Hurricanes are severe storm systems that cause devastating property damage, injuries, and deaths. Scientists use categories to help define the severity of a hurricane and the destruction it can cause. Understanding the categories of hurricanes can help you know what to expect if a storm is forecast in your area.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale designates hurricanes by categories. There are five categories of hurricanes based on a hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed. Wind speed helps project the potential for property damage from a hurricane.
Category 1 Hurricanes
A Category 1 hurricane is the least severe category of hurricanes. It has maximum sustained winds of 74 to 95 mph. Even though Category 1 hurricanes are the least severe, they can still result in property damage, power outages, and flooding.
Category 2 Hurricanes
A Category 2 hurricane has sustained winds of 96 to 110 mph. Power outages are more likely, and significant damage can occur to well-constructed homes and structures. Damage to vehicles may also result from winds, fallen trees, and flooding.
Category 3 Hurricanes
Category 3 hurricanes are major storms with wind speeds between 111 to 129 mph. These stores can cause devastating damage to buildings, homes, vehicles, and personal property. Flooding is likely, and power outages could last for days or weeks.
Category 4 Hurricanes
Category 4 hurricanes cause catastrophic damage with wind speeds between 130 and 156 mph. You can expect most trees to be snapped or uprooted. Buildings and homes receive catastrophic damage. The area may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Category 5 Hurricanes
A Category 5 hurricane has sustained winds of 157 mph or higher. These storms cause catastrophic damage to buildings and infrastructure. Power may be out for months, and areas may be cut off from help because of damage to bridges and roads. A Category 5 hurricane can level everything in an area that receives a direct hit.
Potential Damage Caused by Hurricanes
Damage from hurricanes can be caused by wind, hail, flooding, and storm surges. The severity of the damage increases with the category of the hurricane.
It is crucial for individuals to follow instructions given by government agencies. Evacuations should be taken seriously. The sooner you can leave the area, the better. Trying to “ride out” a massive storm can endanger your life. If you survive a hurricane, you could be trapped in your home for days or weeks, depending on the damage to infrastructure.
Steps to Remain Safe During a Hurricane
The Atlanta Hurricane Season begins on June 1st and continues through November 30th. During this time, paying attention to weather forecasts and knowing the risk of hurricanes in your area is essential.
Ways that you can prepare for a hurricane include:
- Know your evacuation route for hurricanes. Determine where you will stay if you need to evacuate the area.
- Manufactured homes, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles are unsafe shelters during a hurricane.
- Fill up your vehicles at the first forecast of a hurricane in case you need to evacuate or the storm damages infrastructure, making it impossible to obtain fuel after the storm.
- Ensure you have sufficient prescription medication for several weeks after the hurricane. It is also wise to have written prescriptions for medications.
- Gather important documents and place them in waterproof containers.
- Pack go bags for each family member so you can leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued.
- Prepare for loss of power, cell phone service, water, and other services.
- If you stay home, prepare an emergency kit with sufficient water, non-perishable food, medications, and supplies for several weeks.
- Designate a place in your home you can go to during the storm away from doors and windows. Move to higher ground if flooding begins.
Hurricanes cause devastating property damage. You can prepare for claims by inventorying your property, including gathering documents proving ownership and value. Take pictures of each room in your home and high-value assets.
You should also gather your insurance policies before the storm. Ensure you have your police numbers and the contact information for your insurance company.
Seek Legal Help With a Claim After a Hurricane
A hurricane can cause severe personal injuries and property damage. If you or a family member sustained injuries or harm because of another party’s negligence during a storm, you may receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation with an experienced Joliet personal injury attorney.
Contact the Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:(312) 726-1616
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Chicago
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.8815493,-87.6327515
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 726-1616
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Joliet
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.5254295,-88.1381011
