Swirling up out of the ideal conditions created by warm ocean water, high air pressure and converging winds comes one of the most devastating weather phenomenons on earth. With wind speeds in excess of 250 km/hour, hurricanes wreak havoc on large areas. Tropical cyclones (known as hurricanes and tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean, typhoons in the Pacific Ocean and cyclones in the Indian Ocean) develop over the oceans near the equator. The word hurricane echoes the colonial Spanish and Caribbean Indian words for evil spirits and big winds. It's an appropriate name for what at the time must have seemed like a frightening and inexplicable event for residents and sailors alike. Today, despite modern weather prediction equipment, hurricanes still take a devastating toll on lives and property. Although they rarely reach Canada at full force, Canadian homeowners are nonetheless affected.

Most of us think of hurricanes as being a problem for the South East coast of the United States. In fact, hurricanes have caused extensive damage and taken many lives in Canada as well. Hurricane Hazel struck Toronto on October 15, 1954, killing 81 people and leaving 1,896 families homeless. The record rainfall that accompanied that storm caused rivers and creeks to overflow. Floodwaters derailed trains, washed out roads and homes, and carried away cars. According to Environment Canada, since 1899, Ontario has had more than twice as many "killer" tropical cyclones as Newfoundland (not counting marine fatalities). Every year, the Eastern seaboard of Canada experiences the effects of three to five hurricanes centred to the south. Hurricane Juan in September 2003 is one example. It toppled trees, damaged homes and cars throughout Halifax, and was responsible for one fatality. The last time a hurricane made landfall in Canada was in 1995 when Hurricane Luis, a "Category 3" storm, reached the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland.

Although storms caused by hurricanes are powerful, there are many things you can do to protect your home and your family. A major source of damage during such storms is flying objects. High winds can easily lift garbage cans, mailboxes, potted plants, lawn furniture and other items and hurl them, with great force, at a home or car. Secure anything that might be blown away or torn loose. Board up your windows or close your storm shutters at the first news of an impending hurricane.

Low-lying beaches and coastal communities are most likely to be swept by high tides, high winds and storm waves. Evacuate to higher ground. See if you can help elderly or disabled neighbours as well as children home from school without their parents. Plan to stay in a designated community safe area. (Preparation can save lives so, once you read this article, you may wish to check with your local municipal government regarding emergency plans and designated safe areas.) Remember, roads to safer areas may become flooded before the main storm arrives. If possible, use a vehicle with a high ground clearance such as a pickup truck. If your home is out of direct danger and is well-constructed, stay at home.

Animals also need protection during stormy weather. If you own livestock, be sure to bring the animals into a barn. If you own a dog or cat, be sure to bring them indoors. It is just as frightening and dangerous for animals as it is for people to be out in the open during high winds and driving rain.

Listen to the news for updates. Keep track of the storm's progress through the Canadian Hurricane Centre's advisories on the radio, television, or the Internet. A division of Environment Canada, the Canadian Hurricane Centre is located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and specializes in providing information on storms of tropical origin that affect Canada and its territorial waters. Be sure to have a battery powered or hand-crank radio nearby in the event that there is a power outage.

Keep in mind that there is a calm in the eye of a cyclonic storm. If you experience high winds and rainfall and then the sky becomes brighter and the rain dissipates, do not venture outdoors; the storm centre may be passing over your area. The calm conditions may last for only a few minutes or up to half an hour before the second part of the storm strikes.

Flooding is another great danger. It can sweep away people, cars, and just about anything in its path. There are also many hazards for the homeowner. You may wish to take these precautions:

1. Move furniture, electrical appliances, important documents, and other belongings to upper floors. If you live on the coast, keep in mind that salt water can destroy telephones, televisions and other appliances. If you live in a single story home, stack your belongings on tables or wooden platforms. Unplug all appliances.
2. Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the immediate area to prevent pollution.
3. Plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden plug to prevent the sewer system from backing up into your home.
4. Disconnect eaves troughs if they are connected to the house sewer.
5. When there is immediate danger of flooding, shut off all power in your home to avoid the possibility of electrocution.
6. Take precautions to safeguard, or minimize damage to, electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment. If there is enough warning time, consult your supplier for instructions on how to proceed. If not, carefully raise the appliance on a sturdy platform. Turn off the gas valves.

Because tropical storms often knock down power lines and cause flooding which makes travel difficult, be prepared to be on your own for up to 48 hours. An emergency survival kit is essential. The kit should include:

1. Drinking water
2. Food that requires little or no refrigeration or cooking such as energy bars
3. Flashlight and radio with spare batteries
4. A cell phone, if you have one
5. Warm clothing, including waterproof outer garments and footwear
6. Blankets
7. All necessary medication
8. Identification for each member of your household

Staying safe during a severe storm is largely a matter of being informed and prepared. We cannot control the weather any better than the early Spanish colonists and Canadians of previous generations, but with modern weather prediction equipment, we have precious time to prepare.