Herbert Saffir was an American engineer and meteorologist best known for developing the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale categorizes hurricanes from Category 1 to Category 5 based on their sustained wind speeds and potential damage. Saffir introduced this system in the early 1970s to help communicate the severity of hurricanes to the public and improve preparedness. In addition to his work on the hurricane scale, Saffir was involved in various engineering projects and served as a consultant for disaster preparedness. His contributions have significantly influenced how hurricanes are assessed and managed, enhancing safety measures for communities at risk.