In 1970, Florida’s legislature officially gave Florida the nickname “Sunshine State” to help boost the region’s image of having an all-year round sunny weather. Yet that was more than 50 years ago, when the effects of global warming was not yet as noticeable. Over the years, Florida’s weather and climate conditions have taken a turn for the worse. Statistics show that of all hurricanes that hit the U.S. roughly about 40% made landfall in Florida.
Although global warming and its climate change issues remain a topic of debate in the “Sunshine State,” Floridians nevertheless, now acknowledge that June to November is hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) gives advice to people in hurricane-prone areas like Florida to always be prepared and have an emergency plan. That way, they can minimize, if not prevent the damages wrought by hurricanes on their person and on their properties.
As a matter of fact, even Florida Building Codes have been revised after Hurricane Andrew made a historically devastating landfall in 1992. In 2002, additional building regulations and guidelines were enacted to put in place hurricane resistance and protection standards for building structures.
What Does Hurricane Preparedness in Florida Mean
Hurricane preparedness in Florida is not just about having all the necessary emergency supplies and equipment that a family might need to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days in the event of worst case hurricane scenario. Especially now that Florida’s health care systems and emergency response units are being overrun by the unending increase in COVID-19 cases in the state.
Preparedness includes taking action to make one’s home safe even before hurricane season arrives. Many have even built safe rooms to serve as reinforced in-home shelter that comes with complete a power generator, running water and toilet facilities. That way, their family can stay safe inside their home even as the violent winds and heavy downpour rages on.
Things to Consider to Make One’s Florida Home Hurricane Safe
Houses that do not have impact resistant windows should have at least be outfitted with shutters as protection against flying debris. In the absence of both, boarding up one’s windows with plywood can still serve as minimum protection.
1. Reinforcing garage doors from the inside by attaching metal braces or wooden studs.
2. Observing proper and regular roof maintenance to ensure that all cracks and missing shingles or tiles have been replaced. Always inspect the hurricane straps holding the roof frames and take note of any signs of loosening or rusting of the metal components.
3. If during the hurricane the sidings and gutters have been ripped or torn, once the calamity has passed, immediately have them repaired by a contractor with expertise in roofing repair jobs.
Keep in mind that in Florida, roofing contractors are no longer allowed to initiate roof inspections or to help an insured homeowner with their insurance claims. A reputable roofing company gives advice that roof leaks are signs that water infiltration has occurred in the roofing interior. If the source is not immediately detected and repaired, it will cause further damage that can impair the integrity of the roof as a hurricane resistant protection of the home.