Hurricanes and tornadoes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena.

On average 12 tropical storms, six of which become hurricanes, form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. There are an average of 31 tornadoes in North Carolina each year. Though tornadoes can form any time of the year, the peak season is from March to May.

By knowing what actions to take before the storm season begins, when a hurricane approaches, and when the storm is in your area, you can increase your chance of survival.  It is also important to know what to do after a hurricane leaves your area.

Storm Hazards

While hurricanes and tornadoes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents. Other hazards include:

• Storm surge, which is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds that can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast. Stormy surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States, and it can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
• Flooding from heavy rains, which is the second leading cause of fatalities from tropical cyclones that make landfall. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.
• Winds, which can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical cyclones that make landfall. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
• Dangerous waves, which are produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds and can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than 1,000 miles offshore.

Prepare before Storm Season

The best time to prepare for a hurricane or tornado is before the storm season begins. It is vital to understand your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Here is a checklist of things to do BEFORE these storm seasons begin:

• Sign up to receive alerts from Ready Wake, which offers voice or text communications about potential safety hazards and concerns, as well as what action (if any) you should take.
• Purchase a battery-powered radio and know your local emergency stations. The radio stations in our area part of the emergency broadcast system are WQDR 94.7FM and WDCG 105.1FM
• Know the storm terminology:
  • A hurricane WATCH means that hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area. It is usually issued 48 hours in advance of anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds. During this time, you should prepare your home and review your evacuation plan in case a hurricane warning is issued by authorities. A tornado WATCH also means that tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.
  • A hurricane WARNING means that hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area. It is usually issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds. During this time, you should complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by the authorities. A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
• Develop an emergency plan. Talk with your family or close friends and decide what to do in case of emergency, where to go, and how to get in contact with each other.
• Put together an emergency kit. Check all emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters to ensure that they are in working order.
• Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property. If your home is in a flood zone, strongly consider purchasing flood insurance as part of the National Flood Insurance Program with a local insurance company.
• Identify a designated shelter room in the event of a tornado. Ideally, this would be in the basement or storm cellar, but it can also be in an interior room without windows.
• Create a plan to evacuate a mobile home and secure it as possible.
• Install storm shutters and/or purchase and store plywood to cover all windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8-inch exterior grade or marine plywood, built to fit, and ready to install. Buy supplies before the storm season rather than attempting to purchase in the pre-storm rush.
• Remove large branches and/or trees that may fall on your home.

When a Storm is Imminent

Taking appropriate action when a storm is imminent can improve your chances of survival.

Most importantly, when a hurricane or tornado threatens your community, you should be prepared to evacuate if you live in a storm surge risk area or if dangerous storm conditions are predicted. Allow enough time to pack and to inform friends and family if you need to leave your home. You should also take the following steps:

• Listen to designated radio or television stations for emergency directions and follow them.
• Move valuables to the upper floors of your home (if present) in case of flooding.
• Bring in outdoor furniture.
• Close permanent shutters or cover all windows with plywood.
• Bring pets inside.
• If ordered not to evacuate, keep away from windows and doors and take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Do not open the windows. Make sure your emergency supplies kit is with you.
• If evacuating, turn off water and electricity at mains. Unplug all appliances. Do NOT leave pets behind. Take them with you to a pre-planned safe location.
• If possible, do not drive. If you must drive, avoid flooded roadways. Turn around – don’t drown! Also, watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately

After a Hurricane or Tornado

• Continue listening to the local emergency stations for the latest updates and follow directions.
• If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe to do so.
• Drive only if necessary, and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Watch for fallen objects in the road, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks that might collapse.
• Walk carefully around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
• Stay out of any building if you smell gas, if floodwaters remain around the building, if the building was damaged by fire, or if the authorities have not declared it safe.
• Avoid the use of a portable generator inside your home or garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages.
• Use battery-powered flashlights for lighting. Do NOT use candles. Turn on your flashlight before entering a vacated building. The battery could produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas if it is present.