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Hurricane Safety
 Hurricanes are a destructive natural phenomenon
that occurs about 40 to 50 times worldwide each year. Hurricane
season takes place in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and
Central Pacific from June 1 to November 30.
Hurricane damage results from three primary causes:
Storm Surge: Approximately 90% of all hurricane
deaths can be attributed to the storm surge, the dome of water
created by the low pressure center of a hurricane. This storm surge
quickly floods low-lying coastal areas with anywhere from 3 feet
for a category one storm to over 19 feet for a category five
storm.
Wind Damage: The strong, at least 74 mph winds
of a hurricane can cause widespread destruction far inland of
coastal areas, destroying homes, buildings and infrastructure.
Freshwater Flooding: Hurricanes are huge
tropical storms and dump many inches of rain over a widespread area
in a short period of time. This water can engorge rivers and
streams, causing hurricane-induced flooding.
What We Do to Help:
Lynches River Electric Cooperative continually monitors weather
conditions and prepares in advance when inclement weather is
forecast. We suggest you follow these tips to stay safe during a
hurricane:
- Identify where you could go if you are told to
evacuate. Choose several places - a friend's home in
another town, a motel, or a shelter.
- Write down instructions on how to turn off electricity,
gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (You'll
need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
- To prevent damage to windows from high winds, install
hurricane shutters or purchase precut ½" outdoor plywood
boards. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill
holes in the plywood so it can be installed quickly.
- Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and
damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so wind can
blow through.
- Secure outdoor furniture, decorations or ornaments,
trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else the wind can pick
up.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away
from windows.
- Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is
not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the
eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction.
Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first
winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
- Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a
hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center
of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
- Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon
a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught
on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out
of the car and climb to higher ground.
Hurricane WATCH vs. Hurricane WARNING
A WATCH means hurricane conditions are possible
in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours.
A WARNING means hurricane conditions are
expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24
hours.
* This is a printer friendly version of the original page, made to save you ink and paper.
Hurricane Safety
Hurricanes are a destructive natural phenomenon
that occurs about 40 to 50 times worldwide each year. Hurricane
season takes place in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and
Central Pacific from June 1 to November 30.
Hurricane damage results from three primary causes:
Storm Surge: Approximately 90% of all hurricane
deaths can be attributed to the storm surge, the dome of water
created by the low pressure center of a hurricane. This storm surge
quickly floods low-lying coastal areas with anywhere from 3 feet
for a category one storm to over 19 feet for a category five
storm.
Wind Damage: The strong, at least 74 mph winds
of a hurricane can cause widespread destruction far inland of
coastal areas, destroying homes, buildings and infrastructure.
Freshwater Flooding: Hurricanes are huge
tropical storms and dump many inches of rain over a widespread area
in a short period of time. This water can engorge rivers and
streams, causing hurricane-induced flooding.
What We Do to Help:
Lynches River Electric Cooperative continually monitors weather
conditions and prepares in advance when inclement weather is
forecast. We suggest you follow these tips to stay safe during a
hurricane:
- Identify where you could go if you are told to
evacuate. Choose several places - a friend's home in
another town, a motel, or a shelter.
- Write down instructions on how to turn off electricity,
gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (You'll
need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
- To prevent damage to windows from high winds, install
hurricane shutters or purchase precut ½" outdoor plywood
boards. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill
holes in the plywood so it can be installed quickly.
- Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and
damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so wind can
blow through.
- Secure outdoor furniture, decorations or ornaments,
trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else the wind can pick
up.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away
from windows.
- Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is
not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the
eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction.
Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first
winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
- Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a
hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center
of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
- Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon
a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught
on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out
of the car and climb to higher ground.
Hurricane WATCH vs. Hurricane WARNING
A WATCH means hurricane conditions are possible
in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours.
A WARNING means hurricane conditions are
expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24
hours.
All rights reserved. Copyright 2009 - 2010, Lynches River Electric Cooperative
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Co-op Announces Rate Reduction
05.27.2010Starting in June Lynches River Electric Cooperative members will see a decrease of approximately eight percent in their electric bills.
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Click here for the full story. Power Factor Devices
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Click here for the full story.
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