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Have you heard about the powerful hurricanes that have been occurring in the past few weeks? If you watch the weather, then chances are you’ve heard of Hurricane Dennis, and the most recent one, Hurricane Floyd. How do they happen, and what can you do to prepare for one? Let’s find out.

A hurricane is formed from simple thunderstorms that develop over warm tropical oceans. However, these thunderstorms can only become a hurricane if the ocean and the atmosphere are doing their part. The ocean water must be warmer than 81 degrees Fahrenheit, because hurricanes don’t like the cold. The heat and moisture from the warm water becomes the source of energy for a hurricane. If a hurricane travels over land or colder ocean water, it will quickly weaken. Along with warm water, the atmosphere must have high humidity to keep the air wet and warm. As the ocean water warms the air, the air in the center of this thunderstorm begins to rise much faster. Then the rising air in the storm’s center condenses, and produces heat, forcing it to rise even faster. The air is pushed out the top and more air has to rush in at the surface to take its place. This kicks the ocean up more forcing the storm to feed on itself. This becomes a hurricane and it can last up to three weeks.

Hurricanes occur in coastal areas like the Caribbean or the Atlantic. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, here are some precautions you can take:

• Get a first aid kit and necessary medications.
• Store canned food and an opener, as this food lasts for long periods of time without needing refrigeration.
• Make sure you have plenty of water. (The Red Cross recommends three gallons of water per person to last three days.)
• Have flashlights, a battery powered radio, and extra batteries.
• Have rain gear, sleeping bags, and protective clothing handy too.

Though hurricanes are capable or producing high winds, torrential rains and flooding, taking these precautions can prove to be very helpful!