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Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an "eye." Hurricanes have winds of at least 74 miles per hour. When hurricanes come onto land, their heavy rain, strong winds, and large waves can damage buildings, trees, and cars.
Visit the FEMA library to download more facts about Hurricanes
Before
- Build an emergency kit.
- Make a family communications plan.
- Help your parents bring in outdoor items like potted plants, patio furniture, decorations, and garbage cans. They can fly in strong winds!
During
- Don’t open the refrigerator or freezer. In case you lose power, you want the cold air to stay in!
- Stay away from windows and glass doors. They could break and hurt you.
- Don’t go outside when the rain or winds stop. This is the eye of the storm, or a short “rest,” and it will start again.
- If need be, stay inside a closet or a room without windows. You can also lie on the floor under a table or sturdy object.
- Listen to your parents or safety authorities for important instructions.
After
- Don’t go outside without a grown-up.
- Don’t go near any wires that are loose or dangling. They could electrocute you!
- Tell your parents if you smell gas.
- Don’t drink water from the faucet unless your parents say it’s okay.
- Text, don’t talk. Unless there’s a life-threatening situation, if you have a cell phone, send a text so that you don’t tie up phone lines needed by emergency workers. Plus, texting may work even if cell service is down.
Hurricanes are most common between June and November, and most often hit states like Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina. But they can affect all states along the eastern shore, all the way up to Maine.
Eye
The center of the storm and the time when winds and rain die down. But it will start up again very quickly.
Tropical
An area of the country that is closer to the equator
Storm Surge
Heavy waves caused by high wind and a lot of rain. These can be dangerous.
Evacuation
Leaving an area declared unsafe by officials. Always follow instructions to evacuate your home or neighborhood.