Hurricanes: What You Need to Know.

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Read this little guide before a hurricane heads your way and you’ll be in a much better position to prepare for and survive one of the most powerful, and destructive, acts of nature.

The subject is introduced with definitions, a quick summary of the science of storm formation and behaviour, and a brief history of hurricane activity and destructiveness. The system for naming storms is detailed, plus there are clear explanations of the category numbers used to denote the strength of storms. Storm-warning terminology is given with guidance on how to interpret it.

With this background in place, the work leads the reader through a step-by-step process of hurricane preparedness: creating an emergency plan, preparing a survival kit, and strengthening your home before the storm hits. Information on how to evacuate includes reminders regarding moving pets to safety, and specific advice for mobile home and high-rise residents.

An after-the-storm section covers safety information for cleanup and recovery operations. The book concludes with checklists and lists of relevant organizations and websites. A glossary, charts, sidebars, point-form lists, and a scattering of photos enhance readability.