The data in this article was garnered from multiple sources and is intended to give you the basic information on what you should know about hurricanes. Florida's hurricane season starts in June and extends through November, with the greatest threat being August through October.   A hurricane is an organized weather system powered by heat from the sea which usually starts as a "tropical depression" with clouds and thunderstorms and maximum sustained winds of 38 miles per hour (mph) or less.  If the storm gains strength and the maximum sustained winds reach between 39 to 73 mph, it  is called a "tropical storm". A "hurricane" is an intense tropical weather system with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.  There are 5 categories for hurricanes based on their sustained winds stated in mph.  The chart below shows these categories as well as the damage expected if they were to hit land.

CATEGORY               WINDS  MPH                DAMAGE    

    1                              74-95                     MINIMAL

    2                              96-110                  MODERATE           

    3                             111-130                 EXTENSIVE

    4                             131-155                  EXTREME

    5                               156+                 CATASTROPHIC

Winds, rain, lightning, and the occasional tornado get most of the headlines, but there is another serious factor with hurricanes: Storm Surge.  Storm surge is a large dome of water that sweeps across the coastline near where a hurricane makes landfall.  Along the immediate coast, especially areas with low elevation, this surge can be the major threat of the storm.  If the storm arrives at the same time as the high tide, the height of the water will be even greater.  This mound of water, topped by battering waves, moves ashore along an area of the coastline as much as 100 miles wide.

While there is little that can be done about the hurricanes themselves, timely warnings and improvements in construction standards have greatly diminished the damage potential in Florida.

Experts agree that even before hurricane season starts you should have a "hurricane plan" that the whole family knows.  You need to decide if you are going to leave or stay, and where you'll go if you do decide to leave.  These plans may vary depending upon the severity of the storm.  Your evacuation plan should have a backup location in case there is a problem with your first choice, and keep the telephone numbers handy, as well as road maps of the area because you may need to take an alternate or unfamiliar route because roads are closed or clogged.  Arrange for an out-of-town family member or friend to be your emergency contact, and that they know your plans and where you will be.  Make sure that everyone else knows the contact's name and phone number.  Also plan ahead for your pet, as they are not allowed in public shelters.

You should maintain certain hurricane supplies such as bottled water, non-perishable food, clothing, bedding, first aid kit, battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.  For example, the American Red Cross recommends having 1 gallon of water per person per day, and at least a 3 day supply for every person.  Be prepared to store important family documents in waterproof containers.

You need to stay informed.  A "Hurricane Watch" will be issued when hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours.  A "Hurricane Warning" will be issued when hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.
 
There are a few steps to take during a "Watch".

   +   frequently listen to local news to keep current on the storms' progress

   +   fuel your family vehicles

   +   check on or stock-up on emergency supplies, including medications

   +   get an extra supply of cash

   +   prepare to secure your home

When in a "Warning" area be sure to follow these steps.

   +  closely monitor local weather news

   +  cover all window and door openings with shutters or other shielding material

   +  bring inside lawn furniture and other objects such as garden tools and toys

   +  turn off all appliances that are not needed

   +  notify your emergency contact of your plans

   +  if your plan is to leave, pack your emergency supplies and GO!

   +  fill sinks and bathtubs with water

   +  turn up refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings & don't open unless necessary

   +  follow instructions of local officials

The most important thing to remember is IF YOU ARE TOLD TO EVACUATE, DO SO IMMEDIATELY!!!

If you are staying in your home during the storm be sure to stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered, and take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor possible.  Be sure to close all interior doors and brace the exterior doors.  You may want to lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.  You must be alert for the "eye" of the storm.  If this eye passes over there will be a short calm period of time.  After the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.  You should also remain alert for tornadoes which are often spawned by hurricanes.  And for best results, stay calm.

There are also a number of precautions to take after the storm has passed.  You will probably encounter transportation problems, difficulties with telephone communications, dangers from downed power lines, and potential hazards from contaminated water and spoiled food.  Here are just a few of the precautions that should be taken.

   +  if you stayed at home, listen to your local news to get the official "all clear" from local authotities

   +  drive only if it is absolutely necessary

   +  if you evacuated, do not return home until officials announce your area is ready

   +  use extreme caution when entering the home, and be sure to wear sturdy shoes

   +  beware of standing water as it may be electrically charged

   +  check for structural damage very carefully; if found, do not enter

   +  use flashlights for light; do not use any open flame

   +  open windows and doors to let house air out

   +  check electrical and gas lines; do not attempt repair yourself

   +  do not drink or prepare food with tap water until advised by local authorities

   +  use your phone only for emergency calls

   +  take pictures of all damage for insurance purposes

   +  as soon as possible, begin clean-up, especially if there was flood damage

   +  wear rubber gloves while scrubbing flood-damaged interiors and furniture

   +  check food for spoilage;  any doubt, throw out

   +  keep an especially close eye on children and pets

   +  dial 911 only for true emergencies

These are by no means "all-inclusive" lists, but rather a few steps that you should take to reduce the risk for you and your family.  You should always listen to your local Emergency Management Center, police and government officials for the best information in a hurricane situation.

Here are some telephone numbers that you may find useful.

Collier County Emergency Management       774-8444
Collier County Sheriff's Office                       793-9300
American Red Cross, Collier County             596-6868
Collier County Health Department                 774-8200
Collier Domestic Animal Services                  530-7387

Lee County Emergency Management           477-1900
Lee County Sheriff's Office                           477-1000
American Red Cross, Lee County                 278-3401
Bonita Springs Fire Department                    949-6200
Estero Fire Department                                 947-3473

Florida Power & Light                              800-468-8243
Insurance Consumer Helpline                  800-342-2762