The Atlantic hurricane season is June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. On average there are 6 hurricanes, three 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 homes 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, shallow-rooted trees may fall
  • Damage to utilities poles and power lines. Outages may last 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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