If you're like most people, when a hurricane hits somewhere other than where you live, you breathe a sigh of relief. Unless you've experienced a severe storm-- especially if you were ill prepared, you'll never know what it's like to have your life tossed into the wind. Seemingly every aspect of your world becomes overwhelming. You don't know who to call first or what needs to be done to bring order back to your life... or how long it will take.


About 53% of the nation's total population lives in coastal areas, which account for only 17 percent of the total U.S. land area.
-- U.S. Census Bureau

The stages of a hurricane's development and movement dictate when authorities make announcements. The warnings you receive from weather officials will be made in time for you to tend to necessary preparations. Some projects take time, which may be in short supply as ocean waters begin to warm and tropical weather systems gather strength. For this reason, it's important to observe the severe weather timelines. The HURRICANE GUIDE takes you through the planning and preparation stages, so that you're not caught off-guard or put in the position of missing opportunities.