricane: Create Safety, Food, and Supply Kits; and, create a family disaster plan.
2.) During a Hurricane Watch: Check out your kits and enforce your family disaster plan.
3.) During a Hurricane Warning: Get your kits ready for use and continue enforcing your family disaster plan.

Preparing for a Hurricane...

The most important thing that should be done before, during, and after a hurricane is to prepare! Beforehand, people should create first-aid kits, as well as creating food and supply kits. Other things that can be done prior to a hurricane are as follows: cleaning debris from our yards, purchasing and installing storm shutters, cleaning out storm drains, among other things. During a hurricane, we can prepare ourselves for the aftermath by remaining calm and indoors, out of harms way. And, after a hurricane, we must stay calm and collected, and properly utilize the contents in our food and supply kits.

Additionally, if told to evacuate, please do!! Do not wait to leave until it is too late. Authorities would not ask you to leave your home if they did not believe that you were in pertinent danger.

Forecasting a Hurricane...

Forecasting a hurricane is the number one life and property saving aspect of this natural disaster. This simple measure allows individuals in the target area(s) to evacuate and secure properties. However, despite constant tracking and research, forecasting is not always accurate, as the hurricane path and intensity can quickly change due to wind and atmospheric conditions.

Satellite pictures and computer models, along with experience, are the best used tools when forecasting a hurricane. Lucky for us, the National Weather Service (NSW), along with it's Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) analyze and predict the magnitude of hurricanes and every event leading up to a hurricane.

Hurricane Hazards... Day Three...

Every time it rains for days and days on end, I always wonder if it's time to start building an arc, just like Noah. But, that's probably me and my big imagination. However, during a hurricane, inland flooding is no joking matter. Inland flooding can affect people hundreds of miles inland, and can cause serious injuries and death.

In order to protect you and your family, you must research and find out whether or not your home is located within a flood zone. These maps can be found on county and city websites. If you do live in a flood zone, it is pertinent to obtain flood insurance, just in case.

Hurricane Hazards...Day Two...

Today's featured hurricane hazard is something that howls like a lost soul in the night. Can you guess what it is?! If you guessed high winds, then you are right! High winds are the force that literally fuels the hurricane, pushing it forward on it's journey. These winds are used to gauge the intensity of the hurricane. Below is a description of winds associated with hurricanes:

Tropical Depression... 32 mph (miles per hour)
Tropical Storm... 33 mph to 63 mph
Hurricane Category 1... 63 mph to 83 mph
Hurricane Category 2... 83 mph to 98 mph
Major Hurricane Category 3... 98 mph to 114 mph
Major Hurricane Category 4... 114 mph to 137 mph
Major Hurricane Category 5... 140 mph plus+

Hurricane Hazards...Day One...

It is the second day of Hurricane Preparedness Week. Today, is day one of a three day series describing the hazards associated with hurricanes. The hazard we will be featuring today is storm surge.

Storm surge is an effect of high winds pushing on the ocean's surface. The wind causes the water to rise higher than the natural sea level. Most commonly, shallow bodies of water produce storm surge when strong winds prevail its surface. This effect is one of the most dangerous and deadlines hazards associated with hurricanes. Since, this is such a deadly component of hurricanes, people need to take precautions and evacuate their homes if safety authorities demand.

It's National Hurricane Preparedness Week!

No matter where you live, you will always be exposed to natural disasters. However, you can prepare for these natural events, just as you would do for a wedding or sweet 16. Of all the natural disasters that occur, hurricanes are among the most destructive. Yet, with the ability to track the formation and nature of these storms, we can have the upper-hand of the situation; that is, if we practice hurricane awareness and preparation. That is why we are spotlighting "National Hurricane Preparedness Week," here at Chrissy Online.

When it comes to hurricanes, there are four main hazards: flooding, high winds, tornadoes, and storm surge. In order to avoid harm, people must take precautions when dealing with these hazards. According to the National Hurricane Center, "The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense." I totally agree with the NHC (National Hurricane Center). One must use common sense in order to survive the hazards that accompany hurricanes.

Today's focus is on the history of hurricanes. Some notable hurricanes are Galveston (1920), Miami (1926), San Felipe-Okeechobee (1928), Andrew (1992), Ivan (2004), Katrina (2005), and Wilma (2005). If you'd like to read about these hurricanes and many other, click on the history link above to view storm paths and the history of these and other hurricanes. Keep coming back this week for more information in regards to hurricanes.