Lockheed Martin WC-130J Hercules hunts hurricanes.

UNDERSTANDING : A tropical cyclone is a rotating low-pressure weather system of organized thunderstorms without a front. Cyclones, Hurricanes, and Typhoons are all categorized as tropical cyclones, the only difference being where they occur. A hurricane usually originates in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or Northeastern Pacific Ocean, but less frequently they can originate in the North Central Pacific Ocean. A typhoon originates in the North Western Pacific Ocean. A cyclone originates in the Indian Ocean or South Pacific Ocean. The primary difference between a cyclone, hurricane, and typhoon is where they occur. The characteristics of the storm are essentially the same. 

BECOMING AWARE : If you are living in the USA in an area that is vulnerable to cyclones, hurricanes, or typhoons, visit the National Hurricane Center and the Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Center on a frequent basis. Check the graphics of each active storm and review the most recent advisories for each of the active storms to see if you are, or will be, in the path of the storm. A hurricane watch indicating tropical storm force winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour is issued approximately 48 hours in advance. This is followed by a hurricane warning 36 hours before the hurricane with winds 74+ miles per hour is expected. Remember, a hurricane is not just a coastal problem. Hurricanes may spawn tornadoes, flood large inland areas, and generate severe rain and wind events. For additional information on extreme weather events in the USA and throughout the world, see the Worldwide List of Extreme Weather Events.

MENTAL SURVIVAL - BEFORE :  A warning is issued. Evacuation orders are given. A hurricane, cyclone, or typhoon approaches your community. Many residents of the affected area find their mental distress is heightened at this time. Emotionally, they tend to feel unprepared, overwhelmed, isolated, and confused. Worries about losing shelter, heat, air conditioning, access to food and safe drinking water, and concern about the safety of loved ones and pets are potential concerns created by the coming storm. A decision to stay and weather the storm or flee must be made. Longer term, the storm may cause an interruption of essential medical care, communications, and access to financial services, to name a few of the problems residents may face. How do you deal emotionally and psychologically with the upcoming events? Learn more about Mental Survival Before a Hurricane.

MENTAL SURVIVAL - DURING :  The Hurricane is here. You have stayed to weather the storm and hope your preparations are adequate. Fear of drowning, flying airborne objects, or possible destruction of your place of shelter looms over you. Maybe you fled the area. Knowing you escaped the reach of the hurricane may lower the fear. But the need for food, water, and shelter may cause additional mental distress as you become confused and overwhelmed in a new environment. Whether you stay or flee, anticipation of the loss of life and destruction of property may cause overwhelming anxiety and emotional distress. Is it possible to remain composed and in control of your mental state during this time? Learn more about Mental Survival During a Hurricane.

MENTAL SURVIVAL - AFTER :  The Hurricane has passed. Authorities have given the "all clear". You can't wait to go back home or emerge from sheltering in place, but you are apprehensive and fearful of what will be found. Your ability to mentally adapt to the situation at hand is most important. Are there helpful support groups in your area or online, books, or other materials to help minimize the trauma you have experienced? Damage to your home or lack of adequate shelter, access to food, water, communications, and transportation may damage your psyche. Knowing that you can physically survive will ease the mental burden. Learn more about Mental Survival After a Hurricane.

PHYSICAL SURVIVAL - BEFORE:  Your physical preparation prior to the hurricane will in a large part determine your mental state of mind and minimize your distress. Whether you flee or shelter in place, your physical preparation begins far before the hurricane. A long list of pre-hurricane tasks may include site preparation, such as hurricane shutters and cleaning your yard of loose objects. Planning for post-hurricane food, water, shelter, backup power, communications, and insurance coverage are a few more of the items on the long list. Learn more about Physical Survival Before a Hurricane.

PHYSICAL SURVIVAL - DURING:  A hurricane watch is posted approximately 48 hours before the hurricane followed by a hurricane warning issued 36 hours before the hurricane. You have already decided to flee or shelter in place. Hopefully you are following evacuation directions given by your state or local authorities. During the hurricane and its immediate aftermath you may be driving in heavy rain and attempting to avoid flood waters. If you have sheltered in place, you may want to use a designated storm shelter or interior room on the lowest floor of a building not vulnerable to flooding. Whether you flee or shelter in place never drive or walk through flood waters. Learn more about Physical Survival During a Hurricane. 

PHYSICAL SURVIVAL - AFTER :  The Hurricane has passed. It is now time to return home or emerge from sheltering in place. Pay attention to any recommendations and directions from civil authorities. Remember to stay out of flood waters whether you are in a vehicle or on foot. Check in with family, friends, and neighbors to be sure everyone is safe and accounted for. It's time to pick up the pieces and restore your life. Food, water, and shelter are some immediate concerns. It may be a long road back to normal. Learn more about Physical Survival After a Hurricane. 

RECOVERY STRATEGIES :  The aftermath of the storm has left your home in shambles. Your car and other vehicles have been damaged by flooding. What do you fix first? Where do you turn to for disaster recovery services and assistance? Are you part of a neighborhood support group that works to prevent looting and assist in neighborhood recovery? Are there emotional counseling or therapy services you can use to help re-establish your mental well-being? How do you plan to return your life to normal? Learn more about Hurricane Recovery Strategies.