Hurricane season is here: prepare yourself Published June 2, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Angela Shepherd 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFPN) -- The hurricane season of 2005 was a busy one, and it brought with it many destructive storms and broken records, including records for the most named storms and the most Category 5 storms in a season. In all, 28 named storms formed, 15 of which turned into hurricanes. Seven of those were major hurricanes, meaning they were at least a Category 3. The longest lasting impact of the season was the devastation brought on by Hurricane Katrina. June 1 was the official start of this year’s hurricane season. With all that happened and with all that was lost last year, disaster preparedness is, or at least should be, at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Every year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration makes predictions as to how many tropical storms and hurricanes will form during hurricane season, which lasts until Nov. 30. While NOAA doesn’t expect a repeat of last year’s record-breaking season, they do say conditions are favorable for this to be another very active season, with 13 to 16 named storms. Of those storms, they expect eight to 10 to become hurricanes, with four to six reaching at least Category 3 strength. As the preparation process begins, it’s important to know the different phases and categories of hurricanes so appropriate actions can be taken. According to NOAA, a tropical disturbance is an area of moving thunderstorms in the tropics. This is the point where weather officials start to monitor the storm for signs of further development. One step up from a disturbance is a tropical depression, which is an area of low pressure with a rotary circulation of clouds and winds up to 38 mph. The next phase in the development process is the tropical storm, which is a storm characterized by a counterclockwise circulation of clouds with winds of 39 to 73 mph. Once the winds of a tropical storm reach 74 mph, the storm is considered a hurricane. Hurricanes are classified using the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. This scale identifies hurricanes based on intensity, and it estimates the potential for property damage and coastal flooding once the storm makes landfall. A Category 1 hurricane has winds of 74 to 95 mph and a storm surge 4 to 5 feet above normal and typically causes only minimal damage. A Category 2 hurricane has winds of 96 to 110 mph and a storm surge 6 to 8 feet above normal and causes moderate damage. A Category 3 hurricane has winds of 111 to 130 mph and a storm surge 9 to 12 feet above normal and causes extensive damage. A Category 4 hurricane has winds of 131 to 155 mph and a storm surge 13 to 18 feet above normal. Damage from these storms is usually extreme. A Category 5 hurricane has winds greater than 155 mph and a storm surge at least 18 feet above normal. These are the most destructive storms, and the damage they cause is catastrophic. For more information on hurricane categories and other terms associated with hurricanes, visit www.noaa.gov. It’s also important to know and understand a base’s HURCON (hurricane condition) system. HURCON 4 means that winds or 50 knots or greater are expected to impact the area within 72 hours. HURCON 3 means impact is expected within 48 hours. HURCON 2 is issued when the impact is expected within 24 hours. HURCON 1 is issued 12 hours out. These terms help explain the level of threat that is approaching with a storm, but it’s crucial to be prepared long before the storm ever forms. The 4th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness Flight offers some advice on how to best prepare for the worst. First, everyone should have a plan of action for evacuation purposes. The plan should include where to shelter, where to evacuate to if not sheltering on base or downtown, an evacuation route, and arrangements for pets because they are not allowed in the shelters, with the exception of seeing-eye dogs.On-base shelters will be set up around the base in places like the community center, fitness center and enlisted club. For accountability purposes, all sheltering military members, even those who live off-base, should go to one of the base shelters. If sheltering is in the plan of action, supplies should be bought ahead of time. The following checklist recommends all items that should be brought to the shelter. -- Water: one gallon per person per day is recommended -- A minimum three-day supply of canned or dried food and juice -- First aid kit and required medications -- Flashlight, radio and batteries -- Personal fire extinguisher -- Soap and other hygiene items -- Trash bags -- Spare clothes and rain gear -- Blankets -- Entertainment for children -- Important documents and valuables While in the shelter, firearms, alcoholic beverages and smoking are not allowed. When the hurricane hits, people should stay inside their home or shelter and stay away from the windows. During the storm, it is recommended to only use the phone in emergencies. It’s also important to monitor the radio or television for current information.