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Hurricanes are some of the most costly and devastating natural disasters. Officially, hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th each year, with increased activity during the late summer and early fall.
Here is what you need to know about these destructive storms, and some of the things you as a property owner can do to prevent wind and flood damage if disaster strikes.
What damage do hurricanes cause?
Damage depends on the year and the number of named storms that reach populated areas. According to figures released by NOAA, three of the five costliest U.S. hurricanes on record took place in 2017 (Harvey, Maria, & Irma) with a total of $265 billion in losses.
In 2018, Hurricane Michael became a Category 5 storm and struck the Florida Panhandle, with insured losses totaling over $13 billion. Between 1987 and 2016, the total insured losses from hurricane damage in the U.S. was a staggering $543.4 billion.
Here is what you need to know about these destructive storms, and some of the things you as a property owner can do to prevent wind and flood damage if disaster strikes.
What damage do hurricanes cause?
Damage depends on the year and the number of named storms that reach populated areas. According to figures released by NOAA, three of the five costliest U.S. hurricanes on record took place in 2017 (Harvey, Maria, & Irma) with a total of $265 billion in losses.
In 2018, Hurricane Michael became a Category 5 storm and struck the Florida Panhandle, with insured losses totaling over $13 billion. Between 1987 and 2016, the total insured losses from hurricane damage in the U.S. was a staggering $543.4 billion.
Why do hurricanes cause so much damage?
Perhaps the most destructive and dangerous part of a hurricane is the storm surge, but it's the heavy rains and wind that can be felt well inland from the hurricane's point of landfall. Another effect of hurricanes is tornadoes.
Perhaps the most destructive and dangerous part of a hurricane is the storm surge, but it's the heavy rains and wind that can be felt well inland from the hurricane's point of landfall. Another effect of hurricanes is tornadoes.
Storm surge is the rapid rise in water levels as the hurricane's eye makes landfall. One cubic yard of water weighs roughly 1,700 pounds. The storm surge is greater the bigger the storm and more perpendicular its track to the coast.
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Heavy rain can also bring massive flooding before, during, and after a hurricane makes landfall. Rains of 5-10 inches per hour or more can cause substantial flooding. If a storm slows down or stalls, even more rainfall and flooding is possible.
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Winds associated with a hurricane can range from 74 mph in a small storm to over 155 mph in a catastrophic one. Steady wind, wind gusts, and tornadoes are responsible for a great deal of the structural damage caused by hurricanes.
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What can property owners do to prevent wind damage?
While no location is safe from flood threats, if you live near the coast in certain parts of the U.S., your property is at risk of wind damage from hurricanes. FEMA recommends that property owners take several steps to prevent hurricane damage caused by heavy winds.
While no location is safe from flood threats, if you live near the coast in certain parts of the U.S., your property is at risk of wind damage from hurricanes. FEMA recommends that property owners take several steps to prevent hurricane damage caused by heavy winds.
Properly Installed Roof SHeathing
Check your attic to ensure that your roof sheathing is properly nailed to the trusses or rafters.
End gables securely fastened
Make sure that your end gables and roof are securely fastened together.
Hurricane straps on roof
Check that the roof and the building's walls are fastened together with hurricane straps.
Secure garage door
Ensure that your garage door is stable and will hold up to strong winds.
Secure double entry doors
Check that all exterior double doors are secured at the top and bottom with sturdy sliding bolts.
Close interior doors
By closing interior doors, you can prevent the amount of force air can push on the roof from the inside (like preventing air from being blown into a balloon). Closing interior doors can reduce the amount of force the roof has to withstand by 30%.
storm shutters on windows
Installing storm shutters on all windows and exposed glass is one of the best ways to protect your home from wind damage.
What can property owners do to prevent flood damage?
Flood damage can be devastating to your property and costly to repair. While protecting your structure from wind damage, you can take these steps to protect it from flood damage as well .
Flood damage can be devastating to your property and costly to repair. While protecting your structure from wind damage, you can take these steps to protect it from flood damage as well .
Know your projected flood elevation
Find the flood map for your community so that you know the potential flooding levels on your property.
Elevate your panel, outlets, and switches
Your home's main electrical panel, outlets, and switches should all be a minimum of 12 inches above the projected flood elevation of your property.
Elevate vital appliances
You should also check that your washer/dryer, water heater, and furnace are a minimum of 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
Anchor any fuel tanks
If you have fuel tanks, such as propane, they should be anchored to the floor to prevent tipping and damage during flooding.
Install sewer backflow valve
You can prevent sewage from backing up into your property by having a backflow valve installed on your line by a qualified plumber.
Install float plug on floor drain
If your property has a floor drain, consider installing a float plug to block the drain if it backs up during a flood.
Prepare with right flood insurance
While these preventative measures could mitigate the severity of your losses in the wake of a hurricane, the right flood insurance coverage is also essential for being prepared for the next storm.
