Hurricanes are high force winds which spin inside of a cyclone. Their winds can be very violent.

Where does the word hurricane come from? The Mayan god of storms was named Hu-ra-ken.

Hurricanes has a tremendous potential to be destructive. Depending on where you go cyclones have different names.

Of course we call them hurricanes but other places call them Typhoons and Cyclones. Regardless of what they are called they can be very destructive.

They are formed and fueled by warm ocean water. Warm weather creates instability which creates an open door for a hurricane to form.

For the most part, hurricanes occur near the equator. There most destructive traits are made manifest on the immediate coast.

Storm surges smash the shoreline and create destruction. A storm surge is much like a tsunami.

At the initial impact along the shore, the coastal tide can increase to more than fifteen feet above normal.

Many tools are used to track hurricanes and get up to date information about its location and size. Satellites are able to do a lot of important work in that process.

Interestingly, hurricanes are the only disaster that receive their own names.

The most violent part of a hurricane is located in its eye. Often the slower a hurricane the more destructive.

Every second, a large hurricane releases the energy of 10 atomic bombs.

Both category four and fives bring catastrophic damage. Falling debris and toppling houses pose a high risk of injury.

Both mobile and framed houses can be completely destroyed and major damage will be done to any home, especially on roof tops. Road signs fences and canopies will more than likely be completely destroyed.

Trees under these categories will be snapped or uprooted and power poles will be as well.

Level threes can be destructive as well however damage will be more devastating than it is catastrophic.

Well built homes will sustain major damage of roof tops. In a level three, many trees will be uprooted along with road signage and fences.

Levels one and two are defiantly not as destructive but they definitely will cause extensive damage. Mobile homes are at a high risk even with the slower winds of a level one and two hurricane.

Framed houses can receive major or minor damage to roof tops. After a storm, broken windows from homes and high-rises can pose a serious hazard even after a storm.

Both levels risk increasing at the last second to a different level whether higher or lower.

Just like any disaster hurricanes should be treated seriously. In the event of a hurricane, you could be left stranded and without food or water.

Take the time to prepare wisely. Prepare at least a three day supply of food and water.

Pack non-perishable items and at least a gallon of water per person per day. Take the time to do some additional research about hurricanes and be prepared for the worst.