2022
Staying Safe, Staying Prepared: Florida Hurricane Season 2022
Jim Jenkins / 0 Comments /Yes, it’s that time of year again: we’re right at the height of Florida hurricane season in 2022.
When we shared our hurricane prediction earlier in the year, along with the North Atlantic hurricane names, we didn’t know what damage the season would cause. Let’s take a chance to recall the lessons learned from previous hurricanes, and what you can do as a Florida homeowner to stay safe and prepared for this hurricane season.
Lessons Learned
We recently marked the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, a category 5 hurricane that tore through homes and neighborhoods. With estimated winds of 165mph, major damage was especially suffered in Dale County where the eye of the storm came ashore.
Just to put this into perspective, this 1992 hurricane caused $26 billion of damage, caused 15 direct deaths and 28 indirect deaths in Florida, destroyed 49,000 homes, and damaged an additional 108,000. That made it the most expensive natural disaster in US history, which was of course later surpassed by the devastating Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
As Palm Beach County Emergency Management Director, Mary Blakeney, remembered the catastrophic Hurricane Andrew, she looked ahead to the Florida Hurricane season 2022 when interviewed by WPTV, “We have a lot of new residents in the state of Florida in the last 30 years. A lot of them don’t understand the implications of what would happen if a catastrophic hurricane of that magnitude were to impact us.”
The US Army Corp conducted a 4-year study and discovered that storm surge flooding alone could cause $24 billion annually, with 3 feet of sea rise. A federal assessment of the increased risks from storm flooding notes Florida among the most vulnerable places. The study stated that the economic tally for Florida accounts for 90% of the potential damage across 6 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
Florida Homeowners
If you’re a Florida homeowner, hurricane preparation will be your number one priority right now. Let’s think about what you can do to keep yourself, your family, and your home protected.
1. Family Preparation
It’s essential to have a hurricane emergency kit with non-perishable foods, water, medicine, and a flashlight with spare batteries. You’ll also need to have your family emergency plan ready.
2. Home Preparation
Bring all outside furniture, barbeques, and bicycles inside, and secure anything loose in your yard to limit the amount of flying debris. Many homeowners install storm shutters or place plywood on their windows or install impact-resistant glass.
During a storm, staying indoors is critical. Secure your pet in a crate. Stay in a room that has no windows in case of flying debris.
3. Staying Alert
Keep monitoring your radio or TV for weather updates or local government evacuation orders. The Storm Aids for Everyone (SAFE) app is a great resource for locating nearby evacuation centers, disaster assistance, and bus pick-ups. You can also use the Storm Surge Planning Zone to determine if your home is in an area at risk for storm surge.
In the Aftermath
After an intense storm or hurricane, it’s often the structural hazards that are most dangerous to people, such as gas leaks, downed power lines, standing water, broken glass, and loose roof tiles.
Once you’ve established that your family and neighbors are safe, inspect your home for damage and assess any losses, keeping in mind that water damage can lead to mold if not properly addressed. It’s wise to take photos that you’ll need later for your insurance claim.
At Jenkins Law PL we’re all too aware of the devastation and chaos that a hurricane can bring because we’re right up there front and center when it comes to battling the insurance company in the aftermath of a storm or hurricane. Jenkins Law PL has helped communities, families, and individuals in Florida – and we can help you, too.
You’ve already taken a beating from a storm, don’t take a beating from the insurance company. Call us to help you get the compensation your home deserves.
