Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per hour. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and heavy waves can damage buildings, trees and cars. The heavy ocean waves are called storm surges. Storm surges are very dangerous and a major reason why you MUST stay away from the ocean during a hurricane warning or hurricane. 

Before 1979, hurricanes were given women's names. After that, both women and men’s names were used. Hurricanes get names to help with tracking them (sometimes there may be more than one hurricane at a time and it can get confusing). Names also make it easier to remember when you are talking about a hurricane that hit a certain place at a certain time. Each year, the hurricane names are selected - one name for each letter of the alphabet, except Q, U and Z. For Atlantic Ocean hurricanes, the names may be French, Spanish or English. 

1998 Atlantic Ocean Names:

Sometimes names are "retired" if a hurricane has been really big and destructive. It’s like when a sports jersey or number is retired after a really great athlete leaves a sport. When a name is retired it won’t be used again.

Eye of the Storm - A name used for the center of a hurricane. It's the center of the storm's  counter-clockwise rotation. In the eye of a hurricane,  the winds do not blow. 

Hurricane Watch - A hurricane is possible within 36 hours. Stay tuned to the radio and television for more information. The Hurricane Center is tracking the storm and trying to predict where it may come ashore. 

Hurricane Warning - A hurricane is expected within 24 hours. You may be told to evacuate. You and your family should begin making preparations to evacuate. If your area is having an evacuation, remember to take your Disaster Supply Kit. Do not forget to make plans for your pets if you must evacuate. 

Storm Swell - A long, often massive and crestless wave or succession of waves that continues well beyond or after its cause, such as with hurricanes.  
 

Plan a place to meet your family in case you are separated during a disaster. Choose a friend or relative out of state for your family members to call to say they are OK. 

Assemble your disaster supplies kit. Store extra water now! Check to make sure you have enough food. 

Storm shutters are the best protection for windows. If your house does not have them, help an adult board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood. Tape does NOT prevent windows from breaking! 

Bring in outside furniture. An adult should remove roof antennas, if they can. 

Help an adult shut off your utilities - water, electricity and gas. 

Avoid using the phone except for an emergency so the phone lines can stay open for others. 

Make sure there is gas in the car and you are ready to evacuate immediately, if you are told to do so. 

If you don't need to evacuate, be sure to STAY INDOORS during a hurricane. You could be hit by flying objects. Don't be fooled if there is a lull. It could be the eye of the storm, and the winds will come again. 

If you do evacuate, do NOT go back home until local officials say it is safe.