Here in South Florida, it’s always a good idea to be prepared as hurricane season is just around the corner. Of course, this all depends on the climate patterns, but knowing what to do is just one way of being ready… just in case. Interestingly, the Category 3 or above storms are associated with wind speeds of over 100 miles per hour and are capable of causing extreme damage. There are certain criteria when it comes to determining the levels of a hurricane. For instance, a season with an accumulated cyclone energy of 130, would most often mean a season of six to eight hurricanes, with two to three reaching major status. With hurricane season officially beginning at the first of June, several climate factors will continue to be monitored and analyzed. Another major factor is the cycle of warming and cooling of the surface of the North Atlantic Ocean. Warm ocean water is the essential stimulus for hurricanes.
For residents in the Miami area, proper planning is advisable in any event. It is suggested that storing water before a storm is important because of the possibility of contamination of the drinking water supply. When electrical power is lost due to a storm, water utilities cannot operate the pumps that maintain water pressure in the pipes that travel to your home. Maintaining that pressure is one way water utilities ensure that your water is free from harmful bacteria. When the pressure is lost, a boil-water order may be issued by health authorities. If you choose to use water directly from the tap after the storm passes, make sure you have an adequate supply of coffee filters. The filters will help remove any cloudiness you may see in the water after a hurricane hits. If the water from your tap is cloudy, pour it through a fresh coffee filter until the cloudiness is gone. Having a minimum of one gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days is best.
Interesting fact: accumulated cyclone energy uses a portion of the wind energy used by a tropical system over its lifetime and is calculated every six-hour period.
