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Hurricane
SEASON
THE hurricane season in the Tropical Atlantic and the place to ride-out a hurricane
Wider Caribbean region starts on June first and ends is in your own house. But if
on November 30. In an average year approximately your house is at the coastline
10 Tropical Storms develop and about 6 mature into on a low-lying area; floods
hurricanes. with water during rainfall;
During the hurricane season, hurricanes are most
active in the months of August, September and is situated on a low-lying
October. area near a stream, riverbed
or dam; is of modest or
Occurrence of hurricane in our area delicate construction; is a
The ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, are mobile home or something
situated in an area in the Caribbean region where similar, then you should plan
the occurrences of hurricanes are very rare. Still, in with your family to stay at a
a cycle of about every 100 years, these islands have safer house.
been severely hit by hurricanes. This happened in For example: with relatives,
1605, 1784 and 1877. friends or acquaintances.
During the last century though, and up to this day, However, if before or during When a Hurricane Watch is issued:
this phenomenon did not repeat itself. It is a fact the hurricane, the authorities advise you to leave your Hurricane conditions can be expected within
that the notorious hurricanes Hazel (1954) and Ivan house, do so immediately. 48 hours. Keep yourself continuously informed
(2004) did not affect our island as severely as did the about the development of the hurricane by official
above mentioned “centennial hurricanes” Their advice is based on information about the announcements on government website www.
strength of the hurricane and the effects it may have government.aw , radio, television and in the
Hurricanes and their dangers in your area. newspapers.
The greatest dangers of a hurricane are: Giant waves
causing flooding along the shorelines; Winds strong To protect your house, always maintain it, especially During the hurricane
enough to destroy and snatch everything in its path; in case of a hurricane, in good condition: In the U.S. coastal areas, where a hurricane is expected
Torrential rains causing massive flooding on our Review your insurance against wind and water to make landfall massive evacuations take place,
island. damage; Your roof should be well anchored on due to the danger of storm surge. The U.S.’s huge
Bear in mind that there might be no electricity, no columns and in the walls of the house; Repair all leaks landmass, typical low lying coastal areas, shallow
water, no communication and no transportation. in the roof; Exterminate termites; Make sure that all waters and high tides, are motives for large flooding,
doors and windows can be closed and locked properly; many miles inland. This phenomenon is unknown on
Prepare your action plan now! Trim all tree limbs above your roof; Always keep your Caribbean islands in deep water. Therefore, there is
For your security and that of your family, the best yard and garden free of loose and dangerous objects, no need for massive evacuations.
such as cans, glass and corrugated metal sheets.
6 LOCAL Saturday, August 01 2015 - ARUBA TRAVELLER
