Sometimes it's a terrible thing to be absolutely right.

This writer has lived just below Charlotte, NC since the late 80s, and remembers when Hurricane Hugo - a gigantic storm starting in the Atlantic Ocean - ripped through much of the Southeast. It didn't lose hurricane strength until it had already traveled some 400 miles inland and turned northeast as a tropical storm.

But not before leaving a shocked and devastated Charlotte in its wake.

My brother and I were the only two people in the immediate area to perceive the dangers of such a huge hurricane. Traditional thought insisted the storm would lose its tremendous punch as it began crawling over land. That's because the many articles on land - trees, buildings, even the land itself - act as resistance against the winds. The hurricanes usually peter out of their own accord.

Therefore, traditional thought insisted, there was no reason to worry about the hurricane if you lived about 400 miles inland, say just below the Charlotte, NC area. The most you could even hope to encounter, they said, would be a rather heavy rain.

But Hugo was as large as the entire Eastern seaboard before it hit dry land, and just about as deep. If one would have superimposed the storm as it existed at its height (just before hitting the Carolina coast) over the Eastern states, the entire storm would have blanketed everything from Florida to Pennsylvania, and stretched from NC to Michigan. Such a storm wouldn't lose force as fast as a usual hurricane, we thought.

No one - and I mean no one - believed us. Many thought my brother and I were being foolish at best in tying everything down, grabbing essentials at the supermarket, and preparing for the worst. It didn't help that we were teenagers then. It never does help things much. Our parents eventually humored us, coming out to assist - just as we were finishing up, of course.

And then the winds came.

Everything happened just as we said it would. Hugo traveled hundreds of miles inland, with its outer edges being beaten down as it continually traveled over dry land - but its inner rage still frighteningly well-preserved. When it hit just below Charlotte, NC (during its final push as a true hurricane), 100-mph-winds ripped through the area.

I can still remember the basics: the hard, unnatural twisting of the trees, until entire forests lie level, with every tree that wasn't uprooted forever bent, laid low and creating an odd blanket across the forest floor, producing some of oddest sights this writer has ever seen; transformers exploding and lighting up the sky again and again; segments of trees and God knows what flying through the air and hitting our house with a series of sickening thuds; the roof sounding as if it is just about to give way at any moment; and the disturbing quiet & nothingness as the empty eye of the beast moved across us.

And of course, it all happens it shades of the darkest gray if it is day, and disturbingly rich blackness if it is night.

Anyone who has ever lived through such a 'perfect storm', to shamelessly borrow the phrase, has these memories. And as my personal experience teaches, these storms are still wildly unpredictable.

A hurricane contains some of the most violent winds on earth, and unlike a twister, a hurricane force stays over the area for quite some time. Its force is not only immediate and savage, it is constant. How can you best protect yourself from such a foe? Secrets of Survival has the answers.

What Are You Up Against?

Hurricanes are enormous cyclonic storm systems covering thousands of square miles which usually develop in the tropical or subtropical latitudes during the summer and fall.

To be a hurricane, the system must be producing winds of at least 74 miles per hour. Less intense storms are called tropical depressions or tropical storms.

Hurricanes, like tropical storms, are individually named to aid in identifying them. Each hurricane is, essentially, an organized system made up of hundreds of individual thunderstorms.

The core of the hurricane is called the eye, an area of relatively benign weather several miles across surrounded by turmoil. All of the severe weather conditions produced by individual thunderstorms (heavy rain, hail, lightning, tornadoes, downbursts, etc.) are greatly magnified within the hurricane. Working together, such storms can also generate tremendous tidal surges, which can decimate coastal areas.

Historically, individual hurricanes have caused the loss of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in damage as they ran their course over populated areas.

Remember: Hurricanes are among the most destructive phenomena of nature. Their appearance is not to be taken lightly.

Fighting The Winds

In his book The Histories, the ancient historian Herodotus tells of an old desert tribe that had long found itself harassed by the winds of the region. Terrible windstorms blowing in from the coast over a desert of course produce sandstorms, a terrible force of nature all itself.

It was decided that the winds were the fury of the gods who had brought desolation to their people. The winds became such a terror that the elders of the tribe had a meeting, where they finally resolved the people had done nothing to deserve such a fate.

That's when a rebellion was apparently decided on that's practically unknown anywhere else in the history of the world: the gods were acting wrongly, the elders said, so the people must declare open war against the gods.

As the next great storm approached, the elders sent out an entire army in full battle gear, which pulled out their swords and swung violently at the open air as the storm descended upon them. The army was attacking the winds.

No one expects you to declare open war on the winds, but you should be able to prepare yourself against the damage they cause.

A high wind in itself is not the principal danger. It is rather the fact that a hurricane blows around debris, shreds buildings and turns objects into missiles. These storm systems are usually accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms. Before this occurs, have a plan for survival.

The safest place to be during any high wind storm is a basement, away from windows, in the middle room or closet of the house and under a heavy piece of furniture.

Invest in a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio to keep track of what is going on. These broadcasts are sent out via VHF radio waves, so any receiver that can pick up such broadcasts will do.

If you do not have a basement, go to the inner-most closet or bathroom without windows and hide under heavy furniture. Some companies manufacture prefabricated shelters that you drop into a hole in the ground; they are havens against heavy winds.

During a hurricane, listen to the news to determine which type of hurricane is coming your way so you will know if you should stay home and endure the storm or go to a safe shelter.

Tornadoes can be caused by hurricanes; it might be a good idea to read our extra section on tornadoes as well. Quickly, here are some warnings of an impending tornado:

*A swampy-greenish to greenish-black color to the sky.

*A sharp, fresh smell in the air that seems unusual.

*If there is a watch or warning posted and you see hail.

*An eerie moment of silence after a thunderstorm.

*Clouds that speed by quickly or in a rotating motion.

*A sound that first sounds like a waterfall and gets louder like a train.

*Debris dropping from the sky.

*A funnel cloud or debris rotating in a funnel pattern.

If you see a tornado that does not appear to be moving to the right or to the left when viewed in relation to the trees and power poles in the distance, it could be headed straight for you.

With a hurricane, you have the luxury of time to prepare in comparison to a tornado. The conditions for a hurricane are usually spotted days before one actually develops. The sky looks similar to that of a tornado, with the greenish cast that is almost black. There is an eerie calm before the storm; then it hits a wide area for awhile.

If the eye of the hurricane passes over you, you'll hear an eerie silence once again, so don't be fooled and think it is over. That quickly passes and the winds whip again.

If you know a hurricane is coming your way, examine the home you live in and listen to news reports so that you can understand the ferocity of the coming storm. That way, you will know if you should either stay or leave for a shelter.

If you stay at home, make sure you have sturdy shutters securely locked to keep your windows (as well as everyone in the house) safe. If you do not have shutters, use heavy plywood and nail it to the window frame. Have your emergency kit handy and alternative lighting ready.

It might also be a good idea to invest in a small generator, a small gas-powered motor that can produce small amounts of electricity, providing you with essentials for a few hours at a stretch if power lines are down after the storm. Get one before the storm hits: if you wait till the storm has come and gone, you'll be looking for a generator with everyone else. In that case, expect very long lines and seeing empty shelves where generators used to sit in your local hardware store.

Listen to the battery operated radio or NOAA radio so you can hear what is really going on outside and when it is safe to leave the house. If you are in a car and spot evidence of oncoming bad winds, leave your car and take shelter in the nearest building or in a ditch. Do not hide in an overpass. A strong tornado could have the heavy steel and concrete on you in an instant.

If you live in a trailer and there is an impeding threat of a hurricane or tornado, leave the area immediately. You have no protection against such winds. The metal can literally rip to pieces around you; the shrapnel becomes a deadly weapon. If you are in a trailer park, see if there is any way to get to a storm shelter for such occasions, or at least a ditch.

The very best option is to leave a trailer hours beforehand. If a hurricane is coming, just go to a shelter during the storm. Relax and read a book, play a game, or talk to whomever is around you.

Again, listen to the news for instructions. It may be advisable for everyone to evacuate the area. If that's the case, take your emergency kit. You may not be going home for awhile.

Many who live or vacation on a boat have also considered staying with the docked vessel through a hurricane. It is a poor idea. The hurricane is going to be at its most powerful as it first hits land, meaning it is going to be hitting your little boat and ramming it into the dock with everything its got. Secure the vessel as best you can, and go inland away from the storm.

Understand that the power could go out for hours or days. Have the emergency kit handy for anything that could happen. After the winds have settled, be mindful of dangerous situations such as downed power lines, broken gas pipes or neighbors in need of assistance. Help where you can - but call authorities if a problem is simply beyond your abilities.

Hurricane Essentials -Top Ten

1.) Hurricanes are rated by wind speeds in categories:

Category 1 = 74-95mph

Category 2 = 96-110mph

Category 3 = 111-130mph

Category 4 = 131-155mph

Category 5 = 156+ mph

A sharp and constant reader of our site will notice that these categories are similar to the ones we've sighted for tornadoes. There are differences, however. Firstly, hurricanes cannot reach the speeds of the largest twisters, which can reach windspeeds of about 320 mph; but one must remember that hurricanes offer the perfect breeding ground for twisters. A good rule of thumb: if you're watching for or living through a hurricane, you are under threat of experiencing a tornado.

It would be an excellent idea to read our article on tornadoes as well.

The second difference is one we've already stated: the heavy winds of a hurricane, while perhaps not quite as immediately powerful as the biggest twisters, can remain on the ground for quite some time, attacking with constant force.

The hurricane's constancy provides its own form of deadliness. Keep that in mind as you prepare against it.

2.) Determine the level of risk for hurricane impact where you live. Make plans to evacuate if and when the order is given, and know where to go.

3.) Make a family disaster plan for hurricane preparedness and practice your plan as a family.

4.) Prepare 72 hour emergency kits for each family member including pets. Check batteries and replace water and packaged food every six months. Take these with you when you shelter, at home or at a public shelter.

5.) If a hurricane watch is posted for your area, it only means there is a probability a hurricane will reach your area, and you should prepare as if it were coming at you. A hurricane warning however means it is coming upon you and you need shelter immediately.

Hurricane watches give 36 hours to prepare, and hurricane warnings give 24 hours to prepare.

6.) Know and post the TV and radio stations that broadcast official emergency and weather information.

7.) Review your sheltering options. Special needs should check with their home health care agencies and register with the Emergency Management Office in their county.

8.) Know the locations of public shelters and evacuation centers. Find out their rules, and decide on the items to take with you. Alcoholic beverages, drugs, weapons and smoking is not permitted in public shelters/evacuation centers. Find out about pets.

9.) Wait for the official "all clear" to be issued from the emergency management authorities before returning home.

10.) When re-entry is allowed into damaged areas, be sure to have verification of your home address. Non-residents should refrain from "sight-seeing," which slows down emergency personnel. Also beware of hazards such as downed lines, gas leaks, and sharp objects. Help your friends and neighbors. Get training in emergency response and volunteer.

Planning

We urge you to plan now what you and your family will do if a hurricane should threaten to strike your area. If you consider the alternatives, you'll see it's best to review the checklist before disaster strikes.

Secure Your Home And Determine Your Plan Long Ahead

SECURING YOUR HOME

You don't need to experience the fury of a killer storm to learn one of its most valuable lessons: Covering doors and windows with Gulfstream Shutters and Panels and securing roof trusses should be a priority when preparing for a hurricane. The reason is simple: Houses are designed as closed systems, and being shut tight is how they best withstand wind pressure. If flying debris busts a window or fierce winds kick in a door, the winds rushing inside will push the roof, trying to lift it, while the winds on the outside will create a suction.

A bad combination.

Plan A: STAY HOME

If you plan to stay home, make sure it can withstand a hurricane. A house or apartment building that meets current building codes, if kept in good condition and not located in a flood area, could be safe during a hurricane, provided you make the necessary preparations. A mobile home, however, is not safe in hurricane conditions, no matter how securely it is affixed to the ground.

Plan B: STAY WITH LOCAL FRIENDS OR RELATIVES

If you expect to stay at someone else's home during the next hurricane, arrange it in advance. You will want to be sure their home will be adequately prepared and supplied. Have an alternate plan ready in case a hurricane comes when the other folks are out of town.

Plan C: RELOCATE OUTSIDE THE THREATENED AREA

If you intend to travel a few hundred miles to get out of the threatened area, use a current road map to plan the route - but stay clear of major bodies of water. If you have ill or disabled persons in your home, get a doctor's advice on where they should stay if a hurricane hits. If you relocate, do it early so you will avoid traffic jams and dangerous winds.

Plan D: GO TO A RED CROSS SHELTER

If you do not use plan A, B or C, Red Cross emergency shelters will be available in assigned locations. The opening of such shelters will be announced on radio and television. If you plan to go to a shelter, be sure to leave as soon as the shelter's opening is announced, and bring along your irreplaceable documents and bedding. Remember a shelter is a last resort, so comforts must be sacrificed.

The Texas Hurricane Two-Step

This last segment is from a web page found on the Texas A&M web site for agricultural news; it is short, very informative, and gives a fine example of how you and your dearest should prepare for the great storm. Even though it concentrates on those living in Texas, its lessons can be applied anywhere. Enjoy.

COLLEGE STATION -- Few people realize the danger zone Texas is when it comes to hurricanes, and even fewer are prepared when disaster strikes.

The state of Texas has endured 10 of the nation's 30 worst hurricanes since the 1900 storm that devastated Galveston Island, and thousands are living in high-risk areas with little knowledge of how to survive if the worst happens.

Dr. Alma Fonseca, Brazoria County Extension agent, says many Texans have acquired a false sense of security believing, "It won't happen to me."

"People should find out what disasters are likely to happen in their area," Fonseca said. "Those in places at risk for a hurricane should plan ahead by preparing their homes, vehicles, pets, and family."

Fonseca said before Texans can get to safety, they need to be educated and prepared.

"Families should always have a disaster supplies kit ready for an emergency," she said. "It should be packed in a vehicle that is in good repair and full of gas."

Having a disaster supplies kit can save lives and make a bad situation a little bit easier. A few of the things a disaster kit should include are:

. First aid kit

. Three day supply of non-perishable food

. Bedding or sleeping bags

. Flashlights and batteries

. Money, checks or credit cards

. Toiletries

. Water (one gallon per person per day)

. Name, address and telephone number of out-of-area contact

. Battery-operated radio

In addition to a disaster supplies kit, Fonseca said families should develop a preparedness plan.

"The plan needs to be known to all family members," she said. "The basic preparedness plan has four steps. Do your homework, create a family plan, make a checklist and update it periodically, and practice and maintain what you have learned."

First of all, Texans should contact their local emergency management or civil defense office to find out which disasters are possible near their home. They should also learn about their community's warning signals and find out about plans for family and pets.

"Find out about the emergency response plan for your workplace, your children's school or daycare, and any other place your family spends a great deal of time," she said. "It is also smart to find out about animal care in certain places, since pets may not be allowed in shelters because of health regulations."

Next, Fonseca said [it's important to] to discuss with your family the need to prepare for disaster. Explain the danger of severe weather to children and form a plan with responsibilities for everyone on the "team."

"Establish meeting areas inside and outside your home, and make sure everyone knows when and where to contact each other if separated," says Fonseca. "Families should also decide on escape routes out of their home, and what to do if advised to evacuate."

Thirdly, make a checklist of important emergency aid and update it periodically.

"Post emergency telephone numbers, and make sure the children know how to use them. It is also a good idea to teach everyone how to use a fire extinguisher, turn off the main valves in the house and how to perform basic first aid."

Finally, Fonseca said [people and families should] practice and maintain the plan. Test children's knowledge every six months to help them remember, conduct emergency drills, and check smoke detectors monthly.

"It is also smart to meet with neighbors and plan how the neighborhood can work together after a disaster. Consider how to help others with special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons, and plan for child care in case parents can't get home," Fonseca said.

Fonseca also said that while there is no sure way to predict when and where a hurricane will hit in Texas, both cities and counties have emergency managers whose job is to prepare the community and its citizens for these storms and other disasters.

"Your local officials will tell you when to evacuate," she said. "During a hurricane watch, listen to your radio or television constantly. Broadcasts will give special weather updates, warning messages, and evacuation information."

When the time comes to evacuate, go as far inland as possible. Use evacuation routes shown on maps, or follow blue hurricane evacuation signs along roads. It is also wise to have a pre-planned place to stay, such as the inland home of a relative of friend.

For answers to specific questions concerning hurricanes and preparing for them, contact your local Emergency Management Office.

We hope this article will help you stay safe, and keep you from feeling as if all that's left for you is to unveil your own weapon in a futile attempt to attack the winds.