In 1989 Hurricane Hugo did an estimated $6 billion dollars worth of damage to a sparsely populated area, while just a few months back Andrew left heavily populated Miami with damage estimating anywhere from $7 to $20 billion dollars. America was NOT READY. The southeast United States awoke to the memory of the great storms of the thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties that Florida and Georgia once took as a part of their summer existence. If a storm came, people told themselves there would be plenty of time to get materials and board up, get enough bottled water and supplies, and leave the barrier islands. But more than just remembering, the strength of these "new" hurricanes was even greater than ever we knew. No one could have prepared totally for this.

The season when hurricanes are born starts in June and can continue through November. The western Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico are the principal areas of birth, though in early September a few storms originate as far east as the Cape Verde Islands. On the average, three hurricanes strike the United States a year, though six out of ten tropical storms develop into mature hurricanes. Ava, the classically organized 1973 storm, is still the most violent hurricane of record for the eastern North Pacific area, whereas Camille of 1969 and the 1935 Labor Day storm claim to be the western North Atlantic's "prizes."

Hurricanes are cyclonic storms, products of the tropical ocean and atmosphere, powered by heat from the sea and steered by easterly trade winds and temperate westerlies. Their single known benefit is a major source of rain for those continental regions their course reaches. Few hurricanes mature in the doldrums, but one can begin as a poorly organized disturbance in an easterly trade wind or a disturbance along the Intertropical Convergence Zone. It seems to weaken as the young storm crosses a persistent intruding polar trough. The young storm stands upon the sea as a whirlwind of awful violence continuing to build into a tropical storm and further to a full scaled hurricane. As long as the easterly drift is slow the hurricane may magnify. More rapid forward motion inhibits intensification in the early stages of the storm. Fast moving storms soon weaken. Cut off from their oceanic source of energy, hurricanes break up over land.

The "Bermuda High," a semi-permanent persistent high-pressure system, dominates the North Atlantic in the summer. It is a clockwise spiral of descending air, lying between the temperate and tropical bands of prevailing winds, with a surface position centered near Bermuda and the Azores. When it is south of its normal position, a developed hurricane is held below it and will move straight inland making the southern east coast vulnerable. Its movement is controlled by the very forces which eventually destroy it - the forces that drive it ashore or over colder water beyond the tropics. Hurricane winds are produced by differences in atmospheric pressure, or density. They drop the bottom out of normal pressures.

The hurricane's "eye" is a unique atmospheric entity where winds diminish to less then 15 knots, but when you penetrate the opposite wall you are abruptly in the worst of winds again. Tides of 3 to 4 feet above normal could occur 24 to 36 hours before the "eye" reaches the coastline causing flooding. If the calm eye of the hurricane passes through your area, continue to stay indoors. Wind and rain may stop for as little as minutes or as long as a half hour or more.

The rising tide and storm surge pushes water up inland drainage canals preventing the heavy rainfall from draining off. Most coastal damage caused by hurricanes is the result of flooding from giant waves driven by the enormous winds. As a result of intense rainfall over a prolonged period, the pooling of water in flood prone areas such as overflowing of lakes and ponds has caused extensive property damage. Prepare early, locating low lying sections of your community to avoid, finding the safest route to high grounds, and making all the necessary preparations to protect your family.

People who live inland from the coast often feel they will not be affected by an approaching hurricane. As a hurricane moves inland, its wind forces do weaken rapidly. But the tons of water the storm picked up over the ocean will continue to be released causing much inland flooding. Inland residents, if it appears that flood waters will enter your home, turn off all electrical and gas service. If water has entered your home, do not touch electrical switches or appliances to either turn them off or on. When walking outside, avoid any pools of water in which a downed power lines is laying. YOU MUST ASSUME THAT ALL DOWNED POWER LINES ARE ENERGIZED.

Advisory messages are issued by the National Hurricane Center concerning TROPICAL STORMS and HURRICANES. These messages give details as to where the tropical storm or hurricane is located, its intensity, and direction and the speed of movement. Bulletins are issued to describe weather disturbances with winds not yet strong enough to be classified as named storms.

The Tropical Wave or Disturbance, the first stage of the formation of a hurricane is a cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorms without an organized circulation, moving through the tropics. The Tropical Depression is the second stage, when an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms within a defined circulation having top winds of less than 39 MPH originates over tropical waters. The Tropical Storm or third stage is how storms get named. It is an organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and top winds of 39 to 74 MPH blowing counter-clockwise. These can quickly develop into major hurricanes, intense tropical weather systems with a well defined circulation and sustaining winds of 74+ MPH. In the northern hemisphere the winds blow in a counter-clockwise direction around the center. The size of the storm may range from 60 to 1000 miles in diameter.

A Gale/Tropical Storm Warning is the first actual warning issued by authorities in the area. It is a warning that winds within the range of 39-54 MPH are in the coastal area. It may be used as the warning for coastal sections in a hurricane watch. A Tropical Storm Watch says that conditions are possible for a storm to move into the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Warning says that the same conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours. A Hurricane Watch says conditions are possible in the specific area of the watch, usually between 24-48 hours. You should prepare to take immediate action to protect your property and family in case of a warning being issued. It indicates that a hurricane is near enough for those in the covered area need to be ready to take precautionary measures. A Hurricane Warning says conditions are expected in the specific area of the watch, usually between 12-24 hours. Complete all storm preparations and evacuate dangerous or low-lying location as soon as possible.

The Storm Surge within a hurricane is the increase in the water level due to the action of the wind on the ocean surface and the low barometric pressure of a storm system. It appears as a dome of sea water, up to 20 feet high, that arrives in front of the eye of a hurricane and can affect as much as 100 miles of coastline. It is the most dangerous part of the hurricane. Approximately 80% of the damage to structures along the coast and most hurricane related deaths are caused by storm surging. The Hurricane's Eye is a deceptively calm area near the center of the storm, with light winds, warm temperatures, and the sky more or less clear. DON'T BE FOOLED! The wind will pick up again--from the opposite direction and often with greater force. Tornados may descend from the advancing bands of thunder-clouds. A Tornado Watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are such that a possibility of tornado development exists. A Tornado Warning is given when a tornado has been indicated by radar or sighted in the area.

The National Weather Station categorizes hurricanes according to their strength. I will try to identify here the problems expected to occur with each category of strength. In Category 1 winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour pound the shore bringing a storm surge of 4 to 5 feet above normal. This storm will do its own manicuring of shrubbery, trees, and foliage. It will claim some damage to unanchored mobile homes and poorly constructed signs but no real damage shows on other structures at this stage. Low lying coastal roads will be inundated and some small crafts in exposed anchorage will be torn from moorings.

Category 2 brings winds of 96 to 110 miles per hour with a storm surge of 6 to 8 feet above normal. Noticeable damage will occur to shrubbery and tree foliage, blowing down the more fragile trees. Major damage can be expected to exposed mobile homes and to poorly constructed signs. Roofing materials on buildings will get some damage as will windows and doors but there should be no major damage to buildings. Two to four hours before the arrival of the hurricane's center, rising waters will cut off coastal roads and low lying escape routes inland. Small crafts in unprotected anchorages will get torn from moorings. Officials will require evacuation operations for some shoreline residences and low lying island areas.

Winds of 111 to 130 miles per hour with storm surging of 9 to 12 feet above normal make up Category 3. Large trees may up root and practically all poorly constructed signs will lay on the ground or be gone. In this strength storm small buildings may have some structural damage and mobile homes can be destroyed. Serious flooding comes to many smaller structures near the coast, even larger structures will be damaged by battering waves and floating debris. Low lying escape routes inland are cut off by rising waters three to five hours ahead of the "eye." Flat terrains 5 feet or less above sea level flood inland 8 miles or more. Possibly, officials will ask for evacuation of low lying residences within several blocks of the coastal shoreline.

A Category 4 Hurricane's winds bear down at 131 to 155 miles per hour and surges range from 13 to 18 feet above normal. Most, if not all signs become part of the aftermath's rubble and extensive damage comes to roofing materials, windows and doors, many small residences losing their roofs. Major damage will occur to lower floors of structures near shore due to flooding, battering by waves and floating debris. Flooding can occur in flat terrains of 10 feet or less above sea level as far as 6 miles away from the coast. Massive evacuation will be announced for all residences within 500 yards of shore and for single story residences on low ground within 2 miles of the shoreline.

Category 5 holds winds greater than 155 miles per hour and storm surge greater than 18 feet above normal. One can expect to see even large durable trees on the ground, all signs destroyed, and extensive damage to roofs of buildings. Complete failure of roofs will be found on many residences and industrial buildings with very severe and extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors. Some complete buildings will be destroyed, small buildings overturned or blown away. Mobile homes can expect complete destruction. Major damage will come to the lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level within 500 yards of shore. Massive evacuation will come to residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of shore.

We need to take seriously the wise words of warning the National Hurricane Center give to the coastal population about preparing in June not in late August or early September. Once an issue of "hurricane watch" has gone out the following jobs should be considered. Fill your car's gasoline tank. Check the water, oil, and battery. Check your flashlights and batteries and have extras on hand. Stay tuned to the radio and television for advisories and information. Obtain and mark clean containers for storing drinking water. Refill prescription drugs and obtain any special medication.Outline emergency plans with your household. Make arrangements for your pets. They will not be allowed in the shelter. Tie down sheds and other large items anchoring buried in the ground. Inspect and clear yards and outside courtyards carefully removing loose objects including garbage cans, bicycles, furniture, removable bar-b-ques, and potted plants. Trim trees and shrubs. Document or video your belongings for insurance purposes. Take to bank safe or with you a complete back up disk or tape of your computer hard drive (if you have a computer).

The Weather Center will change the directive from "watch" to "warning" as the hurricane approaches. At that time be sure to

board your home protecting all windows. Leave a northern exposed window cracked to equalize pressure so your house won't expand. Turn freezer and refrigerator to coldest temperature to insure food inside will last if electricity goes. If not opened the freezer will keep cold for two days. You can help insure coldness by adding extra insulation with quilts and blankets. DO NOT COVER THE AIR VENTS OR CONDENSER. Gather things you need to take to a shelter or to the home of a friend. Put together supplies if you plan to stay home. An interior room or a room without windows is usually the safest place to sit the hurricane out. Many of the things you own are considered by you to be irreplaceable. These items should be elevated above floor level before you evacuate. Use flashlights instead of candles or kerosine lamps as a gust of wind through a door or window could start a blaze and the fire department may not be available to respond. Prepare to evacuate if ordered to do so.

If evacuation is announced, here are some safety rules for those of you assigned notice which will help you go safely on your journey.

1. Before making last minute preparations be sure you have time. Don't wait until the last minute to leave, hoping to save your possessions. SAVE YOUR LIFE.

2. Move quickly and calmly. In a flash flood your automobile may not be your safest and quickest form of transportation. If your nearest shelter is on a hill, walking up the hill to shelter might be better.

3. Keep your radio turned on and located where you can hear it.

4. Know where you are going before you leave. Searching for an unknown shelter could be hazardous. If you don't know the location of public shelters, listen to your radio for instructions.

5. If limited in time to evacuate, take only family medicines, blankets, and a battery-operated radio.

6. If there is time turn off utilities and open basement windows to let water in and equalize pressure.

7. Lock your home.

8. As you drive, listen to radio for evacuation notices and watch for washed out bridges, undermined roads, landslides, downed power lines, etc.

9. Bridges will not be raised at a time which would block escape routes during hurricane evacuation so escaping boaters move out early.

The aftermath of a hurricane holds its own dangers. Don't just run outside ready to haul away rubble. There are considerations to make and dangers to watch for. Remain indoors until an "all clear" announcement is given. Listen to the radio for instructions. If your home has structural damage, do not go in until it is checked by officials. Report individual trouble with utilities only after service has been restored in your neighborhood. The utility companies have plans to restore service as quickly as possible. The health department may order a boil water order immediately after the hurricane passes. It would remain in effect for at least 72 hours. Refrigerated and frozen foods can last up to three days without power, but check for spoilage before using any foods from the refrigerator. Be careful with open flames. Never use gas grills inside your house. There is danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Immediately report property damage to your insurance agent. Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage to your home or contents. Include boarding up damaged windows and holes in your roof. Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. If damages require you to leave your home, secure your property and leave a forwarding phone number and address where you can be reached. When re-entering your home be careful of loose or dangling power lines. Do not light matches or use lighters if gas is used in your home because there may be leaky gas lines. Be careful where you walk or drive because poisonous snakes and insects may be present after flooding. Insurance Companies will handle the claims for worst damages first. BE PATIENT.

Here are some general tips on care of property and your person before and after the storm. The best protection for your windows and glass sliding doors is either regular window shutters or metal paneling. Plywood or Masonite placed over the entire window opened with at least 4-6" overlap also provides good protection. Tape will only reduced the amount of glass flying if the window is shattered but it will do little, if any, good in 120 MPH winds. Remove it immediately after storm passes as sun will bake it on.

One of your most crucial needs is a supply of safe water. Every person in your family needs at least 2 quarts of water or other liquids daily. You also need pure water for preparing food, brushing teeth, and keeping clean. Soft drinks and juices substitute for water, ice works well, and having bottled water is a real benefit, but you should fill bathtubs and sinks with water ahead of time also. If you have amply bottled water and drink supplies, try to use bathtub/sink water for toilets and washing as much as possible to save the other supplies for cooking, drinking and brushing teeth.

Strain the water through a paper towel or several thicknesses of clean cloth to remove dirt. If possible, after the solid particles have been removed, boil water for 10 minutes, or add a water purifying agent (liquid bleach, water-purifying tablets, 2% tincture of iodine).

Don't drain your pool unless you want to watch your pool pop wrong side out. Lower the water level slightly but no more than a foot or two. More than that will have the same effect as draining it.

To protect roof mounted turbines from damage, they should be removed prior to arrival of strong winds. Metal covers are available to place over the open stand pipe after removing the turbine.

Following floods, storms, and hurricanes, snakes and rodents are often forced into places where they are not usually found. Know how to identify poisonous snakes common to your area. Keep a heavy stick or some other weapon handy. Search the premises thoroughly. Be alert for snakes in and around homes, barns, outbuildings, stalled automobiles, piles of debris, trash or any type of rubble. In clean-up operations wear heavy leather or rubber high-topped boots, and heavy gloves. To control snakes remove snakes' food supply by eliminating rats and mice from area. Get rid of debris, lumber piles, and trash piles and block openings where snakes might enter a building.

Rats and other rodents may move into building to escape flood-waters. Rats can carry disease and small vermin. They should be eliminated as soon as possible. Because of the danger of rat infestation, use the same caution as with snakes when entering flooded buildings. Carry a solid club and a flashlight. Inspect likely hiding places for rats. Check closets,

furniture, drawers, mattresses, appliances, stacks of clothing and papers, dark corners, attics and basements. Be extremely careful approaching rat. A starving rat can be dangerous. Poison rats that have not been eliminated by clubbing or trapping. After infestation is controlled clean up rat harboring places. Remove food sources. If bitten take the rat to your local health authorities or a veterinarian. The animal should be checked for rabies.

At the time a hurricane approaches it is already too late to make list of things you'll need before sitting it out or evacuating. Prepare and have handy those lists early in the season. Here are some examples.

TAKE TO SHELTER

24-hour supply of food and water Blankets, pillow, and sleeping bag Change of clothes

Medicines, first aid kit Flashlights, batteries

Games and books Battery operated radio

Important papers and policies Lap-top computer updated

(if you have one)

GROCERY NEEDS

Paper plates, napkins Plastic cups, utensils

Canned drinks and juices Candles

Instant coffee, tea Canned prepared foods

Crackers, cookies, snacks Sugar, spices

Snack spreads

VITAL SUPPLIES

Fire extinguishers Camp stove, matches

First-Aid kit and Handbook Ice Chests

Battery operated clock and radio Bottled Water

Flashlight and batteries

MEDICAL NEEDS

Prescription drugs Ear drops

Adhesive tape, band aides Laxatives

Adhesive bandages Thermometer

Smelling salts Splints

Cotton tip swabs Aspirin

Antiseptic solution Cough syrup

Diarrhea medication Toothache remedy

Sterile rolls, bandages

Boaters have a whole new set of responsibilities during these storms. A boat owner/operator may be held responsible for damages caused by his vessel during a natural disaster. Hurricane moorings should be located and permission obtained well in advance. A Practice run should be made to check accessibility, depth of water, bridges, and locating aids and/or obstructions to navigation and objects to secure lines to or drop anchor. Record and keep with you the vessel's registration number, description, and location where secured. Inform your local marine patrol or police of your secured vessel's identification and location. Make plans with someone knowledgeable to care for your boat should the need rise if vacationing or out of town during hurricane season. Check your contract or policy with your marina. Know your responsibilities and liabilities with your boat and marina.

The equipment for your boat needs its own attention. Lines of adequate length (preferably nylon) should be available. Have more than you think you'll need. Have available chafing gear (old rags or old water hose if large enough) for all lines to protect them from wear at contact points. Secure fenders of adequate size and strength (old tires) to protect it from other boats, sea walls, etc. Collect radio equipment for receiving weather information and communication. Anchors should be oversized (25 lbs+) and use all methods to improve holding power. Fuel tanks should be kept full if possible during hurricane season. Keep batteries fully charged and have an extra on hand. bilge pumps keep in working order.

Make sure to secure your boat. Prepare in advance the things needed to secure your vessel. Assemble together equipment and supplies. Large trees may be used to fasten your vessel. Ensure that they are alive and have a good root system. Be sure to check the strength of the things you tie to. Tides can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet above normal. Take care to consider this. Wind direction reverses itself in a hurricane. Secure your boat from all directions. Seal all openings to make boat watertight. Strip boat of all moveable equipment such as canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, and cushions. Lash down what you can't remove. Open drains before securing if you leave your boat on a davit.

If you secure your boat on a trailer, place wooden blocks between the frame and the axle inside each wheel. Let 1/2 the air out of the tires. Fill the boat 1/3 with water. Tie your boat and trailer securely to a strong object such as a telephone pole. If boat can't be secured in this manner, removed from the trailer and partially fill with water to reduce its vulnerability. Tie down trailer.

At the hurricane warning leave early for safe harbor. Remember, there may not be room for your boat at the last minute. Do not stay aboard. Even small hurricanes pack 75 mile winds with gusts of 110 miles. Seek safe shelter. Do not attempt to leave the area by boat unless you have a fast boat and are prepared to travel long distances in rough weather.

After the hurricane check for damage to your boat and equipment before moving. When proceeding to home port, watch carefully for obstructions and loose debris in water. Markers and other aids may be missing.

A mobile home is not safe in hurricane conditions, no matter how securely it's affixed to the ground. If you live in a mobile home, no matter where located, you must evacuate prior to the arrival of a hurricane.

When a tropical storm or hurricane approaches your area, take all the precautions to secure your home and leave for a shelter. DON'T ride out a hurricane in a mobile home.

Stay with friends or relatives as long as they live in a home of substantial construction away from flood-prone areas. Your second choice is one of the American Red Cross hurricane shelters. If your park has their own recreation facility and clubhouse the clubhouse may be a source of shelter.

Hurricanes can create devastation--people left homeless and jobless, with complete businesses wiped out and homes leveled. There can be long periods where homes still in tact are without services and people get sick, even die from lack of clean water and poor food supplies. In the event of a major hurricane don't be fooled, be prepared for the worst. If you benefit from less, rejoice by helping where you can. This is my contribution

Worst Hurricanes Recorded

Before hurricanes were named

September 8, 1900 - Galveston Texas; 6,000 dead

September 16-22, 1926 - Florida and Alabama; 372 dead

October 20, 1926 - Cuba; 600 dead

September 12-17, 1928 - West Indies and Florida; 6,000 dead

September 3, 1930 - Dominican Republic; 2,000 dead

September 2, 1935 - Florida; 400 dead

September 21, 1938 - New England; 600 dead

September 12-16, 1944 - Carolinas to New England; 389 dead

Named Hurricanes

Hazel October 12-13, 1954 - Haiti and eastern U.S.; 347 dead

Diane August 18-19, 1955 - Eastern United States; 400 dead

Hilda September 19, 1955 - Mexico; 200 dead

Janet September 22-28, 1955 - Caribbean; 500 dead

Audrey June 27-30, 1957 - Louisiana and Texas; 526 dead

Donna September 4-12, 1960 - Caribbean, eastern U.S.; 148 dead

Hattie October 31, 1961 - British Honduras; 400 dead

Flora October 4-8, 1963 - Cuba and Haiti; 6,000 dead

Inez September 24-30, 1966 - Caribbean, Florida & Mexico; 293

dead

Camille August 17-18, 1969 - Mississippi and Louisiana; 256

dead

Agnes June 19-29, 1972 - Florida to New York; 118 dead

Fifi September 19-20, 1974 - Honduras; 2.000 dead

David August 30-September 13, 1979 - Dominican Republic and

Florida; 1,200 dead

Allen August 4-11, 1980 - Caribbean and Texas; 272 dead

Gilbert September 10-18, 1988 - Jamaica, Cayman Islands,

Yucatan Peninsula, Texas; 300 dead

Hugo September 17-21, 1989 - Caribbean & So. Carolina; 85 dead

Major damage

Camille $3.8 Billion in damage

Agnes $4.7 billion in damage

Hugo $5.9 billion in damage