• Category One-Winds 74-95 mph
• Category Two-Winds 96-110 mph
• Category Three-Winds 111-130 mph
• Category Four-Winds 131-155 mph
• Category Five Winds >155 mph

In the United States, the official Hurricane Season is from June 1st through November 30th, but hurricanes can happen any time of year. Hurricanes are named by the National Weather Service. When weather conditions indicate that a hurricane is likely, the National Weather Service will issue either a Hurricane Watch or a Hurricane Warning.

Hurricane Watch - A hurricane is possible within 36 hours. You should stay tuned to the radio and television for more information. The NWS Hurricane center is tracking the storm and trying to predict where it may make landfall.

Hurricane Warning - A hurricane is expected within 24  hours. You and your family should begin making preparations to evacuate the area. You should remember to bring a Disaster Supply Kit, as outlined in the following article.

In an average three-year period, the National Weather Service indicates that five hurricanes strike the United States coast. Of these, two are major or intense hurricanes (Category 3 or above)

A DISASTER SHOPPING  LIST

Emergency supplies to have at home:

• Two-week supply of medicines, prescriptions, first aid supplies, portable radio, flashlights, clock, and extra batteries for all
• Candles (and don't forget the matches
• Infant necessities
• Extra clothing, eyeglasses, etc.
• Toiletries
• Can Opener and disposable utensils
• Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags
• Quiet games, books, playing cards
• tools, nails, duck tape
• Important papers (like a valid ID)
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Fire extinguisher
• Mosquito repellent
• Disposable wash cloths and paper towels
• Trash bags
• Fuel can and fuel, sterno lantern and lamp oil
• Non-perishable foods to last a week:
       Special dietary foods
       Peanut butter and jelly
       Powdered or shelf  milk
       Bottled water
       Canned meats, fruits
       Vegetables, soups
       Dried fruit
       Packaged drinks
       Instant coffee and tea
       Crackers, cereals
       Snacks, condiments. 

Lighting is one of the most underrated severe weather hazards, yet it ranks as the second-leading weather killer in the US. There are thousands of lightning strikes every day. Victims of lightning can suffer serious health injuries such as loss of consciousness, amnesia, and burns.

Lightning can cause damage to your property. A power outage can also result causing electrical surges which can destroy the electronic devices in your home.

THE 30-30 LIGHTNING RULE

Use the 30-30 rule to determine the threat of lightning in your area.

30 seconds: count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. If this time is less than 30 seconds, lightning is still a potential threat. Seek shelter immediately.

30 minutes: after the lightning flash, wait 30 minutes before leaving shelter. Half of all lightning deaths occur after a storm passes. Stay in a safe area until you are sure the threat has passed.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS

• Installation of lightning rods on your roof and on the trees surrounding your home redirects the lightning path (choose a system that meets Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements).

• Some systems provide a direct path for lightning to follow to the ground rather that through the house structure and its wiring (consult a qualified contractor for installation)

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM ELECTRICAL SURGES

A whole house surge protection system can be installed on the electric meter or the electrical panel to help protect the appliances and electronic equipment in your house such as computers, TVs, DVDs and VCRs (contact your local electric company or a qualified electrician to install this device in your electric panel).

A surge protective device (SPD) protects electronic and electrical appliances from all but the most severe surges or direct strikes. They should be installed at all items to be protected (please note: a  lightning protection system will not protect a home from electrical damage or fire from lightning entering through the telephone, cable or electrical lines to the house).

LIGHTNING - SAFETY ACTION

• Avoid open high ground & isolated large trees.

• Avoid water (swimming pools, lakes & rivers) beaches & boats

• Seek shelter inside a building or a car, but not a convertible or golf cart.

• Stay away from doors, windows, and metal objects such as pipes or faucets.

• Stay off the telephone or electrical devices.

• Unplug electronic equipment.