Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina - all of us know about the horrifying effects of Hurricane Katrina, it is reason enough for all of us in hurricane prone areas to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be.

Hurricane Katrina

Preparation for a hurricane, or any other type os intense storm like hurricane Katrina or hurricane Rita does not only entail stocking your home with necessary items. It also means having an understanding of what is going on in regards to weather and the effects that it can have. Would more people have left the city before hurricane Katrina struck had they known more about hurricane safety and weather safety in general? That we cannot answer for sure, but we do know that having some kind of an understanding of the weather and what it can do doesn't hurt.

Understanding more about Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes

Most of us rely on our local televison and radio stations to keep us informed of all of the weather related issues that our areas face. In areas that are prone to hurricanes, stations will broadcast constantly, letting everyone watching know about all of the details of the weather situation. They are also a source for useful home safety information and tips in the event of a serious storm like hurricane Katrina. But, how much do we really understand about what is being said as we watch or listen. So many terms are thrown out that it can be hard to follow completely.

Hurricane Katrina forst made landfall on the 25th of August as a Category 1 hurricane just a little north of Miami. A category 1 hurricane is defined as one that has wind speeds of between 74 and 95 mph, and the potential for a 4-5ft storm surge. A storm surge is the most deadly effect of a hurrican and more deaths can be attributed to the storm surge than to the winds themselves. A storm surge such as the one that hurricane Katrina caused when it first touched down has the potential for very little damage, mainly to trees and shrubs along with minor flooding along the coast.

But, a few days later Katrina had developed into a category 4 hurricane as it touched down along the Central Gulf Coast. Any category 4 hurricane has wind speeds of 131-155 mph and a storm surge of 13-18 ft. Combine this with the fact that towns like New Orleans are already located below sea level and the fact that a system of levees are holding back the waters of Lake Pontchartrain to begin with and we end with one of the most costly and destructive natural disasters that our country has had to face. With more than a million people driven from their homes puts this humanitarian crisis on par with the Great Depression. Safety had better be re-evaluated, re-taught, and never ignored.

We saw a major improvement in the way that things were handled after hurricane Wilma, but there is still the question of preparedness that needs to be addressed.

Related Resources: