Hurricane season, which occurs every June through November, can be intimidating if you live in a vulnerable area. The storms that are predicted to make landfall can require immense planning to keep your loved ones safe. Hurricane safety should always be a priority as you go about your next few months.
Knowledge is power. The more you know about hurricanes, the more confident and prepared you will feel during the season. Here is a list of common hurricane terms:
Related: Learn How Impact Offers Storm Protection
Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale
Developed in 1971 by meteorologist Robert Simpson, the Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale is a standardized 1-5 rating of hurricanes based upon the storm’s consistent wind speeds. This scale was developed to estimate the potential damage from incoming hurricanes in an effort to help residents prepare their homes or evacuate. Hurricanes reaching a category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of the danger they pose to life and property.
Tropical Storm vs. Hurricane
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between tropical storms and hurricanes? You are not alone. These terms are very important to differentiate because of the levels of caution and safety preparation that are required for each. The technical difference between the two is just the wind speed of the storm. Once the tropical storm gains winds speeds of over 74 mph, it turns into a hurricane. We recommend that you track and prepare for each type of storm since both can lead to potential damage. Taking precautionary measures such as creating your evacuation plan, gathering your essentials, and installing protective impact windows are just a few steps you can take to better prepare. Here is a helpful hurricane protection resource to guide you in keeping your home and loved ones safe this hurricane season.
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Wind Shears
Wind shear is the variation of the winds speed or direction over a short distance within the atmosphere. This is an important term because wind shears often prevent weather systems from turning into deadly hurricanes. The stronger wind shears in the spring start to fade when the month of June approaches, and by late August, these wind shears reach an all time low. The more wind shears, the merrier.
The Eye of The Storm
This is a pretty commonly heard term—the eye of a hurricane is the center of the storm where the winds are rotating around a centralized point. The eye usually gives people the illusion that the storm is over because the weather becomes relatively calm. But don’t be fooled; after the eye comes the eye wall—the most dangerous part of the storm. The eye wall is the location directly outside of the eye where the most damaging winds and most intense rainfall is found. These types of winds can be strong enough to crack or blow out your windows, setting you on a window replacement journey. However, if you have impact windows installed in your home, you can relax knowing that the pieces of flying debris are prevented from entering your home due to the protective interlayer of the impact window. Just be sure to stay inside the safety of your home or hurricane shelter until you get the all-clear.
Related: Find an Authorized Impact Dealer in Your Area
Hurricane Warning/Hurricane Watch
The difference between a hurricane warning and a hurricane watch should have a dramatic effect on the necessary precautions. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a coastal region within 24 hours. A hurricane watch is announced when there is a potential threat of a hurricane within 36 hours. Though both need to be taken seriously, a hurricane warning does have more urgency behind it. During a hurricane watch, it is essential to prepare your home and review your evacuation plan with your loved ones, just in case. Whereas during a hurricane warning, you should take all precautions necessary and be ready for a hurricane to hit your area within the next 24 hours.
Related: How Impact Resistant Windows & Doors Protect
This short list of important hurricane terms barely scratches the surface of all you need to know regarding hurricane safety to help you be best prepared for the next big storm. If you found this post helpful and informative, remember it’s only the beginning. Be sure to check out our complete 2020 Hurricane Guide for more information.
