Hurricane Preparation
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Page 38 Understanding the Sair-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale The Sa r-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed that estimates potential property damage. For more information, go to NHC.NOAA. gov/sshws.shtml. • Category 1 (74-95 mph winds) Very dangerous winds will produce some damage. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap, and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. • Category 2 (96-110 mph winds) Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Well- constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near- total power loss is expected, with outages that could last from several days to weeks. • Category 3 (111-129 mph winds) Devastating damage will occur. Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. • Category 4 (130-156 mph winds) Catastrophic damage will occur. Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted, and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. • Category 5 (157 mph or higher winds) Catastrophic damage will occur. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Source: National Hurricane Center A generator can help restore life to normal during emergencies, but safe use requires care and planning. For example: • Always thoroughly read the manufacturer's instructions. This can help avoid dangerous shortcuts and assist you in ensuring safe operation of your generator. • Keep generators away from all open windows — including neighbors' windows — so deadly exhaust does not enter the home or business. • Be a good neighbor. If the power is out, your neighbors are probably sleeping with their windows open. Consider that the sound of your generator may not be music to everyone's ears. Tip: You can't trust your senses for protection from carbon monoxide; this deadly gas is invisible and odorless. When buying a generator, also buy a battery-operated carbon- monoxide alarm. It works like a smoke alarm, sounding an alert if carbon-monoxide levels become dangerous. Here are some additional guidelines and more specifi c tips for those using portable generators and for those using stationary generators. PORTABLE GENERATORS Gasoline-powered generators produce deadly carbon-monoxide fumes. • Always run portable generators outside the house. • Never run generators inside or in a garage. • Keep generators well away from open windows, including neighbors' windows. • Never connect a generator directly to your home's wiring. Power from a generator connected to a home's wiring will "back feed" into utility lines, potentially injuring severely or killing a neighbor or utility crew working to restore service. Either: • Plug appliances directly into the generator's outlet. • Use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use to keep the generator safely outdoors. If the appliance has a three-prong plug, always use a three-prong extension cord. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for grounding the generator. Or: • Hire a licensed electrician to connect the generator to your house wiring using a "listed" transfer switch, which means it meets nationally recognized safety standards as indicated by the UL Listing Mark on the product. Having an electrician install the listed transfer switch will safely prevent your generator from back feeding utility lines, thus avoiding a safety hazard to you, your family, neighbors and utility workers, and preventing possible damage to your generator when utility power is restored. Using and storing generators safely SHUTTERSTOCK Make sure to read the instructions before operating a generator. Keep generators away from all open windows — including neighbors' win- dows — so deadly exhaust does not enter the home or business. Never run generators inside or in a garage. Keep generators away from all open windows — including neighbors' windows — so deadly exhaust does not enter the home or business.