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Article Series: Hurricanes
Hurricane Facts, Tips and Safety Protocols
How
To Avoid a Hurricane Season Maritime Disaster
Along the coastal regions of the United States, just as it
is the case along the coastal regions of any country,
one of the major industries relies heavily on maritime
access. Whether it is the fishing industry, maritime
tourism, or simply recreational water use, much of a
city’s economy – and thereby a state’s overall fiscal
health – may depend on the aspect of the accessibility
of its beaches for the sake of maritime business. Of
course, when hurricane season begins, it is not just
the land areas that are in danger of damage, disaster,
and losses of life, but also the maritime areas. As a
matter of fact, maritime disasters are often part of
the recorded history when dealing with hurricanes.
Sadly,
while there are a number of suggestions and lists to follow
for the land - bound to prepare for and hopefully survive
a hurricane, there is no such list for those who find themselves
at sea during a disaster. There are, however, some
universally recognized top tips on how to avoid maritime disaster
during hurricane season.
If you know that there is a possibility of a hurricane in
your area, be sure to be in close contact with the Marine
Prediction Center to receive updates as to the location of the hurricane,
the direction in which it is likely moving, as well as the
speed with which the storm is moving. This will give you some
information about which area may be saved for your travel in,
and which areas you may need to avoid. Yet keep in mind that
storms are known to speed up or slow down, and also can change
directions quickly and unpredictably! Up to date information
is of the essence to stay safe.
If
you have the equipment on board, keep an eye on satellite
images of the storm to compare it to the information you are
receiving.
Keep in mind that seafarers are strongly urged to stay out
of the 34 KT wind zone of the hurricane. As you see wind speeds
increasing, chart a course out of the danger zone and leave
immediately.
A rule that has been termed the 1-2-3
rule has been devised
to help anyone who is on sea at the time of the hurricane to
remain safe. It stipulates the save distance to keep from a
potential encounter with a hurricane. A 100-mile radius should
be kept as a potential error zone for a forecast of 24 hours;
the radius buffer is increased to 200 miles at a 48 hour forecast;
last but not least the 300-mile radius is for the 72 hour forecast.
Do not plan to outrun a hurricane or chart a route that crosses
its path, no matter how short.
If you are still docked in the port, you will have to make
the decision if you want to abandon your ship or take the vessel
out to sea in an effort to save it. Generally speaking, the
earlier you make this decision, the more successful you attempt
to stay out of the path of the hurricane will be.
As you can see, those who will be on board of a ship during
an active hurricane somewhere near them will almost always
be affected by the winds and rough seas that go hand in hand
with this storm. While such encounters do not always have to
end in disaster, it is up to the savvy mariner to ensure that
all safety precautions are taken to avoid a direct hit of the
storm. Similarly, these precautions are especially important
if you are transporting passengers.
Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere without warning. Protect yourself and your family. Click to see valuable emergency preparedness supplies and information. Be ready. Be prepared. I love this website. It's my SolveYourProblem recommendation.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2007
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