Hurricane

Hurricanes are tropical storms that form in bodies of water. Hurricanes gather heat and energy from the water and lose their strength on land. On land, hurricanes can cause damage to buildings, trees, and cars. Hurricanes are most common in June through November in states like Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, and other states along the coastline. Wind rotates around the eye of the hurricane with winds of at least 74 miles per hour. Hurricanes can also cause tornadoes, flash floods, mudslides, violent winds, and heavy rain.

Deadliest in World History:

• Bhola Cyclone occurred in 1970 in Bangladesh

• Known as the world’s deadliest event

• Killed 300,000 people

Deadliest in U.S. History:

• Great Galveston Storm

• Occurred in 1900 in Texas

• Winds were 135 miles per hours with storm surges (height of sea level) of 15 feet

• Estimated between 6,000-12,000 people lost their lives

• Hurricane Katrina was the costliest hurricane in the U.S., killing 1,833 people and causing $80 billion dollars of damage. 80% of the city flooded.

BEFORE A HURRICANE:

• Bring in anything that is outside that could cause damage or blow away (garbage cans, plants, furniture)

• Listen for hurricane warnings and directions if you need to evacuate

DURING A HURRICANE:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed so things will stay cold in case you lose power

• Stay away from doors and windows in case they break from strong winds

• Don’t go outside

• Go in a closet or under a table to protect yourself

AFTER A HURRICANE:

• Don’t go near wires because they could electrocute you

• Don’t drink the water unless you are told it is okay to drink

• Text instead of call so emergency lines are clear

KEYWORDS:

Hurricane: also called cyclones, typhoons, and tropical storms.

Eye of the hurricane: the center of the storm where it is not as windy and rainy

Electrocute: shock of electricity through your body that can injure or kill you

Source: FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/