Hurricanes can be terrifying, but they also can provide benefits to humans and animals. Hurricanes can create sandbars, replenish barrier islands, and even bring plant seeds to areas that have been impacted by fires or urbanization. They also make the earth more habitable by evening out the distribution of heat, as oceans become warmer in front of a hurricane and cooler behind it.
To qualify as a hurricane, a storm must have warm water and low air pressure. As hurricanes move over cooler waters or land, they lose their fuel and weaken. However, dangerous winds and storm surge can still cause damage.
Winds from a hurricane can torn off roofs and cause flooding, especially when rainwater is trapped in low-lying areas. As a result, it’s important to prepare your home for hurricanes. Check your insurance coverage; be sure you have enough homeowners or renters insurance to cover a potential loss. Keep emergency supplies handy. Make sure your family has a plan of where to go and what to do in the event of an evacuation. Keep a supply of water and nonperishable food. Store medication and important documents in a waterproof container. Don’t forget a flashlight and a fire extinguisher.
To protect your home, secure outdoor items like grills and furniture. Regularly trim overhanging branches that could break during a storm. Protect your windows with shutters or board up glass. If you have a garage door, consider upgrading to a hurricane-rated model.