1. Hurricane Impacts

2. Hurricane Wind Hazards Hurricane winds can easily destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes. Extensive damage to trees, towers, and underground utility lines, and fallen poles cause considerable disruption.

3. More Hurricane Wind Hazards High-rise buildings are also vulnerable to hurricane winds. It is not uncommon for high buildings to suffer a great deal of damage due to windows being blown out. Consequently, the areas around these buildings can be very dangerous.

4. Hurricanes that hit Hurricane Hugo (1989), for example, battered Charlotte, North Carolina (which is 175 miles inland) with wind gusts to nearly 100 mph.

5. If A Hurricane Is In Your Area Listen to the radio or TV for information. Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. Turn off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.

6. You Should Evacuate If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions. If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure you are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations. If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.