When and Where?
When is hurricane season and where are hurricanes prone to hit? In the Northern Hemisphere, which consists of the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, hurricane season occurs between June and November. "The peak season is usually towards the end of summer into early fall," says Dr. Richard E. Peterson, Chairman of the Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Areas that are not normally targets for hurricanes can experience "economic destruction and the risk of lost lives due to record rainfalls associated with a nearby hurricane," says Peterson. "Increasingly, the biggest threat is the inland flooding. In addition there can be tornadoes associated with the rain bands."

Hurricane season is when the ocean temperatures are highest in the warmest tropical waters. The ocean takes longer to cool down than land, which is why the season stretches into autumn.

Evacuation Procedures
We are fortunate to have the use of sophisticated technologies that can detect and track the location and rating of hurricanes. Hurricane watches and warnings are announced by the Tropical Prediction Center, a branch of the National Weather Service. The Tropical Prediction Center was formally known as the National Hurricane Center.

A hurricane watch is announced when a pending hurricane is possible within the next several days. During a hurricane watch, travelers should:

• Fill the car with gas.
• Visit the ATM machine for cash.
• Check their supply of medical aids and non-perishable food and water.
• Stay in tune with a local news station for storm updates.
• Evacuate if you are staying on the coast, in a high-rise or other dangerous area.

If the hurricane is expected to arrive within 24 hours, the hurricane watch will be upgraded to a warning. A hurricane warning means that the probability of a hurricane is likely. During a hurricane warning, travelers should:

• Stay in tune with a local news station for storm updates.
• Evacuate immediately upon the orders of local officials and travel inland.
• Advise someone out of the danger area of your evacuation plans.

If officials are conducting an evacuation, it is important to take the action seriously. In areas that are not in a direct path of the hurricane or a flood-prone area, it is wise to remain in place if recommended by the authorities. In some situations, it is safer to be in a small, confined area rather than "an easily tossed-around vehicle in a traffic jam," says Peterson.

Peterson recommends keeping a battery-operated radio on hand in the event of a hurricane or any other disaster. In many areas, emergency news information can be tuned in immediately above and below the AM dial.

After a hurricane, it is important to remain tuned in to a local radio or television station. Do not return to your original vacation destination until you receive confirmation that the area is safe. Do not drive on washed-out roads or damaged roads or bridges. Be aware that tap water can be contaminated.

Change of Plans
Peggy Duffy from Centreville, Va. had to alter vacation plans twice due to hurricanes.

The first time, Duffy and her family heard about an approaching hurricane prior to leaving for the Outer Banks in North Carolina. They were packed up and ready to go at 8:00 a.m. However, a decision by the authorities regarding an evacuation wouldn't be made until 10:00 a.m.

"Since we were in 'vacation mode', we decided to leave and head to Williamsburg, Virginia, to Busch Gardens," says Duffy. When they arrived at Busch Gardens, they found out that the Outer Banks were officially closed. After enjoying a day and night in Williamsburg, Duffy and her family headed to the Outer Banks the next day and enjoyed the rest of their vacation.

Duffy's second hurricane experience also occurred in North Carolina. Duffy and her family rented a large oceanfront house in Corolla, which is on the north end of the Outer Banks. They heard about the approaching storm in the morning, but the weather was beautiful and they went to the beach anyway. In the afternoon, the beach patrol ordered everyone to leave the beach and evacuate.

"It was so nice, we couldn't believe a storm was really coming," says Duffy. The family made a reservation at a hotel about two hours away and spent the night there during the evacuation. They returned to the beautiful oceanfront rental the next day and enjoyed the rest of their vacation.

It is a disappointment to all family members when vacation plans have to be changed or canceled suddenly, especially to young children who may not understand. If you find yourself in a situation that could be disastrous for your family, trust your instincts and do what makes you feel most comfortable.

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