Many people wonder if the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning allows enough time to make comprehensive efforts to prevent storm damage to your property. It doesn't. Most experts agree that, by the time a hurricane watch is issued, it's probably already too late to begin the kind of substantial home alterations needed to protect against wind and water damage should a full-blown hurricane strike.
If you live in an area where storms may strike, therefore, don't wait for hurricane season to make meaningful preparations to your property. Once a watch is issued, a few very simple steps can still be taken, however. Here's the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning:
Hurricane Watch
Usually issued 48 hours in advance of a possible storm, a watch advises residents that conditions are very favorable for hurricane formation. Announcement of a watch means to make final simple preparations to secure your home and belongings.
- Install storm windows you should already have on hand or plywood pre-cut to size and drilled to fit windows.
- Put away loose outdoor items such as lawn furniture that could be blown by high winds.
- Cut down large limbs that might break and impact the house.
- Make plans to take action such as gathering family members and reviewing your evacuation plan and route.
Hurricane Warning
This means a hurricane is likely to make landfall in your area. A hurricane warning will be issued 36 hours before probable arrival of the storm. However, rapidly changing conditions may shorten that time frame. Once a warning is in effect, discontinue final efforts to secure property or belongings. The remaining hours should be spent ensuring physical safety of occupants and preparing for evacuation. Radio, TV and other media should be continuously monitored for evacuation information. If advised to evacuate the area, be prepared to act immediately without delay.
To minimize property losses from a hurricane, be prepared well in advance and know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.
