Storm surge, high winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes: the different hazards of a hurricane can be devastating in a variety of ways. A storm surge, a large dome of water 80 to 160 kilometres wide, is the greatest potential threat to life and property associated with hurricanes, but high winds, heavy rains, and tornadoes also contribute to the destruction that a hurricane can cause. The photos below show some of the immense damage sustained when Hurricane Andrew (a Category 4 storm) hit the southeastern United States in August of 1992.   FIG H-8A: Image courtesy of NOAA   FIG H-8B: Image courtesy of NOAA   FIG H-8C: Image courtesy of NOAA     How can we mitigate the effects of hurricane-related hazards?     Research   Science cannot stop a hurricane from happening, but scientists can use research to learn more about how hurricanes form, which increases their ability to predict when a hurricane is going to happen. Scientists use observations from radiosondes, satellites, ships, buoys, aerial reconnaissance, and automated surface observations systems (ASOS) to learn more about hurricanes. Airplanes even fly inside hurricanes to collect first-hand data to improve hurricane predication. Each tool provides scientists with a unique perspective on storms, and no one method could do the job on its own.   Scientists' ability to predict hurricanes has increased greatly over the last century. The Canadian Hurricanes Centre is now able to release five-day track predictions. This provides people in a hurricane path with much more time to take necessary precautions than the previous three-day method     Personal Preparedness   The NOAA offers the following tips for preparing for a hurricane emergency:   Know What Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours. WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.   Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged. Listen to local radio or television stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.   Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items: First aid kit and essential medications. Canned food and can opener. At least three gallons of water per person. Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags. Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members. Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)   Prepare for High Winds Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly. Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.   Know What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued Listen to local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information. Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind. Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended. Fill your car's gas tank. Recheck manufactured home tie-downs. Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.   Know What to Do When a Hurricane WARNING Is Issued Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so. Complete preparation activities. If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors and stay away from windows. Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds. Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows. Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.   Know What to Do DURING a Hurricane Follow the instructions of emergency officials. Close and lock all windows and doors. If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve, open the windows, and evacuate the premises. Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary. Emergency crews will need all available lines.   Know What to Do if You are Instructed to EVACUATE Leave immediately. Remember to take your emergency survival kit with you. Listen to the radio and follow instructions from local emergency officials. Wear clothes and shoes appropriate to conditions. Make arrangements for pets. If you have time, leave a note telling others when you left and where you went. If you have a mailbox, you could leave the note in there. If you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas, and electricity. Lock the house. Follow the routes specified by the officials. Do not take shortcuts. A shortcut could take you to a restricted, closed, or dangerous area. If you are evacuated, sign up with the registration centre so you can be contacted by or reunited with family members.   Know What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over Keep listening to local radio or television stations for instructions. If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so. Inspect your home for damage. Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.