Introduction

Cyclonic circulations are the ones that form a hurricane. The cyclonic circulations occur when the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient act on the air causing it to rise to the center of the hurricane. Below the hurricane, a low-pressure area is created and this is the major cause of destruction. Tropical cyclones (TC) are very hazardous in terms of property destruction (Vecchi and Gabriele 618). However, they also provide water in some cases relieving the drought.  Predictions of the path and intensity of the TCs are usually made sufficiently several days in advance. This gives the people a chance to prepare for the hurricane. It is significant for the public to be prepared well in advance before, during and after a hurricane. This helps protect property and lives as well as guides the rebuilding process.

Definition

As defined in the environment encyclopedia, Hurricanes are rotating cyclones which usually form over warm tropical waters and is accompanied by rain, lightning and thunder. Tropical cyclones, however, vary with the part of the world where they are formed. For example in the Atlantic oceans and eastern Pacific they are known as hurricanes, in the Indian Ocean, they are known as cyclones and in the western Pacific, they are called typhoons.  Other local names also exist (Environmental Encyclopaedia 1). Hurricanes are caused mainly by climatic conditions, increased water vapor, and global warming. Though the path and intensity predictions of the hurricane are made well in advance before they hit, it is important for all people to be prepared since the predictions can change any time. Again, they are just predictions and thus not completely correct.

Problems

When a hurricane strikes, many problems are caused. First, the Hurricanes lead to the loss of many lives. An example is the Hurricane Katrina which occurred in the year 2005. The hurricane reached Category 5 and caused three landfalls. It also had the highest tide ever recorded in the United States.  By the end of the hurricanes, 1800 people were dead. In the year 2008, another Hurricane Ike killed more than 600 people. Another problem caused by hurricanes is the destruction of property (Environmental Encyclopaedia 2).  The hurricane Katrina caused damages worth $60 billion. Even after the storm was gone, there was flooding causing homelessness and destruction of property. This made it the most expensive natural disaster in the history of United States. Hurricane Ike caused massive flooding and homelessness in the Caribbean. With the flooding, crops and vegetations are destroyed. In addition other natural resources also become destroyed or inaccessible.

Solutions

The only solution to this natural disaster is for people to be well prepared before, during and after the hurricanes. Before hurricane strikes, have a plan about where you can stay. Again, have access to a disaster supply kit with tools such as first aid supplies, flashlight, cash and extra batteries.  It is also important to trim and remove damaged trees around the property. Retrofitting and reinforcing windows, roofs and doors will reduce damage to property. Loose rain gutters should be secured as well as clogged areas. Always follow evacuation orders given by local officials (Ready).

When the hurricane is 36 hours from arriving, turn on the TV to get the latest weather updates and the plan the evacuation plan. Make sure the car is a full tank and in good working condition. In addition plan on how to communicate with family members.  When the hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving, bookmark your city’s website for quick access to updates and instructions (Ready). In addition, all loose and lightweight objects should be brought indoors. All the home windows should be covered with permanent storm shutters. When the hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving, check the website every thirty minutes for updates and instructions and charge your cell phone. When the hurricane is 6 hours from arriving, stay home if you are not in a recommended evacuation area.

Stay away from windows and turn on the TV and radio to get the latest updates.  In case of flooding during the hurricane, turn off the electricity at the main breaker. After the hurricane, listen to the local officials for any updates. In addition, check with family members by texting or using social media (Ready). Return home only when it is announced safe to do so. It is significant o take photos of the damaged property for the purpose of an insurance claim.

 Conclusion

Hurricanes lead to the destruction of property as well as loss of lives. The hurricane Katrina of 2005 led to the death of 1800 people and damages to property worth $60 billion (Environmental Encyclopaedia 2). In addition, crops and vegetations are destroyed, and other natural resources also become destroyed or inaccessible due to flooding. The solution is to be well prepared in advance before the hurricane arrives. The tree should be trimmed, retrofitted susceptible house areas reinforced and retrofitted. During the hurricane, one should stay indoors away from the doors and windows. After the hurricane, listen to government updates and return home only when it is announced home to do so. Also, take photos of damaged property for the sake of insurance claim. If you follow these steps to prepare and respond to a hurricane, then there is a high likelihood that you will be safe.

Works Cited

“Hurricanes.” Ready. Department of Homeland Security, n.d. Web. 13 May 2016.

“Hurricanes.” Environmental Encyclopaedia. Gale, 2011. Opposing Viewpoints in

Context. Web. 13 May. 2016.

Vecchi, Gabriel A., and Gabriele Villarini. “Next season’s hurricanes.” Science 343.6171 (2014): 618-619

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