Hurricane Season - Preparing Your Home and Hurricane Insurance Claim
By Bruce Peters
A hurricane watch is issued when the possibility exists that a portion of the coast could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when conditions indicate that the area will see sustained hurricane force winds (74mph+) within 24 hours.
A hurricane watch should trigger you family's hurricane plan into action and measures to protect your property should be initiated. This includes retrofitting your home, preparing to file a hurricane insurance claim in the future, and other actions that may require extra time to be completed.
After you have done all that you can to secure your home and secured all items that you will need for you and your family's personal safety, it is recommended that you do an inventory room by room with photographs or camcorder. It is not necessary to have film developed at this time as long as it is kept in a safe spot. These pictures can be developed following the storm should they be needed for your hurricane insurance claim.
This is an important step and can have a tremendous impact on your hurricane insurance claim process. Before and after pictures can show the true devastation of your home, caused by the storm.
If you do not have a good digital camera, it is recommended that you purchase at least four disposable cameras for insurance pictures. You should use two for taking pictures before the hurricane and have at least two for taking pictures of any damage following the storm.
Filing your hurricane insurance claim should not be complicated if you have documented the property and damage well and are familiar with what your policy covers. Some homeowners have recently had trouble filing their hurricane insurance claims, so be sure to know how to find a reputable lawyer in your area should your claim be denied unfairly.
For more information on filing a hurricane insurance claim, visit http://www.insuranceclaimaid.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Peters
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Will it Be a Mild Atlantic Tropical Hurricane Season? Some Scientists Say Yes By Lance Winslow
Will it Be a Mild Atlantic Tropical Hurricane Season? Some Scientists Say Yes
By Lance Winslow Platinum Quality Author
Lance Winslow
Lance Winslow
Level: Platinum
Greetings to Everyone, I am a retired Franchisor, Business Consultant, Philantropist and I run a Think Tank, as well as do a lot of Traveling, ... ...
The NOAA Hurricane Forecasters believe that the 2009 Atlantic Tropical Season starting with "Ana" is going to be a mild one. Those who live within the reach of destruction are some 38 million Americans that sincerely hope they are right. Of course, history shows them not to be very good at projecting such predictions in the past, and although they often get close, they are also often way off in their initial assessments. Hurricane Season Officially starts on June 1 each year, so here we are again.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration NOAA is predicting 14 named tropical storms from now through September when Hurricane Season officially ends. Haiti has already seen some major precipitation just prior to Hurricane seasons resulting in massive flooding, and so if this is an indication of things to come, it could be a wet and wild ride for the Caribbean. The weatherologists also believe that of these fourteen named storms Seven will reach Hurricane Strength of one through three categories.
The 2008 Hurricane Season was pretty active with 8 Hurricanes and 16 named storms, and so the question remains; is FEMA ready, and is the Obama Administration up for the task? We've had some turbulent economic times, and now we face Hurricane Season, so we shall see. If the scientists and NOAA are correct and this is a mild Hurricane Season, well, that's a good thing, as the United States could sure use a break from the crisis we have been experiencing lately in our civilization. So, please consider all this and if you live in a risky area, it's time to prepare.
Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. Lance Winslow is also Founder of the Detail Guys, a cool little Franchise Company; http://www.detailguys.com/founder.shtml/.
By Lance Winslow Platinum Quality Author
Lance Winslow
Lance Winslow
Level: Platinum
Greetings to Everyone, I am a retired Franchisor, Business Consultant, Philantropist and I run a Think Tank, as well as do a lot of Traveling, ... ...
The NOAA Hurricane Forecasters believe that the 2009 Atlantic Tropical Season starting with "Ana" is going to be a mild one. Those who live within the reach of destruction are some 38 million Americans that sincerely hope they are right. Of course, history shows them not to be very good at projecting such predictions in the past, and although they often get close, they are also often way off in their initial assessments. Hurricane Season Officially starts on June 1 each year, so here we are again.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration NOAA is predicting 14 named tropical storms from now through September when Hurricane Season officially ends. Haiti has already seen some major precipitation just prior to Hurricane seasons resulting in massive flooding, and so if this is an indication of things to come, it could be a wet and wild ride for the Caribbean. The weatherologists also believe that of these fourteen named storms Seven will reach Hurricane Strength of one through three categories.
The 2008 Hurricane Season was pretty active with 8 Hurricanes and 16 named storms, and so the question remains; is FEMA ready, and is the Obama Administration up for the task? We've had some turbulent economic times, and now we face Hurricane Season, so we shall see. If the scientists and NOAA are correct and this is a mild Hurricane Season, well, that's a good thing, as the United States could sure use a break from the crisis we have been experiencing lately in our civilization. So, please consider all this and if you live in a risky area, it's time to prepare.
Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. Lance Winslow is also Founder of the Detail Guys, a cool little Franchise Company; http://www.detailguys.com/founder.shtml/.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hurricane season off to a typically slow start
Hurricane season off to a typically slow start
2009 ATLANTIC HURRICANE NAMES
Ana
Bill
Claudette
Danny
Erika
Fred
Grace
Henri
Ida
Joaquin
Kate
Larry
Mindy
Nicholas
Odette
Peter
Rose
Sam
Teresa
Victor
Wanda
Source: National Hurricane Center
By Doyle Rice, USA TODAY
The first month of the Atlantic hurricane season ended with a whimper Tuesday: No named tropical storms or hurricanes formed in June.
However, that's not unusual, as the average date of the first named storm doesn't occur until July 10, according to Dennis Feltgen, a meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Feltgen also reports that the average date of the first Atlantic hurricane is Aug. 14.
Since the naming of storms began in 1953, the latest an Atlantic storm has formed was Anita on Aug. 29, 1977. On average, based on records that go back to 1851, a tropical storm forms every other June in the Atlantic basin, which also encompasses the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration predicted in May that there would be nine to 14 named storms in the Atlantic this year, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5).
A quiet June doesn't necessarily presage a quiet remainder to the season, reminds Feltgen. In 2004, a year that had 15 named storms — including Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne — the first storm didn't form until July 31.
2009 ATLANTIC HURRICANE NAMES
Ana
Bill
Claudette
Danny
Erika
Fred
Grace
Henri
Ida
Joaquin
Kate
Larry
Mindy
Nicholas
Odette
Peter
Rose
Sam
Teresa
Victor
Wanda
Source: National Hurricane Center
By Doyle Rice, USA TODAY
The first month of the Atlantic hurricane season ended with a whimper Tuesday: No named tropical storms or hurricanes formed in June.
However, that's not unusual, as the average date of the first named storm doesn't occur until July 10, according to Dennis Feltgen, a meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Feltgen also reports that the average date of the first Atlantic hurricane is Aug. 14.
Since the naming of storms began in 1953, the latest an Atlantic storm has formed was Anita on Aug. 29, 1977. On average, based on records that go back to 1851, a tropical storm forms every other June in the Atlantic basin, which also encompasses the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration predicted in May that there would be nine to 14 named storms in the Atlantic this year, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5).
A quiet June doesn't necessarily presage a quiet remainder to the season, reminds Feltgen. In 2004, a year that had 15 named storms — including Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne — the first storm didn't form until July 31.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Study: Warming to worsen hurricane damage in Texas
Study: Warming to worsen hurricane damage in Texas
By Juan A. Lozano, Associated Press Writer
GALVESTON, Texas — Flooding and damage along the Texas Gulf Coast from major hurricanes is expected to be more severe in the coming years due to global warming, according to a study released Monday.
Engineering researchers at Texas A&M University focused on Corpus Christi to illustrate how climate change will affect hurricane-related flooding and storm surge damage along the Texas Gulf Coast.
"It's going to get worse," said Jennifer Irish, an assistant professor of Coastal and Ocean Engineering at Texas A&M in College Station. "Hurricanes pose a significant threat to the Texas coast, as most recently demonstrated by Hurricane Ike."
Irish and her fellow researchers unveiled their study in Galveston, which suffered extensive flooding damage in September when Ike's 12-foot storm surge rumbled ashore, damaging about 75% of the homes on the island city. Ike was the costliest disaster in Texas history, causing more than $29 billion in damage.
The study was released on the first day of the 2009 hurricane season.
The study projected that rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes, due to global warming, will increase structural damage to homes and buildings from a major hurricane in Corpus Christi by 60% to 100% in about 20 years and by more than 250% by the 2080s.
Such a catastrophic storm surge event would translate into projected damage increases of between $100 million to $250 million in around 20 years and of between $250 million and more than $1 billion by the 2080s.
But Irish said such potential damage could happen anywhere along the Texas Gulf Coast and even the rest of the U.S. Gulf Coast due to global warming, in which carbon dioxide and other gases added to the air by industrial and other activities have been blamed for rising global temperatures. This has increased worries about possible major changes in weather and climate.
Corpus Christi, which has a population of about 282,000, is one of the state's most popular tourist destinations and is home to petroleum refineries, a naval base and a university. It is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by low-lying barrier islands Mustang and Padre.
The study says the city is especially vulnerable to sea level increases because the surrounding coastal land is sinking and its barrier islands are eroding.
Irish said she hopes the study can offer government officials guidance on building new communities and protecting current ones along the coast.
Kim Womack, a spokeswoman for Corpus Christi, said city officials are improving their response to storms and how they plan and construct new communities. But she said officials wanted to read the study before commenting further.
Researchers used three previous hurricanes that have hit Texas — Beulah, Carla and Bret — to create models to predict the effect rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes would have on Corpus Christi.
The A&M researchers based their predictions on climate scenarios from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. That international team of experts shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore for their work on climate change.
The panel in 2007 projected that sea levels worldwide could rise by an average of 7 to 23 inches this century.
"It's our obligation to consider what could happen in the future with (the panel's) projections," Irish said.
The study was funded by the National Commission on Energy Policy, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.
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By Juan A. Lozano, Associated Press Writer
GALVESTON, Texas — Flooding and damage along the Texas Gulf Coast from major hurricanes is expected to be more severe in the coming years due to global warming, according to a study released Monday.
Engineering researchers at Texas A&M University focused on Corpus Christi to illustrate how climate change will affect hurricane-related flooding and storm surge damage along the Texas Gulf Coast.
"It's going to get worse," said Jennifer Irish, an assistant professor of Coastal and Ocean Engineering at Texas A&M in College Station. "Hurricanes pose a significant threat to the Texas coast, as most recently demonstrated by Hurricane Ike."
Irish and her fellow researchers unveiled their study in Galveston, which suffered extensive flooding damage in September when Ike's 12-foot storm surge rumbled ashore, damaging about 75% of the homes on the island city. Ike was the costliest disaster in Texas history, causing more than $29 billion in damage.
The study was released on the first day of the 2009 hurricane season.
The study projected that rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes, due to global warming, will increase structural damage to homes and buildings from a major hurricane in Corpus Christi by 60% to 100% in about 20 years and by more than 250% by the 2080s.
Such a catastrophic storm surge event would translate into projected damage increases of between $100 million to $250 million in around 20 years and of between $250 million and more than $1 billion by the 2080s.
But Irish said such potential damage could happen anywhere along the Texas Gulf Coast and even the rest of the U.S. Gulf Coast due to global warming, in which carbon dioxide and other gases added to the air by industrial and other activities have been blamed for rising global temperatures. This has increased worries about possible major changes in weather and climate.
Corpus Christi, which has a population of about 282,000, is one of the state's most popular tourist destinations and is home to petroleum refineries, a naval base and a university. It is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by low-lying barrier islands Mustang and Padre.
The study says the city is especially vulnerable to sea level increases because the surrounding coastal land is sinking and its barrier islands are eroding.
Irish said she hopes the study can offer government officials guidance on building new communities and protecting current ones along the coast.
Kim Womack, a spokeswoman for Corpus Christi, said city officials are improving their response to storms and how they plan and construct new communities. But she said officials wanted to read the study before commenting further.
Researchers used three previous hurricanes that have hit Texas — Beulah, Carla and Bret — to create models to predict the effect rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes would have on Corpus Christi.
The A&M researchers based their predictions on climate scenarios from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. That international team of experts shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore for their work on climate change.
The panel in 2007 projected that sea levels worldwide could rise by an average of 7 to 23 inches this century.
"It's our obligation to consider what could happen in the future with (the panel's) projections," Irish said.
The study was funded by the National Commission on Energy Policy, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.
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Beginners Guide to Preparing For a Hurricane By Kristi Rifenbark
Beginners Guide to Preparing For a Hurricane
By Kristi Rifenbark
Kristi Rifenbark
Kristi Rifenbark
Level: Basic
28 year old woman who dropped it all at home to move to Belize, self employed, finding herself and trying to live life to the ... ...
2009's hurricane season will mark my first year living in a hurricane zone. Many people have had plenty of experience going through these treacherous storms and know just what they should do to prepare so for those of us hurricane newbie's who are not as familiar with hurricanes but find themselves facing the possibility this year I have put together a simple list of preparedness tips.
1. Buy supplies before the chaos ensues. At the start of hurricane season start to buy supplies, water, canned food, flashlights, battery operated radios, wood to board up your windows, generators, blankets, etc. You can't assume these supplies will be readily available once a storm has hit. Most of these things are easily storable which means if you don't need them this year they may come in handy for the next year. You do not want to find yourself frantically searching for supplies while the storm is starting. Be prepared!
2. Know your area. In my situation I have only lived in Belize for 8 months and have never been through the hurricane season which means that I don't know the standard evacuation procedures or alert systems that are already set up in my new town. Learn these now. Find out if there is a warning system and what it is so if you hear something in the middle of the night you are educated as to what they are trying to tell you. You do not want to be the only person in town sitting around wondering why that loud siren went off a couple of hours ago. Figure out where you will go in case you need to evacuate and know the plan well.
3. Make sure if a storm does develop that you are staying informed. Keep tabs on the progress, intensity and path of the developing hurricane. Make sure you know which radio station to tune in to for direction from the local government. Things can change quickly with these storms and you want to make sure you know what the latest update is.
4. Put together anything that you absolutely do not want to lose in the case of major damage to your home. There is a possibility that you may have to completely restructure your life so be prepared for this by gathering together all important documents such as your passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance policy information and put them in a single place that you can take easily with you. You may also want to scan family photos and put them on a CD to carry with you so you can later recreate your photo albums.
5. Know your home and where to turn off gas and power if needed. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to do this.
6. Make sure your friends and family know what you will plan to do In the case of evacuation. Keep in touch with them as best as you can so that everyone is informed of location and safety.
The following is a list includes items you will want to have ready for hurricane season (list comes from NHC Disaster Supply Kit)
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
- insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash
Please stop by and check out my blog: http://scottysbarandgrill.com/belizedragonfly
By Kristi Rifenbark
Kristi Rifenbark
Kristi Rifenbark
Level: Basic
28 year old woman who dropped it all at home to move to Belize, self employed, finding herself and trying to live life to the ... ...
2009's hurricane season will mark my first year living in a hurricane zone. Many people have had plenty of experience going through these treacherous storms and know just what they should do to prepare so for those of us hurricane newbie's who are not as familiar with hurricanes but find themselves facing the possibility this year I have put together a simple list of preparedness tips.
1. Buy supplies before the chaos ensues. At the start of hurricane season start to buy supplies, water, canned food, flashlights, battery operated radios, wood to board up your windows, generators, blankets, etc. You can't assume these supplies will be readily available once a storm has hit. Most of these things are easily storable which means if you don't need them this year they may come in handy for the next year. You do not want to find yourself frantically searching for supplies while the storm is starting. Be prepared!
2. Know your area. In my situation I have only lived in Belize for 8 months and have never been through the hurricane season which means that I don't know the standard evacuation procedures or alert systems that are already set up in my new town. Learn these now. Find out if there is a warning system and what it is so if you hear something in the middle of the night you are educated as to what they are trying to tell you. You do not want to be the only person in town sitting around wondering why that loud siren went off a couple of hours ago. Figure out where you will go in case you need to evacuate and know the plan well.
3. Make sure if a storm does develop that you are staying informed. Keep tabs on the progress, intensity and path of the developing hurricane. Make sure you know which radio station to tune in to for direction from the local government. Things can change quickly with these storms and you want to make sure you know what the latest update is.
4. Put together anything that you absolutely do not want to lose in the case of major damage to your home. There is a possibility that you may have to completely restructure your life so be prepared for this by gathering together all important documents such as your passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance policy information and put them in a single place that you can take easily with you. You may also want to scan family photos and put them on a CD to carry with you so you can later recreate your photo albums.
5. Know your home and where to turn off gas and power if needed. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to do this.
6. Make sure your friends and family know what you will plan to do In the case of evacuation. Keep in touch with them as best as you can so that everyone is informed of location and safety.
The following is a list includes items you will want to have ready for hurricane season (list comes from NHC Disaster Supply Kit)
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
- insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash
Please stop by and check out my blog: http://scottysbarandgrill.com/belizedragonfly
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness By Kaye Towne Kaye Towne
Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness
By Kaye Towne
Kaye Towne
Kaye Towne
Level: Basic
Historian, Historical Research, Writer and Mother. I have been actively studying, researching and writing about ancient world history for over 25 years. I have written ... ...
In 2008 the mountain town of Ruidoso, North East of the White Sands Missile Range, never expected to get hit by a storm that was a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico just a couple days before. This is the town were Smokey The Bear had been rescued from one of the worst wild fires ever. Their biggest worry usually is forest fire.
I watched T.V. as Hurricane Dolly traveled from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the mountains just east of where I live in New Mexico. In a matter of just a few hours Dolly dumped so much rain on Ruidoso, the river running through the middle of the town flooded with no warning. It took out bridges, camp grounds and trailer parks. People camping in the local camp grounds were awakened in the middle of the night and told to grab what they could and start climbing up the side of the mountain. They literally had to run for their lives in the middle of the night. The bridges and roads were washed out and they were stranded for days clinging to the side of the mountain waiting for rescuers to be able to get to them.
In 1989 Hurricane Hugo came far enough inland that it hit North Carolina at almost full force. My friend lived there at the time and their town was with out power for 30 days. Luckily they had a community generator that the town members took turns using 2 hours a day for each family, to keep their food supplies from spoiling.
Hurricanes and Cyclones are the result of warm ocean water and low pressure systems. The warmer the ocean the more likely a hurricane will occur. Hurricanes help cool the tropical regions and warm the cooler regions of the Earth, therefore they are not going away they are part of our natural warming and cooling process. The more the Global Warming Earth experiences the more frequent hurricanes will become as well as stronger.
In the last few years we have seen Hurricanes increase in their intensity and severity, this is due to Global Warming. As the Earth gets warmer the oceans get warmer which produces more hurricanes and builds their strength. Public awareness is becoming more important due to the changes in the Earths climate.
I'm sure we all remember Andrew, Sumatra and of course Katrina. These hurricanes caused massive destruction and it has taken years for the people and governments to recover. In some cases people were with out food or water for weeks and in some cases months. None of these people were prepared for a natural disaster. Please don't wait until its too late to prepare for a natural disaster in your area. Find out what you need to do to prepare and to survive for several days on your own.
How to prepare for a Hurricane/Cyclone
Inventory you home (take pictures if possible) Free form at iii.org, Store this information someplace other than your own home, a friend or families home.
Have a plan, Know where you will go, IE: Hotel, Shelter or friends/families house (keep a map in your car) Be prepared to alter you route for road closures.
Here is a sample list;
* Sleeping bags/blankets and Pillows
* Battery operated Radios, Lighting and Extra Batteries
* First Aid Kits
* Food Supplies (dry or canned goods, can opener, plates cups ect.) enough for 3 days for each person.
* Fresh Water Supplies, or a portable water filter system (enough for 3-7 days per person)
* Medical Prescriptions, a 1 month supply (store in waterproof container or ziplock bags)
* Important Documents, IE, Drivers licenses, Birth Certs, Soc Sec Cards, Insurance Policies, Ect. (also store in water proof container or ziplock bags)
If we learn to focus and apply resources that are naturally available to us we can not only live better but survive just about any thing that should come our way. We need to learn to do things as our great grandparents and grandparents did. We all know they survived depressions, dust storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and much much more.
Hurricane Preparedness Week for 2009 is from May 24th through May 30th. The goal is to inform the public about the hazards of hurricanes and show what ACTIONS should be taken.
Kaye Towne; Historian, Historical Researcher and Writer.
Good quality content on subjects like; Disaster Preparedness, Alternative Energy Resources, Becoming more Self Sufficient, Global Warming, Survival Supplies, December 21, 2012, Prophecies, Emergency Disaster Supplies Check List, Where to purchase products on these subjects and much much more!
Read more about these subjects by visiting; http://www.2012supplier.com
By Kaye Towne
Kaye Towne
Kaye Towne
Level: Basic
Historian, Historical Research, Writer and Mother. I have been actively studying, researching and writing about ancient world history for over 25 years. I have written ... ...
In 2008 the mountain town of Ruidoso, North East of the White Sands Missile Range, never expected to get hit by a storm that was a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico just a couple days before. This is the town were Smokey The Bear had been rescued from one of the worst wild fires ever. Their biggest worry usually is forest fire.
I watched T.V. as Hurricane Dolly traveled from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the mountains just east of where I live in New Mexico. In a matter of just a few hours Dolly dumped so much rain on Ruidoso, the river running through the middle of the town flooded with no warning. It took out bridges, camp grounds and trailer parks. People camping in the local camp grounds were awakened in the middle of the night and told to grab what they could and start climbing up the side of the mountain. They literally had to run for their lives in the middle of the night. The bridges and roads were washed out and they were stranded for days clinging to the side of the mountain waiting for rescuers to be able to get to them.
In 1989 Hurricane Hugo came far enough inland that it hit North Carolina at almost full force. My friend lived there at the time and their town was with out power for 30 days. Luckily they had a community generator that the town members took turns using 2 hours a day for each family, to keep their food supplies from spoiling.
Hurricanes and Cyclones are the result of warm ocean water and low pressure systems. The warmer the ocean the more likely a hurricane will occur. Hurricanes help cool the tropical regions and warm the cooler regions of the Earth, therefore they are not going away they are part of our natural warming and cooling process. The more the Global Warming Earth experiences the more frequent hurricanes will become as well as stronger.
In the last few years we have seen Hurricanes increase in their intensity and severity, this is due to Global Warming. As the Earth gets warmer the oceans get warmer which produces more hurricanes and builds their strength. Public awareness is becoming more important due to the changes in the Earths climate.
I'm sure we all remember Andrew, Sumatra and of course Katrina. These hurricanes caused massive destruction and it has taken years for the people and governments to recover. In some cases people were with out food or water for weeks and in some cases months. None of these people were prepared for a natural disaster. Please don't wait until its too late to prepare for a natural disaster in your area. Find out what you need to do to prepare and to survive for several days on your own.
How to prepare for a Hurricane/Cyclone
Inventory you home (take pictures if possible) Free form at iii.org, Store this information someplace other than your own home, a friend or families home.
Have a plan, Know where you will go, IE: Hotel, Shelter or friends/families house (keep a map in your car) Be prepared to alter you route for road closures.
Here is a sample list;
* Sleeping bags/blankets and Pillows
* Battery operated Radios, Lighting and Extra Batteries
* First Aid Kits
* Food Supplies (dry or canned goods, can opener, plates cups ect.) enough for 3 days for each person.
* Fresh Water Supplies, or a portable water filter system (enough for 3-7 days per person)
* Medical Prescriptions, a 1 month supply (store in waterproof container or ziplock bags)
* Important Documents, IE, Drivers licenses, Birth Certs, Soc Sec Cards, Insurance Policies, Ect. (also store in water proof container or ziplock bags)
If we learn to focus and apply resources that are naturally available to us we can not only live better but survive just about any thing that should come our way. We need to learn to do things as our great grandparents and grandparents did. We all know they survived depressions, dust storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and much much more.
Hurricane Preparedness Week for 2009 is from May 24th through May 30th. The goal is to inform the public about the hazards of hurricanes and show what ACTIONS should be taken.
Kaye Towne; Historian, Historical Researcher and Writer.
Good quality content on subjects like; Disaster Preparedness, Alternative Energy Resources, Becoming more Self Sufficient, Global Warming, Survival Supplies, December 21, 2012, Prophecies, Emergency Disaster Supplies Check List, Where to purchase products on these subjects and much much more!
Read more about these subjects by visiting; http://www.2012supplier.com
Hurricane Season - Preparing Your Home and Hurricane Insurance Claim By Bruce Peters
Hurricane Season - Preparing Your Home and Hurricane Insurance Claim
By Bruce Peters
A hurricane watch is issued when the possibility exists that a portion of the coast could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when conditions indicate that the area will see sustained hurricane force winds (74mph+) within 24 hours.
A hurricane watch should trigger you family's hurricane plan into action and measures to protect your property should be initiated. This includes retrofitting your home, preparing to file a hurricane insurance claim in the future, and other actions that may require extra time to be completed.
After you have done all that you can to secure your home and secured all items that you will need for you and your family's personal safety, it is recommended that you do an inventory room by room with photographs or camcorder. It is not necessary to have film developed at this time as long as it is kept in a safe spot. These pictures can be developed following the storm should they be needed for your hurricane insurance claim.
This is an important step and can have a tremendous impact on your hurricane insurance claim process. Before and after pictures can show the true devastation of your home, caused by the storm.
If you do not have a good digital camera, it is recommended that you purchase at least four disposable cameras for insurance pictures. You should use two for taking pictures before the hurricane and have at least two for taking pictures of any damage following the storm.
Filing your hurricane insurance claim should not be complicated if you have documented the property and damage well and are familiar with what your policy covers. Some homeowners have recently had trouble filing their hurricane insurance claims, so be sure to know how to find a reputable lawyer in your area should your claim be denied unfairly.
For more information on filing a hurricane insurance claim, visit http://www.insuranceclaimaid.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Peters
By Bruce Peters
A hurricane watch is issued when the possibility exists that a portion of the coast could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when conditions indicate that the area will see sustained hurricane force winds (74mph+) within 24 hours.
A hurricane watch should trigger you family's hurricane plan into action and measures to protect your property should be initiated. This includes retrofitting your home, preparing to file a hurricane insurance claim in the future, and other actions that may require extra time to be completed.
After you have done all that you can to secure your home and secured all items that you will need for you and your family's personal safety, it is recommended that you do an inventory room by room with photographs or camcorder. It is not necessary to have film developed at this time as long as it is kept in a safe spot. These pictures can be developed following the storm should they be needed for your hurricane insurance claim.
This is an important step and can have a tremendous impact on your hurricane insurance claim process. Before and after pictures can show the true devastation of your home, caused by the storm.
If you do not have a good digital camera, it is recommended that you purchase at least four disposable cameras for insurance pictures. You should use two for taking pictures before the hurricane and have at least two for taking pictures of any damage following the storm.
Filing your hurricane insurance claim should not be complicated if you have documented the property and damage well and are familiar with what your policy covers. Some homeowners have recently had trouble filing their hurricane insurance claims, so be sure to know how to find a reputable lawyer in your area should your claim be denied unfairly.
For more information on filing a hurricane insurance claim, visit http://www.insuranceclaimaid.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Peters
2009 Tropical Hurricane Season Right on Time - Tropical Storm Ana By Lance Winslow
2009 Tropical Hurricane Season Right on Time - Tropical Storm Ana
By Lance Winslow Platinum Quality Author
Lance Winslow
Lance Winslow
Level: Platinum
Greetings to Everyone, I am a retired Franchisor, Business Consultant, Philantropist and I run a Think Tank, as well as do a lot of Traveling, ... ...
The first tropical depression in the Atlantic for 2009 formed on Friday May 29, 2009 and It looked pretty solid and was thought to become the first Tropical Storm of the year. 2009 was predicted to be a rather mild Hurricane Season, but the winds are flowing and it looks pretty healthy after all. The first Tropical Storm will be Tropical Storm Ana and if it becomes Hurricane Ana, which is potentially likely, it will arrive right on time. June first is the official start of the Atlantic Tropical Hurricane Season.
According to TerraDaily; "At 1500 GMT the depression was located about 500 km (311 miles) south of Providence, Rhode Island or 1,020 kilometers (634 miles) southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia"
And since the weather experts believe this is going to become a Tropical Storm it will be the first one and usher in the 2009 season, right on time. Large Tropical type systems in that area can also back up normal air flow movement coming across the United States, causing extreme weather on top of the tropical system, so we can be ready for that potential eventuality as well.
The next named storms will be Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henry, and Ida. So, if you have any friends with those names, you might tell them that they are soon to be famous, especially if their name becomes a full blown Hurricane this year.
FEMA says it is ready and President Obama tells us that there will not be any screw-ups this year like many have perceived transpired previously. Let's hope he's right and let's hope this is a mild Hurricane Season even if it is off to head start. Please consider this.
Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. Lance Winslow is also Founder of the Car Wash Guys, a cool little Franchise Company; http://www.carwashguys.com/history/founder.html/.
By Lance Winslow Platinum Quality Author
Lance Winslow
Lance Winslow
Level: Platinum
Greetings to Everyone, I am a retired Franchisor, Business Consultant, Philantropist and I run a Think Tank, as well as do a lot of Traveling, ... ...
The first tropical depression in the Atlantic for 2009 formed on Friday May 29, 2009 and It looked pretty solid and was thought to become the first Tropical Storm of the year. 2009 was predicted to be a rather mild Hurricane Season, but the winds are flowing and it looks pretty healthy after all. The first Tropical Storm will be Tropical Storm Ana and if it becomes Hurricane Ana, which is potentially likely, it will arrive right on time. June first is the official start of the Atlantic Tropical Hurricane Season.
According to TerraDaily; "At 1500 GMT the depression was located about 500 km (311 miles) south of Providence, Rhode Island or 1,020 kilometers (634 miles) southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia"
And since the weather experts believe this is going to become a Tropical Storm it will be the first one and usher in the 2009 season, right on time. Large Tropical type systems in that area can also back up normal air flow movement coming across the United States, causing extreme weather on top of the tropical system, so we can be ready for that potential eventuality as well.
The next named storms will be Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henry, and Ida. So, if you have any friends with those names, you might tell them that they are soon to be famous, especially if their name becomes a full blown Hurricane this year.
FEMA says it is ready and President Obama tells us that there will not be any screw-ups this year like many have perceived transpired previously. Let's hope he's right and let's hope this is a mild Hurricane Season even if it is off to head start. Please consider this.
Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. Lance Winslow is also Founder of the Car Wash Guys, a cool little Franchise Company; http://www.carwashguys.com/history/founder.html/.
The Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Water Park Features Some of the Most Amazing Slides and Rides! By Nadav Snir
The Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Water Park Features Some of the Most Amazing Slides and Rides!
By Nadav Snir Platinum Quality Author
Nadav Snir
Level: Platinum
Driving since the age of 15.5, I passed my first driving test in California when I was 16. I am the author of the Pass ... ...
Suggest a topic or article headline you would like the author to write about.
Hurricane Harbor Water Park in New Jersey spans across 45 acres and features some fun speed slides, wave pools, and swimming pools that young kids really love. Adults can have plenty of fun as well at this amazing water park. There are millions of gallons of water used in making these attractions so enjoyable!
Take the Blue Lagoon, for instance, this wave pool features almost a million gallons of water that produces up to five foot tall waves! It's a very huge pool, and the water depth is anywhere from six inches to seven feet. It's great for small children, older children, and adults who want to swim or relax. The surrounding area is in the shade and lounge chairs so that you can relax while watching your kids enjoy themselves in the pool.
And then there's Hurricane Mountain, which consists of six extreme slides starting from a tower that's five stories high. There are even more speed slides found throughout the park that are seven stories high! You can enjoy all the slides, rides, and splashes by getting yourself Six Flags Hurricane Harbor discount tickets online.
Keep in mind that the Water Park is separate from the main Six Flags theme park, so look for package deals if you want to enjoy the water and amusement parks both. You will be able to afford everything by getting Six Flags Hurricane Harbor coupons that are available on the internet. You don't want to miss out on the Blue Lagoon, Hurricane Mountain, or any other exciting attraction just because you failed to get discounted tickets and coupons ahead of time.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor discounts and Water Park coupons will help you save on rides, shows, slides, drinks, and more. You can bring your entire family along if you want to and save a lot with discounts and coupons!
About the author:
Nadav Snir operates a website which includes tickets to the best amusement parks in the world - Six Flags parks. To get the best ticket prices, visit: http://Great-Info-Products.com/Tickets/six-flags-tickets.html
By Nadav Snir Platinum Quality Author
Nadav Snir
Level: Platinum
Driving since the age of 15.5, I passed my first driving test in California when I was 16. I am the author of the Pass ... ...
Suggest a topic or article headline you would like the author to write about.
Hurricane Harbor Water Park in New Jersey spans across 45 acres and features some fun speed slides, wave pools, and swimming pools that young kids really love. Adults can have plenty of fun as well at this amazing water park. There are millions of gallons of water used in making these attractions so enjoyable!
Take the Blue Lagoon, for instance, this wave pool features almost a million gallons of water that produces up to five foot tall waves! It's a very huge pool, and the water depth is anywhere from six inches to seven feet. It's great for small children, older children, and adults who want to swim or relax. The surrounding area is in the shade and lounge chairs so that you can relax while watching your kids enjoy themselves in the pool.
And then there's Hurricane Mountain, which consists of six extreme slides starting from a tower that's five stories high. There are even more speed slides found throughout the park that are seven stories high! You can enjoy all the slides, rides, and splashes by getting yourself Six Flags Hurricane Harbor discount tickets online.
Keep in mind that the Water Park is separate from the main Six Flags theme park, so look for package deals if you want to enjoy the water and amusement parks both. You will be able to afford everything by getting Six Flags Hurricane Harbor coupons that are available on the internet. You don't want to miss out on the Blue Lagoon, Hurricane Mountain, or any other exciting attraction just because you failed to get discounted tickets and coupons ahead of time.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor discounts and Water Park coupons will help you save on rides, shows, slides, drinks, and more. You can bring your entire family along if you want to and save a lot with discounts and coupons!
About the author:
Nadav Snir operates a website which includes tickets to the best amusement parks in the world - Six Flags parks. To get the best ticket prices, visit: http://Great-Info-Products.com/Tickets/six-flags-tickets.html
The Deadly Threats From a Hurricane By Rich Johnson Platinum Quality Author Rich Johnson Rich Johnson Level
The Deadly Threats From a Hurricane
By Rich Johnson Platinum Quality Author
Rich Johnson
Rich Johnson
Level: Platinum
Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with over 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience from The Weather Channel. He holds a B.S. in
A hurricane's deadly forces
Hurricanes have an arsenal of effects that can destroy property and cause loss of life. The combination of wind and water can have devastating impacts on man and nature. Learn what these deadly features can do and how to survive them.
Storm Tides and Waves
Storm surge is simply the rise in water that floods the coast as water is pushed onshore by strong winds, and to a much lesser degree very low pressure. It is important to know the tides of the coastal area where you are located. For example, many locations on the Gulf coast have very small tidal ranges, whereas locations on the U.S. east coast have large tidal ranges. It makes a significant difference on the impacts to the coast if a hurricane moves ashore during a low or high tide in a location where the tidal range is large. Today, inland flooding causes the largest loss of life. In the past, when hurricane forecasting technology was not as sophisticated, storm surge was the reason for most deaths. It is best to leave a structure that could be affected by the storm tide of a hurricane. The force from sea water is extremely powerful and can destroy a house easily. High waves carry the debris from destroyed buildings that are on the coast that batter other structures farther inland. Houses built on stilts have a much greater survivability from surge damage. Even so, it is best not to "ride out" a hurricane and evacuate to a safer location.
High Winds
Hurricanes produce strong sustained winds which have the capability of destroying structures and toppling trees and power lines. The Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale gives an estimate on the type of wind damage that can be expected with different categories of hurricanes. A major hurricane is considered a category 3 or higher. Maximum sustained winds are greater than or equal to 111 mph. Strong winds can blow in garage doors, break windows, or lift roofs off of houses. Make sure that you have shutters or plywood to cover windows properly during a hurricane. Also, know how structurally sound your roof and garage doors are so that they will not fail in the event of high winds. The safest place to stay is in the basement to protect you and your family from high winds. If you are in a flood zone, evacuate to higher ground. If you do not have a basement, find a small room on the lowest floor with no windows near the center of the house to stay.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are many times associated with land falling tropical cyclones. The tornadoes usually occur in outer rain bands in the right front quadrant with respect to storm motion. Most of the tornadoes occur within 24 hours of land fall, although it's possible for tornadoes to still occur two or three days later still associated with the circulation. The largest hurricane associated tornado outbreak on record occurred with Hurricane Ivan in 2004 with 123 tornadoes. Other hurricanes that produced a significant tornado outbreak were: Hurricane Buelah (115), Hurricane Frances (103) and Hurricane Rita (101) tornadoes. Unlike their Midwest cousins, tornadoes on average are weaker in hurricanes. There is usually a weaker signature on radar and hail almost never accompanies them. Stronger land falling hurricanes have a greater potential to produce tornadoes than weaker ones. Tornadoes occur with land falling hurricanes as the hurricane moves over land and encounters greater low level friction from the land. This slows the wind at the surface more than higher aloft, adding to vertical wind shear. It is this increase in wind shear that sets up an environment favorable for tornado development. Follow the same safety guidelines for high winds to protect you and your family from the harmful effects of tornadoes.
Flooding
All hurricanes do not produce severe flooding. There are several factors that contribute to the flooding potential of a hurricane or weaker tropical cyclone. The most important factor is the rate of motion. If a tropical cyclone moves into a region where steering currents from the winds aloft are weak, very heavy rain can result. It is possible for the tropical cyclone to be nearly stationary for days resulting in very heavy rainfall amounts of 40 to 50 inches or more. Rainfall amounts are also affected by the terrain of a location. Mountains cause an added lift to occur, enhancing rainfall rates on the windward slopes. The surrounding environment where the hurricane forms is another consideration. If a hurricane forms in the deep tropics, it usually can tap a deeper source of deep layered moisture. Hurricanes that form in higher latitudes have a greater chance of entraining dry air from mid latitude weather systems limiting moisture. When a tropical cyclone is approaching, understand the potential for heavy rainfall to produce flooding or flash flooding where you live. If you live in a flood plain, evacuate to high ground before the hurricane's effects arrive.
Summary
A hurricane has the potential to cause widespread damage and loss of life. The best way to survive the effects of a hurricane is by staying informed. For more on how to prepare before a hurricane strikes, check Tropicalweather.net's article on hurricane preparedness.
Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience. His expertise is in tropical meteorology forecasting hurricanes.
By Rich Johnson Platinum Quality Author
Rich Johnson
Rich Johnson
Level: Platinum
Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with over 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience from The Weather Channel. He holds a B.S. in
A hurricane's deadly forces
Hurricanes have an arsenal of effects that can destroy property and cause loss of life. The combination of wind and water can have devastating impacts on man and nature. Learn what these deadly features can do and how to survive them.
Storm Tides and Waves
Storm surge is simply the rise in water that floods the coast as water is pushed onshore by strong winds, and to a much lesser degree very low pressure. It is important to know the tides of the coastal area where you are located. For example, many locations on the Gulf coast have very small tidal ranges, whereas locations on the U.S. east coast have large tidal ranges. It makes a significant difference on the impacts to the coast if a hurricane moves ashore during a low or high tide in a location where the tidal range is large. Today, inland flooding causes the largest loss of life. In the past, when hurricane forecasting technology was not as sophisticated, storm surge was the reason for most deaths. It is best to leave a structure that could be affected by the storm tide of a hurricane. The force from sea water is extremely powerful and can destroy a house easily. High waves carry the debris from destroyed buildings that are on the coast that batter other structures farther inland. Houses built on stilts have a much greater survivability from surge damage. Even so, it is best not to "ride out" a hurricane and evacuate to a safer location.
High Winds
Hurricanes produce strong sustained winds which have the capability of destroying structures and toppling trees and power lines. The Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale gives an estimate on the type of wind damage that can be expected with different categories of hurricanes. A major hurricane is considered a category 3 or higher. Maximum sustained winds are greater than or equal to 111 mph. Strong winds can blow in garage doors, break windows, or lift roofs off of houses. Make sure that you have shutters or plywood to cover windows properly during a hurricane. Also, know how structurally sound your roof and garage doors are so that they will not fail in the event of high winds. The safest place to stay is in the basement to protect you and your family from high winds. If you are in a flood zone, evacuate to higher ground. If you do not have a basement, find a small room on the lowest floor with no windows near the center of the house to stay.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are many times associated with land falling tropical cyclones. The tornadoes usually occur in outer rain bands in the right front quadrant with respect to storm motion. Most of the tornadoes occur within 24 hours of land fall, although it's possible for tornadoes to still occur two or three days later still associated with the circulation. The largest hurricane associated tornado outbreak on record occurred with Hurricane Ivan in 2004 with 123 tornadoes. Other hurricanes that produced a significant tornado outbreak were: Hurricane Buelah (115), Hurricane Frances (103) and Hurricane Rita (101) tornadoes. Unlike their Midwest cousins, tornadoes on average are weaker in hurricanes. There is usually a weaker signature on radar and hail almost never accompanies them. Stronger land falling hurricanes have a greater potential to produce tornadoes than weaker ones. Tornadoes occur with land falling hurricanes as the hurricane moves over land and encounters greater low level friction from the land. This slows the wind at the surface more than higher aloft, adding to vertical wind shear. It is this increase in wind shear that sets up an environment favorable for tornado development. Follow the same safety guidelines for high winds to protect you and your family from the harmful effects of tornadoes.
Flooding
All hurricanes do not produce severe flooding. There are several factors that contribute to the flooding potential of a hurricane or weaker tropical cyclone. The most important factor is the rate of motion. If a tropical cyclone moves into a region where steering currents from the winds aloft are weak, very heavy rain can result. It is possible for the tropical cyclone to be nearly stationary for days resulting in very heavy rainfall amounts of 40 to 50 inches or more. Rainfall amounts are also affected by the terrain of a location. Mountains cause an added lift to occur, enhancing rainfall rates on the windward slopes. The surrounding environment where the hurricane forms is another consideration. If a hurricane forms in the deep tropics, it usually can tap a deeper source of deep layered moisture. Hurricanes that form in higher latitudes have a greater chance of entraining dry air from mid latitude weather systems limiting moisture. When a tropical cyclone is approaching, understand the potential for heavy rainfall to produce flooding or flash flooding where you live. If you live in a flood plain, evacuate to high ground before the hurricane's effects arrive.
Summary
A hurricane has the potential to cause widespread damage and loss of life. The best way to survive the effects of a hurricane is by staying informed. For more on how to prepare before a hurricane strikes, check Tropicalweather.net's article on hurricane preparedness.
Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience. His expertise is in tropical meteorology forecasting hurricanes.
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