The Atlantic hurricane season is from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. On average there are 6 hurricanes, three of which are categorized as “major,” each year. History provides important examples of the potentially dangerous impact hurricanes can have and the need to be prepared.

Prepare for the storm:

• Charge all phone and communications devices
• Unplug all electronics and move them as high as possible
• If recommended by utilities or emergency offices, turn off breakers to avoid power surges

Weather the storm:

• Stay indoors during hurricanes and away from windows and glass
• Never operate a portable generator inside your home
• Never connect a generator directly into your home’s wiring unless a transfer switch has been installed
• Always use GFCIs in areas where water and electricity may come in contact

Recover from the storm:

• Do not use electrical equipment and electronics, including receptacles, that have been submerged in water
• Have a qualified electrician inspect any water-damaged electrical equipment and electronics
• Stay away from downed power lines. If you encounter a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away and do not touch the line or anything that may be in contact with the line

Hurricane categories:

• Category 1
  74 – 95 MPH Winds
  Some Damage
  • Potential roof damage
  • Large tree branches may snap, and shallow-rooted trees may fall
  • Damage to utility poles and power lines. Outages may last a few to several days
• Category 2
  96 – 110 MPH Winds
  Extensive Damage
  • Potential major roof damage
  • Shallow-rooted trees will be snapped or unrooted
  • Power outages for several days to weeks
• Category 3
  111 – 129 MPH Winds
  Devastating Damage
  • Major home damage
  • Many trees will be snapped or unrooted
  • Electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks
• Category 4
  130 – 156 MPH Winds
  Catastrophic Damage
  • Severe home damage
  • Most trees will be snapped or unrooted and utility poles downed
  • Power outages for weeks to possibly months
• Category 5
  > 156 MPH Winds
  Catastrophic Damage
  • High percentage of framed homes will be destroyed
  • Fallen trees and power pokes will isolate residential areas
  • Power outages for weeks to possibly months

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, homes built to modern building codes fare much better than homes built to older codes. Make sure your home is up to code.

Hurricane History:

• The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history, referred to as the “Great Galveston Hurricane,” struck Texas in 1900 and resulted in an estimated 11,000 deaths.
• Since 1851, the top three states for hurricane landfalls are Florida (114), Texas (63), and Louisiana (54), according to data from the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory in Miami.
• Hurricane Sandy caused 8.5 million power outages across 21 states, the highest outage total ever.
• 23 days after Hurricane Katrina local utilities had power restored to only three-quarters of their customers.

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