The Institute for Business and Home Safety, a consumer safety group formed by the nation's insurance companies, has issued a report warning that most Americans living in coastal areas are not ready for hurricane season, and that this years season is expected to be worse than normal.

According to the Boston-based IBHS, some 58 percent of homeowners along the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts say they are unprepared for hurricane season, which begins June 1. Another 76 percent of residents along the Mid-Atlantic and New England coast say they would not be ready if a hurricane were to strike.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) already is predicting 11 or more tropical storms will form in the warm waters of the central Atlantic this year and more than seven of them could strengthen into hurricanes.

Storms with sustained winds in excess of 75 mph are classified hurricanes. Some hurricane wind gusts have been clocked above 200 miles an hour.

Major hurricanes that strike populated areas of the coasts have been known to leave in excess of $1 billion worth of damage. IBHS President Harvey Ryland, however, maintains much of the damage can be avoided. "We can cut down on the devastation dramatically by taking simple steps ahead of time."

"The more precautions you take, the better chance your home has of surviving the next hurricane."

The IBHS recommends that homeowners consider the following safety precautions:

Published: May 15, 2000

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