Since 1851, 121 hurricanes have hit Florida, with 37 of them being major hurricanes. Last year, the state escaped storm season without a single hurricane hitting its shoreline.
However, this year, eight hurricanes are forecasted to pass by the Sunshine State, according to the Colorado State University. Future storms and hurricanes wreak havoc, damaging property, causing injuries, and, at worst, claiming lives.
Being prepared for the impact of future storms and hurricanes is urgent to avoid any material or human damage.
The Impact Of Storms And Extreme Weather
The long coastline of Florida makes it the perfect target for intense storms. One of the main concerns by hurricane researchers is that Floridians will not prepare because the state managed to evade so many in 2020. For example, homeowners might not pay attention to their vegetation and shrubs, which can cause significant problems. Creeping vines can strangle and kill trees without exposing the dead trunk or branches. When winds are high during a raging storm, branches, and even the trunk, can fall off with little resistance, causing damage to property and hurting people. Thus, it is critical that trees are inspected for any disease or invasion to reduce storm damage.
Extreme weather also has the potential to cause flooding, destroying homes, and blocking roads, rendering them impassable. Lightning and wildfires can occur, creating chaos and putting people, livestock, and property in danger. Storms also destroy crops, endanger public health, and threaten the environment.
Prepare Your Home Against Future Storms
In addition to creating an evacuation plan and an emergency kit, keeping your shelter safe from a future storm ensures your safety and protects your home from severe damage. If you do not have window and door shutters, it is time to have them fitted before the future storm season, as they offer the best protection against extreme weather conditions. Impact windows are also feasible solutions for increased security, energy efficiency, and even UV protection. Although there are no roofs that are hurricane proof, a metal roofing system is sturdy and can withstand high-speed winds, safeguarding your property.
Reinforcing walls can protect against strong winds, flooding, and flying debris. When constructing a house, use insulated concrete forms (ICF) that can shield your walls from the effects of the storm surge and tide. Otherwise, maintenance activities such as removing overhanging branches or limbs on trees, reinforcing loose roof tiles and shingles, and securing and cleaning gutters enhance your home’s readiness to cope with future storms. It’s also a good idea to verify frequently if your sump pump is operational or needs to be replaced. Be prepared to board up doors and windows with pre-cut plywood if you cannot invest in storm shutters. If possible, get planters and grills with wheels so that they can be stored safely, quickly, and easily when a storm is coming.
Extreme weather conditions are not uncommon in Florida. To enhance safety and reduce damage to property and injuries, it is very important to upgrade your home by installing storm shutters, fortifying roof systems, and reinforcing walls. Regular maintenance activities are also recommended, such as removing branches and shrubs, cleaning gutters, and checking your sump pump.
