The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on the hurricane's present intensity. Category One Hurricane: Winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 km/hr). Storm surge 4-5 ft above normal. No real damage to building structures other than to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Category Two Hurricane: Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 km/hr). Storm surge 6-8 feet above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings with considerable damage to shrubbery and trees. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Category Three Hurricane: Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt or 178-209 km/hr). Storm surge generally 9-12 ft above normal. Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Areas lower than 5 ft above mean sea level may be flooded inland of 8 miles (13 km) or more. Category Four Hurricane: Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt or 210-249 km/hr). Storm surge generally 13-18 ft above normal. More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km). Category Five Hurricane: Winds greater than 155 mph (135 kt or 249 km/hr). Storm surge greater than 18 ft above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required.

Be prepared for hurricane season:

Have battery operated radios and flashlights handy, with plenty of batteries for each item
1 Gallon of water per person/animal per day
A first aid kit
Non perishable food items (don't forget the hand crank can opener!)
Pet food
Medication for people and pets

Follow the advice and warnings of local officials. Safety is key.

For more information on hurricanes and other weather related items, please visit http://www.noaa.com/