Hurricane Preparation

Hurricane Preparation

Source: irem.org

Hurricanes are one of nature’s most destructive forces. These massive weather phenomena are tropical cyclones with torrential rains and sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or more in which winds blow counter-clockwise (in the northern hemisphere) around a relatively calm center or “eye.” Hurricanes may extend up to 400 miles across and can severely damage areas hundreds of miles inland.

Areas and Properties at Risk


Coastal areas, especially near the Gulf of Mexico and along the Eastern Seaboard, are at greatest risk from hurricanes. Inland regions near these areas also are at risk although, generally speaking, the farther away from the coast, the less direct effect a hurricane will have.



Structures most at risk from hurricanes are long-span buildings and mobile or manufactured homes. Substantial steel-framed or reinforced concrete buildings are the least risky. On a long-span building, the roof is usually supported solely by outside walls; inside walls are usually false or non-load-bearing. Shopping centers, which traditionally are long-span buildings, are especially vulnerable to roof collapse.

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Purchase Before Disaster Strikes: Developing an Emergency Procedures Manual