Hurricane season - are you ready? Published June 1, 2007 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Hurricane season has begun and many residents on the Gulf Coast have experienced the impact of this natural phenomenon. Being prepared is the best way to fair the season. A hurricane is a violent storm originating over tropical or sub-tropical waters with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or more. The winds move in a counter-clockwise direction and can range from 100-1,000 miles. A hurricane watch is issued when conditions pose a possible threat to the area. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in the area within 24 hours. In either situation, evacuation may be necessary depending on the sea-level and natural boundries. Storm informaion is available through many resources, but the following Web links will provide information to prepare you and your family in case a huricane hits the panhandle: National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Hurricane preparedness: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml Okaloosa County: http://webgis.co.okaloosa.fl.us/website/PublicSafety/downloads/maps/Hurricane_Shelters8x11.pdf Santa Rosa County: http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/hurricanecenter/index.html Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office: http://www.sheriff-okaloosa.org/Hurricane%20Preparedness.pdf Team Hurlburt members may access these and other links at the Hurlburt Field Web site, www.hurlburt.af.mil, and by clicking on the Hurricane Information button. Being prepared can save lives, property and money. Review possible evacuation routes and shelter locations before the storm hits. Take the time to plan ahead for the protection of your family, home and pets.