I live in Houston, Texas and we get hurricanes. Right now, Tropical Storm Edouard is bearing down on us.
There are five categories of Hurricanes. They are measured on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. According to the NOAA Hurricane Center: The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on the hurricane's present intensity. This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf and the shape of the coastline, in the landfall region. Note that all winds are using the U.S. 1-minute average.
The important thing, in my opinion, is what the winds are associated with each level so let me break it down for you:
Tropical Storm: Winds 39-74 mph.
Category One Hurricane: Winds 74-95 mph (119-153 km/hr).
Category Two Hurricane: Winds 96-110 mph (154-177 km/hr).
Category Three Hurricane: Winds 111-130 mph (178-209 km/hr).
Category Four Hurricane: Winds 131-155 mph (210-249 km/hr).
Category Five Hurricane: Winds greater than 155 mph (249 km/hr).
Now, when I see something like Edouard coming my way, I don't blink an eye. Do you want to know why? Because in 2005 we had a little Hurricane called Rita come our way. She was a Category 3 Hurricane. After spending 17 hours on the road getting just north of the city (this would have been less than 45 minutes if it were clear), we were running out of gas and had no choice but to go home.
My sister and her family joined us and we hung out for a couple of days and had a great time. We had some minor damage to the house but we were all safe and sound.
That's why I shake my head just a little bit when people here at work are talking about hunkering down and "preparing" for Edouard. Don't get me wrong, I am all about preparedness. But when you have something that's just going to be a little rainy and windy for a bit I don't think it's much to worry about.
On that note, here is a list of things you should have in an emergency (hurricanes included). According to FEMA, there are 6 basics you should have in your home.
- water
- food (canned or dried foods are probably best)
- first aid supplies (band aids, gauze, Tylenol, etc.)
- clothing, bedding, and sanitation supplies (toilet paper is always a MUST in my book)
- tools (screwdriver, hammer, etc.)
- special items (this can include toys or a special blanket or pillow for your children who need that lovey)
Make sure when you are thinking about water and food that you take into consideration your pets. Lots of people forget about them when they are preparing for something terrible to happen. (We drove 17 hours with three cats in the car. But that's another story.)
And you can always purchase a ready-made disaster kit. There are several options available from moderately priced to expensive. Do some research to find what is right for you and your family.
I hope this has been a help to you! Good luck during hurricane season!
