A hurricane is classified as a certain type of tropical cyclone.

It is usually accompanied by thunderstorms

and occurs in continuous counterclockwise directions with high winds across Earths surface. Large in size,
and formed over warm ocean waters (as warm as 80 Fahrenheit), they start off as tropical storms and
gradually become hurricanes once they reach wind speeds as fast as 74 mph. Warm, humid air first rises
off from the ocean hitting the colder air above. Conversion winds then force the warm air
into the Earths atmosphere where it releases heat. This then condenses into clouds and
rain, causing tropical storms. The interaction between the warm airs from the surface
begins to spiral upwards around the eye of the forming hurricane. From the high winds,
large amounts of water form near the eye and causes storm surges across the ocean. The
Coriolis Effect allows for hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere to spin in counterclockwise directions
and typhoons or cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere to spin in clockwise directions.

When a hurricane has formed, the National Weather Service will issue a hurricane watchmeaning that
there is a possibility of a hurricane within the next 48 hours. This allows time for you and your family to
stock up on any emergency supplies, plans, and kits. You should also gather up any important documents
at this time as well. Pets and other essential items should also be packed up and ready in case of any
evacuation orders. Subsequently, a hurricane warning will then be issued if conditions have not subsided
meaning that it may occur within the next 36 hours instead. Once a hurricane hits land, heavy rains along
with storm surges also have a relatively high possibility for occurrence. Make sure that you and your
family take immediate actionsecure your home, close all window shutters, store all outdoor objects in
your home or garage, and have a good supply of water. Stay away from windows and glass, close all doors,
and secure all furniture to ensure your familys safety as well as your own!

Check each item off as you gather them! Make sure you and your family is well-equipped for a hurricane!
Dont forget to make a communication plan and an emergency plan! Most importantly, stay indoors, away
from glass windows, and stay safe!

For your Hurricane Kit, House, and Medical Needs:

Battery powered flashlights (spare A batteries and AA batteries, extra bulbs)
Battery powered radio, clock, and lantern
Waterproof matches
First-aid kit (band-aids of all sizes, gauze, sanitizing wipes, antibacterial ointment)
Rain equipment (rain coats, boots, umbrellas, etc.)
Large plastic garbage bags
Small fire extinguisher
Scissors, manual can opener, plastic utensils
Clean clothes and warm blankets (sturdy shoes, warm socks, gloves, earmuffs)
1 gallon of water per person in your household
2 empty ice coolers (one for food, one for drinks)
MREs, non-perishable food
Dry pet food, clothes to keep pets warm (copies of vaccinations, license, dog tag)
Hygienic items (feminine needs, masculine needs)
Prescription medicine (along with cold and flu, allergies, cough, OTC
medicines, antiseptics, ibuprofen, etc.)
Personal documentation (I.D.s, drivers licenses, medical cards, insurance policies,
deeds, credit cards, birth certificates, social security, etc.)
If you are in any type of emergency, always contact 911! If you are evacuated, stay in your
designated location, do not leave!

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Web. 04 Oct. 2015. <http://www.townofkurebeach.org/what-to-expect-during-after-ahurricane.aspx>.

Staff, Live Science. "How Do Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons Differ?" Live Science. Purch, 11
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<http://www.hurricane.com/what-is-a-hurricane.php>.

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