After the devastation delved out to Puerto Rico during hurricane season 2017, forecasters are keeping a close watch this year for direct impacts to the U.S. territory. Hurricane Maria caused the second largest blackout in history and fatalities ranging between 112 and 4,760 (disputed based on the aftermath deaths caused by complications of the hurricane itself). This was the costliest hurricane that Puerto Rico has ever faced. Hurricane Maria was immediately following Hurricane Irma, which also affected Puerto Rico directly, causing a total of over 130 deaths, directly and indirectly. These 1-2-punch blows caused massive fallout for the Puerto Rican community, who are still rebuilding 8 months later, many of them (approximately 11,000) still without power and having no time frame on when power can be restored.

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A subtropical storm is classified also as a subtropical cyclone. The requirement to be a subtropical storm/cyclone is maximum sustained winds of 39mph or higher for an average of a full minute. Their centers are cooler than standard tropical storms but they can develop into tropical storms and hurricanes with the right conditions.

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Natural disasters are devastating, costly, and deadly. In the United States, we are well aware of our more commonly occurring disasters based on areas, with some locations experiencing tornadoes while others experience blizzards; some areas are prone to drought and wildfires while others are likely to flood. No matter the hardship, human beings find a way to thrive. Sadly, not everyone survives the catastrophic occurrences that Mother Nature throws our way.

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How Cofferdams Helped Build the Hoover Dam

Located on the cusp of Clark County in Nevada and Mohave County in Arizona in the United States, is an architectural wonder known as Hoover Dam. The name was originally Boulder Dam, but was interchangeable, depending upon the political standings of the speaker, but was confirmed by President Harry S. Truman in 1947. The purpose of this marvel is to provide flood control, water storage and regulation, power, and it also serves as recreational landmark. Countless numbers of tourist traverse across the United States every year just to stand witness to its beauty and strength.

The construction of the site began in 1931 and complete d by 1936. It measures over 726 feet high and 1,244 feet in length, 660 feet wide at the base, and holds a whopping 28.9 million acre-feet (approximately 325,000 gallons per acre feet) of water.

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Something we all need is an emergency plan. Being prepared for any natural disaster we could face at home, work, friends and families houses, anywhere we frequent, is the key to “weathering the storm”. At places of business, hotels, apartment buildings, restaurants, etc., these plans are laid out for us. Near exits, on the back of doors, you’ll find signs that show where you are and where to go in case of emergency. But have you established these designated zones and exits and shelters in your own home?

There are certain steps that can help you in emergency situations that you can implement today, and maybe you someday they’ll prove useful, maybe they won’t, but it’s always better to expect the worst and never have it happen than to be blind-sided.

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