Historic Hurricane Facts & Tips for Protecting Your Family

August and September are, traditionally, the most active months in Florida for hurricanes.  This year, the predictions, according to NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association), for our hurricane season indicated that we should expect a greater than average hurricane season with more storms affecting the US coastal regions than in 2010.  NOAA is predicting 14-19 named storms, with 7-10 becoming hurricanes, and 3-5 of those becoming major hurricanes (Category 3-5).  So far this year there have been 5 named storms in the Atlantic.

Here are some fast historical hurricane facts:

• DEADLIEST HURRICANE ON RECORD:  Occurred in Galveston in 1900, killing 8,000 people and was a category 4 hurricane.

• MOST FINANCIALLY CATASTROPHIC:  Hurricane Katrina, born on August 23^rd, 2005, and making landfall in Southeast Louisiana as a Category 3 hurricane.  Damages are still being addressed now, 5 years later, and to date have cost $90.3 billion.

• MOST INTENSE HURRICANE TO STRIKE THE U.S:  On September 2, in 1935, a Category 5 hurricane stuck the Florida Keys with estimated sustained winds of 200 mph.  Over 400 people lost their lives and this storm completely devastated this area.  On Metacumbe Key, every single building and tree was destroyed.

With the active season for hurricanes upon us now, have you prepared your family and your home?  Here are some suggestions:

• INFORM YOURSELF OF EVACUATION ROUTES:  Here’s a link to evacuation routes and zones for Manatee County.  Make sure that you also know where the closest shelter is to your home.

• MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY HAS A PLAN:  Everyone should know ahead of time what to do in case of a hurricane emergency.  A proactive approach will eliminate confusion and chaos and will enable your family to quickly take the necessary steps to secure your home and get to a safe place.  Have your emergency equipment (generators, flashlights, etc.) handy and in working order and also have emergency supplies like food, water, batteries, cash, gas cans as well as copies of important documents like: IDs, credit cards, and insurance policies, ready to go in a ‘Hurricane Kit’ that you can just ‘grab and go.’ 

• CHECK YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES:  Review your policy so that you know what your particular insurance policy will cover if your home is damaged by a hurricane with respect to wind and flood.  It’s always a great idea to take photos or a video of your home, showing its content and condition, to keep in a safe place in case of catastrophic events like flood, fire, or hurricanes.

• DON’T FORGET YOUR FURRY FRIENDS:  If you’re blessed to have a family pet, make sure to keep in mind that many shelters will not allow you to bring them along. Make plans for a safe place for this important and precious member of your family.

Leaving your home during a natural disaster may be a necessary, albeit, agonizing action.  Here are some tips for protecting your home:

• SECURE ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS:  Investing in some type of hurricane shutters for your windows is an excellent proactive way to easily & efficiently secure your home in the event of a hurricane.  If your budget won’t allow for such an expense, be sure to have a supply of plywood on hand for this purpose.

• SECURE ALL OUTDOOR ITEMS:  Bring in or secure all light weight outdoor items like:  garbage cans, outdoor furniture, decorative outdoor items, playground equipment and toys, pool equipment, and gardening tools and supplies.

• PROTECT YOUR EXPENSIVE ELECTRONICS:  Unplug and protect, as best as possible, your valuable electronic items like stereo equipment, TVs and computers.

• IF YOU HAVE A POOL:  lower the water level to accommodate rainfall accumulations and add extra chlorine to your pool. Turn off the power to your pump.

Hopefully, our area will continue its streak of good luck when it comes to hurricanes.  We can’t count on that though.  Take action now to prepare for the worst, even while expecting the best.  Making a plan and executing your plan will protect you and your family while also giving you peace of mind throughout the rest of the hurricane season.