Hurricane Condition is an alert scale used by the United States Armed Forces

United States armed forces

The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...

, primarily the United States Air Force

United States Air Force

The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...

, to indicate the state of emergency or preparedness for an approaching hurricane

Tropical cyclone

A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...

. This designation is especially important to installations in the southern Atlantic region, as it is most affected by hurricanes. A HURCON will typically be issued 72 hours or longer before a hurricane is expected to strike the installation.

The scale consists of 4 conditions, decreasing in seriousness, from Secure to Alert. As with civilian alerts

Tropical cyclone warnings and watches

Warnings and watches are two levels of alert issued by national weather forecasting bodies to coastal areas threatened by the imminent approach of a tropical cyclone of tropical storm or hurricane intensity. They are notices to the local population and civil authorities to make appropriate...

, buildings may be boarded up and personnel evacuated. In addition; aircraft, ships, equipment, and other assets will be relocated, tied down, bunkered, or otherwise secured. The contraction was chosen in line with other military terminology in use like DEFCON

DEFCON

A defense readiness condition is an alert posture used by the United States Armed Forces. The DEFCON system was developed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and unified and specified combatant commands. It prescribes five graduated levels of readiness for the U.S...

 and FPCON

Force Protection Condition

In United States security, Force Protection Condition is a terrorist threat system overseen by the Department of Defense directive, and describes the amount of measures needed to be taken by security agencies in response to various levels of terrorist threats against military facilities, as...

 to communicate hazardous conditions.

Condition 4: Alert phase

Hurricane Condition 4 is declared by the Base commander when the forecast calls for the arrival of a tropical storm with 50-knot (58 mph) sustained winds or greater is possible within 72 hours. Stock up emergency supplies. Copy important papers and phone numbers; store in storm-proof place. Individuals evacuating should decide now where to go.

Condition 3: Preparation Phase

Hurricane Condition 3 is declared by the Base commander when the forecast calls for the arrival of a tropical storm with 50-knot (58 mph) sustained winds or greater is possible within 48 hours. Monitor storm reports on local radio and television stations. Bring in lawn furniture, trash cans, potted plants and other loose objects. Individuals planning to evacuate should know the route they will take and consider leaving before an evacuation order is issued.

Condition 2: Final Preparation Phase

Hurricane Condition 2 is declared by the Base commander when the forecast calls for the arrival of a tropical storm with 50-knot (58 mph) sustained winds or greater is possible within 24 hours. Adhere to evacuation orders if provided. Listen constantly to storm reports and board windows and glass doors. Turn refrigerator and freezer to their highest setting; freeze water in jugs. Fill sinks and tubs with water for bathing and sanitary purposes. Residents on high ground away from beaches should consider riding out the storm.

Condition 1: Secure Phase

Hurricane Condition 1 is declared by the Base commander when the forecast calls for the arrival of a tropical storm with 50-knot (58 mph) sustained winds or greater is possible within 12 hours. All preparations should be complete. If necessary, evacuation orders should be followed. Remain indoors if riding out the storm.