Hurricanes usually move at about 10-15 miles an hour, but some come roaring in at twice that speed. If a storm is 300 miles out in the Gulf, for example, figure that it will take 10 to 20 hours to reach shore. Compared to the warning people get for an earthquake, that allows for some reasonable level of emergency preparation. Remember, however, that there will be lots of folks trying to get ready at the last minute if a storm is on the way. That means long lines at the grocery stores and gas stations, and you can just about forget about buying any batteries or bottled water.
Shortages soon develop for other household staples and some canned goods, as well.
A Hurricane Watch will be issued when the storm is expected to make landfall within about 24 hours in a certain area. When the storm gets closer to the Coast, the national Hurricane Center will upgrade to a Hurricane Warning , which means that the area can expect to get hit with a significant part of the storm in less than 24 hours . Emergency Service personnel are called upon to provide a wide variety of services during and after a hurricane emergency, and need to make sure that their own preparations are complete as soon as a Hurricane Watch is issued so that when they are called to respond to emergencies they won t have to worry about the safety of their own home and family members. Give all members a map as well as a list of key phone numbers, including the chosen evacuation site, as well as the numbers of friends who know your evacuation destination. Keep your gas tank full Emergency supplies.