Hurricane Preparedness and How it Saves Lives

On average, a typical year will hold about twelve named storms, along with six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. However, more recently we have seen that number rise with 2020 producing thirty named storms with fourteen becoming hurricanes and seven becoming major storms. 

What Makes A Hurricane A Hurricane?

What defines the differences between these types of storms? For starters, these storms are mainly defined by their wind speeds. For a storm to be named it has to reach winds of up to 39 miles per hour or greater. Once these high wind speeds reach over 74 miles per hour, they become “hurricanes.” After that, if the storm gets over 111 miles per hour, it becomes a “major hurricane.” 

What are the Dangers of A Hurricane?

Hurricanes can come with plenty of dangers, including high winds, heavy rains, storm surges, flooding, and even tornadoes. It is important to create an evacuation plan if you live near a tropical area in case an emergency strikes. 

A satellite view of a forming hurricane.

Simple things to do ahead of time to prepare your home include ensuring your insurance policies are up to date, digitizing personal documents, and decluttering your drains and gutters. You may also consider purchasing hurricane shutters as well to keep your home safe and secure from floodwater. Once the storm draws nearer, bring in any outside furniture to protect it from the storm, and more importantly, to prevent high winds from turning any loose objects into flying projectiles!.

In addition, it is important to pay attention to the evacuation zones and know the evacuation routes. Even if your family plans on leaving, still keep emergency supplies on hand in case leaving becomes impossible.

The Ginn Group’s Role

The Ginn Group plays an important role in preparing for hurricane season at our various facilities and base operations support services projects. By properly maintaining buildings and grounds throughout the year, our employees ensure critical systems such as emergency generators and storm drainage systems will operate and function when needed, especially during natural disasters. Whether it is a tropical storm or a record-breaking hurricane, our employees help prepare bases and installations just as you are doing at home, making sure buildings, equipment, and, most important, people are protected and safe with whatever comes our way.

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