Batten down the hatches, it’s hurricane season! Starting in the spring and continuing into late autumn, this window of severe weather generally reaches its violent peak in the late days of summer. And with 2024 already producing catastrophic storms like Hurricane Beryl, it’s important to make sure you’re ready for the chance of high winds, torrential rain and storm surge—the abnormal and dramatic water rise caused by tropical storms. After all, being prepared is the only way to stay safe when facing severe weather like a hurricane.

A hurricane is a severe tropical storm characterized by heavy rain and sustained winds that rotate in a circle—this is why they are often referred to as cyclones. The earliest tropical storms of the year start brewing around May in the Eastern Pacific region, which extends westward from Mexico and Central America. The first major Eastern Pacific hurricanes of the year form in mid-June. And while these storms typically move away from land, they do pose threats to shipping lanes and western states like Arizona and Hawaii. Meanwhile, Atlantic hurricane season begins in June and covers the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Atlantic weather patterns are responsible for the majority of landfall-making tropical storms in North America, with the first major hurricanes typically forming in late August or early September.

A storm by any other name

Using names helps keep track of storms. A developing cyclone is given a name once its wind speeds exceed 39 miles per hour and it officially becomes a tropical storm. Once sustained winds reach 74 miles per hour, the named tropical storm ascends to hurricane status.

Storm names used to be chosen randomly but now they are assigned from pre-planned lists. The Atlantic list contains 21 names in alphabetical order (skipping Q, U, X, Y and Z) and alternating between male and female names. Meanwhile, the Pacific list contains 24 names including X, Y and Z. Each region has only six lists of names and they are cycled through in the same order over a six year period. 

If a storm is particularly significant or deadly, its name is retired. Notable retired names include Pauline (Pacific 1997), Floyd (Atlantic 1999), Kenna (Pacific 2003), Katrina (Atlantic 2005), Alma (Pacific 2009), Manuel (Pacific 2013), Odile (Pacific 2013), Patricia (Pacific 2015), Harvey (Atlantic 2017), Irma (Atlantic 2017), Maria (Atlantic 2017), Nate (Atlantic 2017), Ida (Atlantic 2021), Fiona (Atlantic 2022), Ian (Atlantic 2022), Dora (Pacific 2023), and Otis (Pacific 2023). As you can see, multiple names can be retired in a year if it’s an especially bad hurricane season. You may recognize some of these names and have your own story of how the storm impacted you or your region. Consider sharing your story with employees to emphasize the importance of hurricane preparation.

You might already recognize some of this year’s storm names. The 2024 list of names for Atlantic storms includes Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Milton, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie and William. Meanwhile, the Eastern Pacific storm name list includes Aletta, Bud, Carlotta, Daniel, Emilia, Fabio, Gilma, Hector, Ileana, John, Kristy, Lane, Miriam, Norman, Olivia, Paul, Rosa, Sergio, Tara, Vicente, Willa, Xavier, Yolanda and Zeke.

Regardless of its name, each hurricane brings the potential for serious injury and death. That’s why it’s crucial to understand their associated weather alerts, their various categories and best practices for keeping safe in the path of an extreme cyclone.

Watching for warnings

The first step to being prepared for a hurricane is understanding the common language used to inform the public about cyclone risks. A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions—cyclones with sustained wind speeds of 74 mph or greater—are possible in your area within a 48-hour timespan. During this time, it’s also important to pay attention to storm surge watches, which indicate the possibility of rising water moving inland from the shore. Storm surges can create life-threatening situations due to flooding, rapid erosion of the coastline and destruction of seaside buildings and infrastructure.

As conditions persist or worsen, the National Hurricane Center will issue a hurricane warning 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds develop. This gives you time to complete your preparations. It’s crucial to be proactive with hurricane safety, as it is common for roadways and stores to be closed during and after these massive weather events.

Once the hurricane arrives, stay sheltered until the storm has fully moved on from your region, even if weather conditions seem to be letting up. In the eye of the storm, there is often a calm area of blue sky, light winds and little to no precipitation. The eye can induce a false impression that it’s safe to go outside. But in addition to the hazards posed by newly wrought destruction, flooding and debris, the storm is still raging and can pick up quickly.

It’s important to check that complacent sense of security, especially if you think hurricanes are only a danger to coastal regions. Many areas in the U.S. and Canada are safe from direct hurricane impact but they may still experience the remnants of tropical systems in the form of torrential downpours and subsequent flash flooding. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also produce tornadoes. This is why it’s important to stay alert to hurricane reports no matter where you live. Tracking the paths of tropical storms can keep you one step ahead of several other types of severe weather.

The five levels of hurricane 

Being able to prepare for a hurricane depends on knowing what kind of storm is headed your way. There are five categories of hurricanes, each of which presents its own level of danger. 

Category 1—a minimal hurricane—has wind speeds between 74–95 miles per hour and a storm surge of 3–5 feet. It’s no surprise that a minimal hurricane only causes minimal destruction. Damage is primarily to road signs, trees, shrubbery and unanchored homes—no significant damage to structures. However, it is possible for wind speeds of over 75 miles per hour to lift roofs and break windows. Even though it’s entry-level, do not discount the dangerous effects of a Category 1 hurricane.

Category 2—a moderate hurricane—has wind speeds between 96–110 miles per hour and a storm surge of 6–8 feet. With increased wind speeds, in addition to the damage a Category 1 would cause, Category 2 storms may blow down trees and road signs. Expect major damage to exposed mobile homes. Other buildings may also see damage to roofs, windows and doors but no major structural harm. Marinas and piers are in danger of flooding in this category, and evacuation of some residences on the shoreline and low-lying areas may be necessary.

Category 3—an extensive hurricane—has wind speeds between 111–130 miles per hour. The damage caused by a Category 2 hurricane can be expected in a Category 3 plus some structural damage to small buildings. Smaller structures near the coast can be destroyed in a Category 3, and larger structures near the coast may be damaged by waves and floating debris. With a storm surge of 9–12 feet, serious flooding is likely in coastal areas. Low-lying or flat terrain five feet or less above sea level can also be flooded. Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of shoreline may be required.

Category 4—an extreme hurricane—has wind speeds between 131–155 miles per hour and a storm surge of 13–18 feet. The damage caused by a Category 3 hurricane can be expected plus extensive damage to roofing materials (complete failure on small houses), windows and doors. Category 4 storms completely destroy mobile homes. Expect major damage to lower floors of structures located near shore due to flooding from the storm surge, destruction of beaches and possible evacuation of all residences within 500 yards from shore as well as single-story residences within 2 miles from shore.

Category 5—a catastrophic hurricane—has wind speeds greater than 155 miles per hour and a storm surge higher than 18 feet. As with previous categories, expect all the damage caused by a Category 4 storm as well as severe and extensive damage to windows (shattering) and doors, and complete failure of roofs on many residences and industrial buildings. There is a potential for some complete building failures, and small buildings could be overturned or blown away. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of shore may be required.

Hurricane preparation tips

As dramatic and dangerous as a hurricane can be, it will not strike without warning. Depending on where you live, you may have days to prepare before a scheduled landfall. It’s important to take advantage of this head start by preparing for a potential cyclone and its aftereffects. 

What to do before a hurricane

1. Have plywood on hand to board windows to prevent dangerous debris from smashing through. Wind speeds over 75 miles per hour (Category 1) can lift roofs and break windows. Some people only board up their windows for major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) but it is recommended to err on the side of caution.
2. Trim tree branches to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house during a hurricane.
3. When a hurricane is forecast, bring loose outdoor items like patio furniture inside and secure anything that might be blown around, like garbage cans or BBQs.
4. Turn off your propane tank.
5. Move your vehicle into the garage or another secure location when possible.
6. Check to make sure you have the right emergency supplies. Stock up on water, ready-to-eat food, heating fuel, battery-powered/wind-up flashlights, radios and extra batteries. Pack a to-go bag. Withdraw cash in the event electronics don’t work. Make sure that there is gasoline in your vehicle in the event you need to evacuate and ensure that your vehicle emergency kit is fully stocked.

What to do at work

1. Listen for updates from the National Hurricane Center to keep track of the hurricane’s severity and any pertinent updates.
2. Follow the instructions of the personnel in charge of the emergency action plan. If evacuation is required, follow the prescribed procedure. If officials recommend shelter in place or they issue a stay-at-home order, do not try to evacuate, as staying put might be safer than leaving due to dangerous driving conditions.
3. If there isn’t anyone overseeing the emergency, go to a hurricane-safe room that is designed for high winds. If you don’t have such a room in the building, find a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of the building (not the basement), putting as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
4. Stay away from windows and doors.
5. Do not use elevators in the event the power fails and you’re trapped inside.
6. Prepare for power outages. Locate emergency kits and supplies for those in the building. Turn off heating and cooling systems. Unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as computers,  TVs, microwaves, etc. This will protect against power surges that can occur when power is restored.

What to do at home

1. Listen for updates from the National Hurricane Center to keep track of the hurricane’s severity and any pertinent updates.
2. If you live in an evacuation zone, know the dangers that apply to your area and get out early to avoid being stuck in traffic.
3. If a stay-at-home order is issued and you live in a house that is situated in a flood zone, do not go to the basement as it could flood. Go to an upper level (two or three stories where possible) but avoid the attic or top floor in the event of a roof collapse. If you live in a high-rise building, stay below the highest elevations, where the high winds can do severe damage.
4. Stay away from windows (and do not open windows—opening the windows will not equalize the pressure).
5. Prepare for power outages. Turn off heating and cooling systems. Unplug electronic devices such as TVs, computers, microwaves and ovens. This will protect against power surges that can occur when power is restored.
6. If your home is a mobile home, seek shelter elsewhere.

What to do if you’re outside

1. Avoid driving or going outdoors during a hurricane.
2. If possible, get inside a sturdy building.
3. Watch out for flood waters that fill low-lying areas, and try to get to higher ground.
4. If you must be out in the storm, do not walk through flowing water or drive through flooded areas.

What to do if you’re in your vehicle

1. Avoid driving or going outdoors during a hurricane.
2. Refer to “What to do if you’re outside” instructions.
3. If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside the vehicle unless the water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof of the vehicle.

Now that you know how to prepare for a hurricane, spread the word to ensure the safety of everyone around you. Print and distribute the guidelines in this post, or incorporate them into a toolbox talk to make sure that your employees are safe in the event of a hurricane, no matter where they are or what human factors are present.