Do you know? A Hurricane Q&A

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Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

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Do you know the difference between a hurricane, a typhoon and a cyclone?

The answer is simple: Not much except geography and direction. Hurricanes occur in the Northern Hemisphere and cyclones and typhoons occur in the Southern Hemisphere. Hurricanes spin counterclockwise, and cyclones spin clockwise.

Do you know the lingo?

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions with sustained winds from 39 -74 mph are possible in your area within the next 36 hours.

A Tropical Storm Warning indicates that tropical storm conditions are expected in your area within the next 24 hours.

A Hurricane Watch tells you that hurricane conditions with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are possible in your area within the next 36 hours. This Watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated. (Link to checklist) Especially, those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat and leaving a barrier island.

A Hurricane Warning means exactly that! Hurricane conditions are expected in your area within 24 hours. Once this Warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

Do you know who the "Hurricane Hunters" are?

Part of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, the brave team known as the "hurricane hunters" work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and fly airplanes right into the eye of the hurricane.

Each of its missions lasts about ten hours, with the crews passing four to six times through the storm. The planes carry radar, sophisticated computers, and weather instruments that determine characteristics such as temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and wind direction inside the hurricane.

The crews also release instruments that measure temperature, air pressure, and wind at different levels as the devices drop through the hurricane toward the ocean. By mission's end, NOAA can warn everyone in the hurricane's path.

Take a look at the Squadron's interesting and impressive history at http://www.hurricanehunters.com/history2.htm

If you plan to use a generator during a storm, make sure the main circuit breaker in your electric service panel box is in the OFF position. If you have a fuse box, instead of breakers, pull out the main block, remove the fuses and reinsert the empty block. Here are more generator safety tips:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.

Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines only outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.

Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.

Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.

Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or "backfeed" can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

Never use a generator inside vehicles or any enclosed areas.