Knowing the difference between a hurricane alert and a hurricane watch can help you make better decisions about when to stay and when to leave in the event of a storm.
A Hurricane warning This means that hurricane conditions are expected, including sustained winds above 74 mph. Hurricane warnings are issued 36 hours before the start of a tropical storm to enable preparation. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration..
A Hurricane watch It means that a hurricane situation can occur. The clock will be issued 48 hours before the expected tropical cyclone wind.
NOAA advises that during the hurricane alert, preparations for a storm should be completed, and if local officials instructed to do so, preparations should be made to evacuate. Similarly, during hurricane surveillance, the office said the evacuation plan needed to be confirmed in case a warning was issued.
In the United States, regional emergency management based on water rather than wind makes evacuation decisions during tropical cyclones, said Dennis Feltgen, a meteorologist and spokesman for the National Hurricane Center.
Dr. Jennifer Collins, a professor at the University of South Florida’s School of Earth Sciences, said all evacuation orders should be obeyed. If you don’t leave when ordering, she says, “it may be too late,” and it could “endanger” your life.
In addition to the usual preparations such as food, water, and first aid kit collection, Dr. Collins recommends that you have a backup power supply for your cell phone and cash in case the ATM is unavailable. You should also have an additional folder with insurance information such as your passport, birth certificate, and insurance number.
Where you go during the evacuation is just as important. If you can’t be with friends and family, call on “weak bond strength”, or people you don’t connect often with. Dr. Collins said, “Friends of friends, sister churches.” Or a social group, “she said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
The The National Weather Service outlines some actions You can cover windows to secure a home, contact your local emergency management office, or find the latest weather forecasts in case of a tropical storm or hurricane. However, evacuation is not necessary in all situations.
If there is no order to evacuate in the event of a storm, the Meteorological Department will evacuate to a small room, closet, or corridor at the bottom of the house and instruct you to leave the window until the storm has passed.