Hurricanes are powerful, violent tropical storms whose winds revolve counter-clockwise around a center of low pressure. Hurricanes can be as large as 1000 kilometres (600 miles) across or only a few hundred kilometres (miles) across. They can bring high winds, heavy rains and widespread flooding to the areas where they occur. (A tornado is a smaller version of a hurricane and causes less damage.)

The centre of a hurricane, called the eye of the storm, is a calm area of blue sky surrounded by strong winds (at least 120 kph or 72 mph) and torrential rains. Hurricanes can last for days or weeks and move huge distances. As a rule, hurricanes move slowly and stay in an area for several hours and therefore can often be predicted a day or two in advance of their landfall.

Most hurricanes weaken before they reach land or stay out over the ocean away from land. Tropical storms that do reach land usually hit the southeastern United States and the Caribbean between June and November, with September being the peak month.

When hurricanes do touch down on land they bring destruction in their wake. The most destructive effect of a hurricane is the storm surge, often causing serious damage due to flooding and high winds. The lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common problems among major hurricane disasters.

It is very important for families to prepare ahead when living in an area normally affected by hurricanes. The most important thing to remember when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense. Prepare a family emergency plan so you and your family will know what to do in case of a tropical storm.

To prepare for a hurricane consider the following:

1. Safe exits from your home and neighbourhood (practice once a month)

2. A meeting place to reunite with family or roommates

3. A designated person to pick up your children should you be unavailable to do so (have a secret phrase so children know when someone other than parents has authority to pick them up)

4. Contact persons close by and out-of-town (include name, address and phone number)

5. Health information (including medications)

6. Places for your pet to stay including vets, kennels, etc. (it is best to take them with you whenever possible)

7. Common risks in your area

8. Location of your fire extinguisher (know how to use it)

9. Location of your water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain (have an appropriate wrench nearby for easy access)

During a hurricane:

1. Stay calm and alert

2. Listen to weather forecasts/warnings (use a crank radio ? no batteries needed)

3. Keep an easy to carry 72-hour emergency kit close at hand (near the door and in the trunk of your vehicle)

4. If necessary move inland and to higher ground

5. Stay away from the water to avoid being caught in a tidal wave

6. Stay in your safe place when in the eye of the storm

7. On a farm, it may be better to leave livestock unsheltered (so they are not stranded in a building when it collapses)

8. If you live in a mobile home seek shelter in a more secure building. If you cannot go to a safer place, go outside and lie down in a ditch or depression away from the mobile home and any vehicles

After a hurricane:

1. Check your property for damage and hazards

2. Make sure the building is structurally safe ? watch for buckled walls or floors, holes in the floor, broken glass, etc.

3. Remove any debris that has collected

4. Check drinking water for contamination - don't drink it until you know it is safe

5. If flooding has occurred decontaminate your home (officials may provide advice on proper clean-up and decontamination and may assist if damage is serious)

6. Have the main electrical panel, appliances, and heating system cleaned and tested by a qualified technician before using them

7. Make any necessary revisions to your emergency plan to be better prepared the next time

By knowing your situation and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. Be Prepared ? Before Disaster Strikes!