What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a tropical cyclone in which maximum
average wind speed near the center (or eye) exceeds
74 mph or 119 km/h. The winds rotate in a counterclockwise spiral around a region of low pressure.
In the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific they are called
HURRICANES. In the Western Pacific, including
the Philippines – TYPHOONS, near Australia –
WILLY WILLY and in the Indian Ocean –
CYCLONES.
Tropical cyclones are given names for easier
identification and tracking.
Formation & Initial Development Stages
of Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the
World Meteorological Organisation to define
weather systems in which winds exceeds 34 knots or
63 km/h. These are rotating intense low pressure
systems of tropical oceanic origin.
Conditions that favour tropical cyclone development
include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
A warm sea temperature in excess of 26 degrees
Celsius or 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
High relative humidity (degree to which air is
saturated by water vapor.)
Atmospheric instability.
A location of at least 4-5 latitude degrees from
the equator.
There are four stages of tropical cyclone
development according to associated wind
intensities.
Phases
Tropical Disturbance
A weather system which gives rise to a specific area
of cloudiness with embedded showers and
thunderstorms.
Tropical Depression
A tropical cyclone system with definite counterclockwise wind circulation and maximum sustained
winds of less than 38 mph (61 km/h).
Tropical Storm
A tropical cyclone, with maximum sustained surface
winds greater than 38 mph (61 km/h), but less than
74 mph (119 km/h).
Enter the Hurricane Season Prepared
If you live in a coastal area, identify your
evacuation route. Your community’s hurricane
evacuation plan includes designated safe areas/
shelters. Get information on emergency planning by
contacting the National Emergency Management
Agency [NEMA].
Hurricanes can cause extensive flooding, not
just along the coastline, but far inland as well. Flood
insurance is valuable financial protection. Meet with
your flood insurance agent/broker and go over your
policies and coverage to avoid misunderstanding.
Make sure your property is properly valued and
insured for its true value. If your property is
undervalued at the time of a hurricane, you will end
up with less money for repairs than you may have
expected.
Your annual preparations for the hurricane
season should include checking on the following:
 Supply of non-perishable food
Hurricane

Drinking water & water containers
A tropical cyclone with wind speed greater than 74
mph (119 km/h). The weather system is now better
organized and the eye is well defined.

3-weeks supply of prescribed medication

Lantern and fuel

First aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Battery-powered radio
The Saffir-Simpson Scale is used to classify
Hurricanes.
Category
Wind
Speeds
(mph)
Surge
(feet)
Damage

Keep turned to local radio/ television station for
the latest advisory/warning as well as special
instructions from NEMA.

Check battery-powered equipment. Your
battery-operated radio could be your only
source of information, and flashlights will be
needed if utility services are interrupted. Buy
extra batteries.

Keep your car fueled should evacuation be
necessary. Also, service stations may be
inoperable after the storm strikes.

Store drinking water, and water in general in
clean large containers, buckets, jars, and bottles
as your water system may be contaminated or
disrupted by the storm. Obtain extra
prescription medications and medical supplies.

Secure outdoor objects that might become
debris. Garbage cans, garden tools, toys, signs,
porch furniture, and a number of other harmless
items become deadly missiles in hurricane
winds.

Moor your boat securely well before the storm
arrives, or move it to a designated safe area
early. Do not stay on the boat or you may
drown.

Feed animals and pets and move indoors or
loose.

Know where you are going to shelter.

Clear debris which may block drains

1
74-95
4-5
Minimal
2
96-110
6-8
Moderate
3
111-130
9-12
Major
4
131-155
13-18
Destructive
5
155+
18+
Devastating

Flashlights

Extra batteries

Blankets or sleeping bags

Personal Hygiene
deodorant, etc.)
Infant necessities

Items
(toothbrush,


If you live inland away from the beaches and
low-lying coastal areas, your home is well
constructed, and local authorities have not
called for evacuation in your area, stay home
and make emergency preparations.
Establish and review family plan and identify
the nearest shelter.
Ensure the roofs and foundations are secure.
After the Hurricane has Passed
Make you plans and preparations for
a hurricane emergency the subject of
a family discussion. Share your
family’s plan with friends and
relatives. Hurricane preparedness is a
team effort for everyone in the
neighborhood and community.
urricanes

hurricane. If the storm center passes directly
overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting
from a few minutes to half-an-hour or more.
Hurricane force will then come from the opposite
direction and it is therefore very important to remain
indoors.
If you are in a public shelter, remain there until
informed by those in charge that it is safe to leave.
Keep tuned to your local radio/ television station for
advice and instructions local government agencies
about emergency medical, food, housing, and other
forms of assistance.
On Hearing an Advisory
Continue normal activities but stay tuned to radio
and television for further messages.
On Hurricane Watch



Review emergency preparedness
requirements, especially family emergency
plans.
Be ready to take action in case of a warning.
Establish contact points.
On Hurricane Warning



Stay tuned to the radio for information.
Protect property and personal possessions.
Pick fruit and trim trees if they are near the
house.
During the Hurricane
Remain indoors during the hurricane. Blowing
debris can injure and kill. Travel is extremely
dangerous. Be especially wary of the “eye” of the
Stay out of disaster areas which could be dangerous
and where your presence will interfere with essential
rescue and recovery work. Do no use the telephone
except for rescue, serious injuries or emergencies.
Do not drive unless you must. Debris filled roads
streets are dangerous. Roads should be left clear for
emergency vehicles. Along the coast, soil may be
washed from beneath the pavement or bridge
supports, which could collapse under the weight of a
car.
Avoid loose or dangling wires, and report them to
the Electricity Corporation, Police, or the National
Emergency Management Agency. Report broken
sewer, gas, or water mains to the appropriate utility
company.
THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY [NEMA]
Preparation For
Government of The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 322-6081/5 ♦ Fax: (242) 326-5456
E-mail: nema@bahamas.gov.bs
Website: www.bahamas.gov.bs/nema
&
Check buildings for possible collapse before reentry.
May 2011
If power has been cut off, check refrigerated food
for spoilage. Do not use tap or well water until you
are sure it is not contaminated.
Safety Tips