Hurricane Season is Here
Currently, for those of us along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico it is Hurricane Season.
Hurricane season extends from May to November. In the past few years, there have been major hurricanes whose effects have caught some of us by surprise. The Gulf Coast has seen more than its share in record rainfall and flooding in the last 20 years.
Hail storms, thunderstorms, ice storms, tornadoes, blizzards, floods, tropical storms, and hurricanes, are the most common type of damaging storms in the U.S. After a major storm, a community is completely changed. Buildings may be damaged or destroyed, power lines are down and trees broken and torn.
Hurricanes, tropical storms and floods effect the Gulf Coast more than other types of storms. In the last 20 years there have been major storms that have changed the landscape and communities. Some of our largest covered virtually every corner of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic basin (1).
Tropical Storm Allison 2001
Hurricane Katrina 2004
Hurricane Rita 2005
Hurricane Ike 2008
Hurricane Isaac 2012
Hurricane Harvey 2017
Tropical Storm Imelda 2019
This ‘history of violence’ raises the question: “Are we prepared for the next big one?”
Property Storm Maintenance
“Prevention is better than a cure”, therefore one must be proactive and take measures in order to remain safe during a storm, such as:
Removing dead wood: To stay safe, routine tree care is very important. Trimming your trees regularly helps fewer branches fall in heavy wind or other severe weather. For large trees, you can take the assistance of experts that can tell you what trees are at risk of being blown over in a storm so they can be removed.
Planting trees in systematic manner: Strategic placement of trees will reduce the probability of damage to your property. An example is planting trees within a determined radius, so that if a tree does uproot, it will not fall on top of your home.
Secure outdoor items: Loose items such as grills and lawn furniture should be brought inside to avoid damages.
Clear out drainage areas: It is essential to keep your gutters, drains, and swales clear to promote drainage away from your home. Poor drainage may cause foundation problems (settlement or cracking), or movement of rainwater into the home.
Roof maintenance: A well-maintained roof is of particular importance in heavy rain or snow conditions. Regularly check the roof for broken shingles, cracks in chimneys, damaged flashing, facia and drip edge.
Disaster Supplies and Safety Checklists
It is best to stock up on supplies before a hurricane or storm warning is issued. These basic supplies include canned food and water, first aid kits, sanitizing products, clothing, and tools. Important documents like passports, IDs, deeds to property, and prescriptions, should also be protected.
The National Hurricane Survival Initiative and the Red Cross provide comprehensive lists that cover each of the categories above (2). Some examples of how to prepare, what supplies you will need, and actions to do after a hurricane are as follows:
Listen to local weather channels and stay updated on storm information
Accumulate and restock supplies in a protected area of the property
Bring in loose belonging on the outside of property that could possibly cause damage
Have a full gas tank in vehicles, and extra tanks of gas for generators (3)
Review the evacuation plan with members of your household
Have 3-day water and food supplies, first aid kits, medications, sanitation supplies and flashlights
Emergency cash, contact list and copies of important documents in waterproof cases
Latitudes Environmental is a full-service consulting firm, staying current on issues which affect both our planet and the human condition.
(1) https://www.southernliving.com/travel/costliest-hurricanes-united-states?slide=44dc4863-dd65-4a90-adb8-9882eed800ad#44dc4863-dd65-4a90-adb8-9882eed800ad
(2) https://hurricanesafety.org/prepare/hurricane-safety-checklists/
(3) https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Hurricane/Hurricane.pdf