What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is an intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.

In other parts of the world, the term hurricane is synonymous for typhoon or cyclone.

How Is it Measured?

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on a hurricane's present intensity. That measure is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall.

What Isn't a Hurricane?

A hurricane isn't a hurricane until its sustained winds are at or above 74 mph.

Weather systems of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation with sustained wind speeds below 74 mph fall under two categories:

• Tropical Depression - sustained winds of 38 mph or less

• Tropical Storm - sustained winds of 39-73 mph

Hurricane Watch

When a hurricane may threaten coastal and inland areas within the next 48 hour

Monitor...

• Radio for weather reports and emergency announcements.
• TV for weather reports and emergency announcements.
• Hurricane updates for emergency announcements.

National Hurricane Center
National Weather Service

Gather...

• Cash on hand. Be sure to get extra money in case electronic banking is unavailable.
• A disaster kit and put items together in one place for easy access.
• Emergency supplies such as batteries, water, food and sanitation supplies.
• Valuables and important documents and place them in waterproof containers.

Secure...

• All pets/animals or make proper arrangements. Pets typically are not allowed at shelters.
• All outdoor items such as lawn furniture or garbage cans or store them inside.
• All utility lines. Be sure to locate the main turnoffs for electricity, water and gas.

Pet-friendly shelters in the Jacksonville and beaches area.

Plan to Evacuate...

• Know the location of the nearest shelters.
• Know evacuation routes.
• Review emergency plans with family members and stay in touch.
• Fill the cars/trucks with fuel.

You can report price gouging through the price gouging hotline at (866) 966-7226 or online.

Hurricane Warning

When a hurricane is expected to strike within 36 hours

Listen...

• Radio for weather reports and emergency announcements.
• TV for weather reports and emergency announcements.
• Hurricane Updates and emergency announcements.

National Hurricane Center
National Weather Service

Secure...

• Refrigerators/freezers by turning them to the coldest setting.
• All outdoor items - clear property of all loose objects.
• Pool by adding extra chlorine and turning off the electricity.
• Windows and other openings with plywood or hurricane shutters.

Prepare...

• Family by gathering everyone together.
• Review your family emergency plan.
• Home by turning off electricity, water and gas service.
• Vehicle by loading disaster kit, important documents, and valuables.