May 17, 2012
Are You Ready for the Season?
Hurricane season 2012 starts on June 1 and ends November 30.
Hurricanes are powerful storms that can create severe flooding, dangerous storm surges, high
winds, and tornadoes. The effects of these storms can be devastating to entire communities and
can have long-lasting consequences, including loss of life and property. History teaches that a
lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane
disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the
effects of a hurricane disaster. It’s important to be familiar with the following terminology:
Hurricane: an intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined
surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
A hurricane warning issued for your part of the coast indicates that sustained winds of at
least 74 mph are expected within 36 hours or less. Once this warning has been issued, your
family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location
to be during the storm.
A hurricane watch issued for your part of the coast indicates the possibility that you could
experience hurricane conditions within 48 hours. This watch should trigger your family's
disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require
extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.
Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface
circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.
Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface
circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
It is important that you have an Emergency Action Plan, create an Emergency Supply Kit, and
learn evacuation routes. More information on hurricane hazards, including details on how to
Hurricane Newsbreaks will continue to be issued … Stay tuned throughout the season.
2012 Tropical Storm/Hurricane Names:
Alberto. Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon,
Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar,
Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William.
PUBLISHED BY THE NORTH FLORIDA DISTRICT CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
USPS EAGLE SYMBOL AND LOGOTYPE ARE TRADEMARKS OF THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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