Florida homeowners face more storm threats than residents of any other state. Many of the benefits of living in Florida have a dark side. Just as the fascinating and unique wildlife includes pythons and gators, the balmy and beautiful weather includes hurricanes and brutal tropical storms. On average, storms kill about 15 people a year in the state and many more are injured or lose their homes.

However, homeowners are not powerless. There are many steps they can take to protect their homes from storm damage. Now that hurricane season has begun, homeowners are wise to take these measures to keep their homes and families safe.

When Big SWFL Storms & Hurricanes Hit The Area, Here’s How to Protect Your Family & Your Home

Know the Storm’s Threat Level

The first thing homeowners should do to protect themselves from hurricanes and tropical storms is understand the threat they pose. In Florida, hurricane season starts each year on June 1 and lasts 5 months until November 1. Storms usually peak around August and September, so being ready for these months is the most important of all. Understanding hurricanes and storms is the key to surviving them, so know these terms:

• Cyclones – Cyclones are large scale air masses that rotate around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure. They are characterized by winds that spiral inward toward the center, which can reach extremely high speeds – fast enough to tear homes from their foundations in some circumstances.
• Tropical Depressions – Tropical Depressions are cyclones with winds of 38 miles per hour or less. They are not typically associated with severe damage, but they can cause roof leakage and other problem.
• Tropical Storms – Tropical Storms are cyclones with winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour. They can cause more damage and are monitored by state meteorologists.
• Hurricanes are cyclones – Storms with winds of 74 miles per hour. They are the most destructive of all and can cause serious damage, destroying houses and levelling entire communities. Generally, the upper right quadrant of the hurricane (the central wrapping around the storm’s eye) is the most damaging and intense part of the storm. The greatest threats to homeowners are brutal winds, storm surge and flooding. This is one reason that Hurricane Katrina was so disastrous when it brought 28-foot storm surges onto the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines in August 2005.
• Storm Surge – Storm surge is an abnormal rise in seawater level during a cyclone, measured by the height of the seawater level above the normal predicted tide level. The storm surge is caused primarily by storm winds pushing water onto the shore.
• Tropical Storm Watch – The state will announce a Tropical Storm Watch when tropical storms are possible in an area.
• Hurricane Watch – The state will announce a Hurricane Watch when tropical storms are possible in an area.
• Tropical Storm Warning – The state will announce a Tropical Storm Warning when tropical storm conditions are expected in the area. Warnings are usually issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
• Hurricane Warning – The state will announce a Hurricane Warning when hurricane conditions are expected in the area. Warnings are usually issued 36 hours in advance of hurricane force winds.
• Storm Eye – The eye is the clear, sometimes well-defined center of a storm. It has low atmospheric pressure and sometimes has significantly calmer conditions. As the eye of the storm passes over, people can mistakenly believe the storm to be over.
• Storm Eye Wall – Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speeds and greatest precipitation.
• Rain Bands – Rain bands are bands of rain coming off the cyclone that produce damaging weather conditions such as heavy rain and wind.

During a storm watch, homeowners should prepare their residence for the storm and create an evacuation plan in case a warning is issued. During a warning, carefully follow the directions of state officials, and immediately evacuate the area if they advise the public to do so. If they issue an Extreme Wind Warning (which means that there will be highly destructive sustained winds of 115 mph or greater that are expected to begin within an hour), homeowners should immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a sturdy structure with a strong foundation.

Hurricane Forecasts and Warnings

While meteorologists get better every year at predicting the path of hurricanes and weather software can forecast storms earlier and earlier, there is still a natural degree of uncertainty about where and when a hurricane or severe tropical storm will hit. Remember that hurricanes do not always follow their plotted path, and they go where nature takes them regardless of what is convenient for humans. The “Mariner’s 1-2-3 Rule,” used to predict possible deviation of hurricanes from their expected course, is a good example of this: one day ahead of time hurricanes can be up to 100 miles off course, two days ahead of time they can be up to 200 miles off course, and three days ahead of time they can be up to 300 miles off course. This is used to create a “danger area” for mariners and other people to avoid. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization:

“The danger area to avoid is constructed by accounting for those errors and then broadened further to reflect the maximum tropical storm force (34 knot) wind radii forecast at each of those times by the National Hurricane Center.”

Hurricane information should be obtained only from reliable sources like weather.gov and the National Hurricane Center. Local television and radio stations typically also have good information. Misinformation during a hurricane can be just as dangerous as the storm itself, so be skeptical of unverified claims on social media and other outlets.

For evacuation advisories, check the Florida Division of Emergency Management website. In the event of an evacuation order, the site will have updates on who is affected, what they should do, and where to go to remain safe. Always follow evacuation orders and do not wait until it is too late to try and leave – getting out ahead of time is always the best bet.

Make a Hurricane Emergency Supply Kit

Keeping a home safe is meaningless if the people in the home are not also safe. After a hurricane or severe tropical storm, homeowners may need to survive on their own for several days. Storms can cause power outages, loss of communication infrastructure resulting in cell phone and landline function. Preparing for a hurricane or severe tropical storm means having enough food, clean water, and other supplies to last for the time it takes for infrastructure to recover and help to arrive. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic household items that homeowners might need in the event of a severe storm.

To create a standard disaster supply kit, homeowners should get airtight plastic bags and no more than two easily carriable containers (e.g., duffel bags, plastic bins with handles, backpacks, etc.) for their kit. Emergency preparedness means getting the basic items stocked, so make sure these are in any disaster supply kit:

• Water – There should be at least one gallon per person for several days, for drinking and sanitation purposes. This can be tap water, as long as it is fresh and stored in an airtight container, but the container should be filled before storms hit. Water infrastructure can be damaged and become contaminated during hurricanes and severe tropical storms, so homeowners should not rely on their water supply to be clean during a storm or after, until authorities have confirmed the safety of the water.
• Food – A three-day supply for three meals per person is the minimum necessary to withstand a disaster such as a hurricane or severe tropical storm. The food should be non-perishable, and ideally in a sturdy container such as a metal can that handle some bumping and rough treatment.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert – NOAA Weather Radios continuously broadcast weather information from the nearest Weather Service Office. These stations broadcast official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Homeowners are wise to invest in a NOAA Weather Radio so they know of any sudden changes.
• Flashlight – A powerful flashlight with a long battery life is recommended, and a waterproof flashlight is even better. Emergency flashlights are sold in stores in most regions that have hurricanes.
• First Aid Kit – First aid kits can be assembled by homeowners themselves, or they can be purchased from stores and pharmacies pre-assembled. They should contain basic medical supplies and medications.
• Cooler and Ice Packs – These serve multiple purposes, from keeping food and drinks cold to treating heat stroke and inflammation.
• Extra Batteries – Several different types of spare batteries are a good addition to any emergency supply kit. Make sure some of these are compatible with the kit’s flashlight and radio.
• Whistle – A loud whistle is an often-overlooked necessity in emergency preparedness kits. Whistles are useful to signal for help or communicate when electronic devices are not an option. Keeping a whistle on a necklace is a good way to keep them handy.
• Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Zip Ties – For personal sanitation, waste, and hygiene purposes, these items are essential for any emergency kit.
• Wrench or Pliers – These are necessary at times to turn off utilities during a hurricane. They also have a number of other critical roles that make them a vital part of any kit.
• Local Maps – Although nowadays most people are used to navigating with their phone’s GPS, in the event of a long-term power outage that won’t be a possibility. Having local maps makes it possible to navigate to relief centers and shelters if necessary and to get around without a cell phone.
• Manual Can Opener – All that canned food is useless without an opener, so don’t skip this item.
• Lighter and Matches – These can be a real life saver in an emergency – literally. Being able to start a fire to signal for rescue or cook food is not something that will usually be necessary, but when it is necessary it is absolutely crucial. Dipping match tips in hot wax can make them waterproof, and the wax can be scraped off easily when they are needed.
• Cell phone with Backup Battery and Chargers – Although homeowners shouldn’t rely on cell phones, they are an integral part of modern life and an excellent way to communicate during a disaster if they are available and the necessary communication infrastructure has not been interfered with. Keeping a cell phone in a waterproof case or baggy is the best way to keep them safe. It is also important to have spare cell phone chargers and backup charging battery – all of which can be bought online or at any electronics retailer – so that the phone can be kept charged for a while even if the power goes out.

Of course, every homeowner’s emergency supply kit will vary based on their individual circumstances and needs. For example, some kits may include prescription medications, eyeglasses or contact lens solution, pet food, infant formula and diapers, feminine supplies and personal hygiene items, whereas some people would not need these. Homeowners should keep their kit in a cool, dry place and replace expired items as needed. They should re-think their needs every year and update their emergency supply kit as their family’s needs change with time.

Preparing a Home to Withstand a Floridian Storm

After knowing hurricane basics and putting together an emergency survival kit, it is time to prepare the house for the storm. Preparation is key to getting through a hurricane or severe tropical storm, so take these steps to protect against storm damage:

Understand the Insurance Policy

Having a home destroyed by a hurricane or severe tropical storm can be terrible, but having it wrecked and then finding out insurance won’t cover the damage – or not having any homeowner’s insurance at all – is even worse. Most standard home insurance plans will cover wind damage, but flood damage (which is one of the biggest and most expensive types of damage caused by hurricanes and other storms) is often left out of ordinary policies. Homeowners that are in an area prone to hurricanes should consider purchasing extra flood coverage to make sure they are protected. However, most policy changes will not go into effect for 30 days, so the flood insurance coverage needs to be purchased before a storm is coming. Do not wait until it is too late, get coverage today. Much like emergency preparedness supply kits, homeowner’s insurance should be reviewed annually to ensure that the coverage is sufficient and that unexpected events will not be any more damaging than they need to be. The policy holder should contact their homeowner insurance company to see what their policy covers.

Inspect the Home’s Roof

If a hurricane is coming, making sure the roof is in sturdy condition is a prudent measure for homeowners to take. Hurricanes can bring pounding rain, hail, and winds in excess of 150 miles per hour. Winds at that speed can pull off roof shingles, tiles, and even tear off the underlying roof deck and cause severe structural damage. This damage puts the entire structure of the house at risk, exposing it to water leakage and mold that eats away at the supports until the entire roof caves in. The roof should be inspected both before and after a storm, and it might be smart to get a professional inspection. Getting on a roof when not properly prepared can be dangerous, so homeowners should contact trained professionals. They will know what to look for, including subtle things that homeowners might miss.

It is also wise for homeowners to take the time to walk the perimeter of their property and have a look at the soffit boards and fascia boards. The fascia boards are the boards just under the metal trim of the roof. The soffit boards are the boards that are just beneath the roof overhang areas. Keep an eye out for any signs of rotten wood in these areas. It may be a serious problem during a hurricane.

Complete All Necessary Maintenance

On the roof, missing, damaged, or loose shingles and tiles can serve as a foothold for wind damage. Once one shingle or tile is missing, the wind can flank the other ones which are then blown off more easily. Even if only one or two shingles total are lost during a storm, that is still enough to let water penetrate into the roof more deeply. Replace any damaged or rotten fascia boards and soffit boards. Making sure these roof areas are maintained well will help secure the entire structure against wind damage at the eaves.

Outside the home, the two biggest threats are trees and outdoor furniture. Yard decorations and furniture like lawn chairs can turn into flying projectiles that can easily crash through windows or damage the roof. Tying down any outdoor items and securing them firmly to the ground, or moving them indoors, is the best option to protect a home during a hurricane or severe tropical storm. And since high winds can snap even the largest of tree branches like a toothpick, trees should be cut down and trimmed carefully. Of course, the first priority should be trees that overhang the roof of the home, but, if possible, it is best to get to all of the trees near a house and take care of any weak or dead branches.

It is also a good idea for homeowners to clean debris from roof valleys and gutters. Clearing leaves and other debris from these areas allows rainwater to flow through them without backing up and entering the home. The point of the gutters and roof drainage system is to carry water away from the property where it will not cause damage, so if they are not working then it can spell disaster.

Getting Prepared for Power Outages

One of the most common causes of difficulty during a hurricane is power outage. When a hurricane or severe tropical storm is pounding a region with pounding rain and destructive winds, power utility infrastructure can easily be knocked out. After these storms, power can remain off for days or weeks at a time, leading to food spoilage, life support system failure, communication disruption and more. Therefore, homeowners should consider investing in some sort of backup power source. Having an alternate source of electricity allows them to cope with the chaos after a storm independently and provides peace of mind when storms are yet to come.

Unfortunately, when a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued, some people buy up as many generators as they can and then sell them for unfair high prices. They prey on desperation and bleed people for cash in their time of need. However, homeowners do not have to get caught up in this profiteering practice. Buying a generator or other power source ahead of time can save a lot of stress in the future. Generators can mean homeowners do not have to stock up on as many supplies ahead of a storm. Bags of ice, meats, cold drinks, and other goods can be stored in a generator-powered refrigerator. Lights can be kept on, making it safer to navigate a home even if furniture or windows have been broken and lay strewn about the house. Phones can be charged to communicate with family and friends and keep an eye on the status of the storm. Air conditioning is a possibility, which is a godsend in the hot and humid weather that often follows big storms. Warm showers and baths may even be an option, as long as the water is running and clean enough to use.

When shopping for a generator, homeowners should look out for something that provides enough energy to fulfill their basic electricity needs without guzzling an excessive amount of fuel. Mobile generators are always a bonus, as are those that accept multiple types of fuel. It is also crucial to stock up on enough of that fuel to get through at least three days with at least some limited generator usage, but it is always better to have more than is needed.

Fortify the Home

While basic maintenance is a good step toward safety, it is far from everything that it takes to protect a home. Once it has begun pouring, there is not much that homeowners can do besides waiting it out, but there are preventative measures they can take ahead of time. Sandbags are a good place to start. Since hurricanes almost always cause severe flooding when and where they hit, protecting from the flood water is a big priority.

According to the Osceola County government, sandbags alone “should not be relied on to keep water outside a building,” but they are “a simple but effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage.” Properly filled and well placed, sandbags can serve as a barrier that diverts flood waters around buildings instead of through them. Sandbags do not provide a water-tight seal, but they do work well enough to prevent major flood damage. Sandbags can be made by homeowners or obtained pre-made.

“Use baffle boards (plywood sheeting) or sheets of plastic tarp with sandbags,” Osceola County recommends. “To form a sandbag wall, place bags tightly against one another to form the first layer of defense. Stagger the second and subsequent layers of bags, much like the pattern of bricks in a wall. Sandbags, when properly filled and placed, will redirect storm and debris flows away from property improvements.”

Another good protective measure is investing in a high-quality storm tarp. Commonly called “hurricane tarps,” these plastic covers are a good first line of defense against extreme weather events. They protect property from wind, rain, and some debris. It should be noted that storm tarps do not protect against all damage but are a good addition to a broader emergency plan to fortify a home. However, they are often in short stock in the days leading up to a big storm, so it is smart to buy them ahead of time before they run out. It is important to get a strong and durable storm tarp, as cheaper ones do not offer the same protective benefits. Since most storm tarps are not especially expensive to begin with, it is well worth the money to get a quality cover. Homeowners should go with a storm tarp that has grommets at most 48 inches apart, and made of a durable material like polyethylene.

Finally, and most importantly, the windows need to be fortified. The windows are portals into the home, crucial points of vulnerability that open the house to all sorts of outside dangers. As such, they must be diligently protected. Storm shutters are an excellent option for hurricane season. They can come with a big price tag (depending on materials and whether they are professionally installed, anywhere from $200 to $1000 or more) but they are worth every penny. Storm shutters are generally made from a strong metal like steel or aluminum. It takes time to install them, so it is not a good last-minute solution, but they are a good investment to make ahead of time.

In an emergency, plywood is a tried-and-true solution for protecting windows. Although it is not as effective as storm shutters, it can help somewhat in a pinch. The problem, though, is that this installing plywood takes a lot of work and must be done right before the storm since no homeowner wants plywood on their windows all year long. Furthermore, plywood prevents light from entering into the house, which means that it will be even more dark if there is a power outage in the area.

Contrary to popular belief, tape is worse than useless for protecting windows. A lot of people believe the age-old myth that putting tape on their windows in an “X” pattern is somehow helpful during severe tropical storms and hurricanes. This is not true. While applying tape to windows can stop the glass from breaking into small shards, that is not necessarily a positive improvement. The glass on the windows is still likely to shatter even if tape is holding it, and it will simply break into larger pieces thanks to the tape. Larger pieces of razor-sharp broken glass are more dangerous than small pieces since their greater surface area makes it easier for the wind to catch them and send them hurling through the air.

Another harmful and pervasive myth is that keeping windows open during a hurricane or severe tropical storm helps to relieve pressure and prevent damage. But the opposite is true, pressure will build in the home once windows have been breached and more damage will be caused. Opening windows is essentially opening a hole in a home’s defenses. Whereas wind and water would have otherwise gone around the house, they are now going through it and into it. Wind can catch on any number of surfaces within the home, breaking them apart and sweeping away possessions while destroying the property. Water can penetrate and cause flooding, leading to stormwater damage and mold. As such, it is critical to ensure that windows are not just closed, but completely sealed. Check the seals on all doors and windows before a storm to make sure no water or wind can get in. Seals naturally weaken over time, especially in warm weather. Taking the time to reseal doors and windows can save immense time, money and stress in the long run.

According to the Department of Energy:

“Caulking and weatherstripping are two simple and effective air-sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment, often one year or less. Caulk is generally used for cracks and openings between stationary house components such as around door and window frames, and weatherstripping is used to seal components that move, such as doors and operable windows.”

However, if all of this sounds like too much work, one of best steps any homeowner can take is installing hurricane-rated windows. Like storm shutters, they protect the home effectively and better than plywood, but unlike storm shutters they do not take away from the aesthetic value of the residence. They are already place when they are needed, so they do not need to be closed or boarded up prior to a storm. Hurricane-rated windows a designed specifically to stand up to powerful winds, rapid pressure changes, projectiles, and other storm threats. They are available in different styles that suit different homes while keeping the residents safe inside.

Prepare the House Ahead of Time with Professional Help

Southwest Florida homeowners can be caught unprepared in a storm far too late, leading to costly property damage and serious safety risks. But this does not have to be the case. Having qualified professionals remodel a home and ready it for severe tropical storms and hurricanes can make a world of difference. Licensed contractors can install storm shutters and hurricane-rated windows, make sure appliances are compatible with generators in the event of power failure, keep the roof properly maintained and strong enough to withstand the harsh winds and rain, install durable furniture that will not be swept away, and more.

 
Be safe out there!