This danger is from high winds and the tidal surges produced at the strongest portion of the storm. In 1996 the National Weather Service reported 13 tropical storms of which nine became hurricanes. During the '96 storm season 156 deaths were associated with these hurricanes. Defense against these storms are difficult. Buildings built near the shoreline should be on deep pile foundations to survive a major storm.
Sea walls offer some protection as well.
Although due to the intensity of these storms, nothing is invincible. Preparing for these disasters requires planning and action by all involved. Officials must carefully decide on how, when and where to move people under constantly changing conditions. Some form of coastal land use management, to reduce exposure of lives and property, is needed. After a catastrophe, the role of the insurance industry is an important one.