Researchers at Colorado State University have predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2022, which is just what we need. Experts expect at least 19 named storms, nine of which will become hurricanes, and four of which will be significant hurricanes with a category 3 or higher intensity.
Florida has been hit by a hurricane within 50 miles of its coast 29 percent of the time between 1880 and 2020, but this year the odds are increasing to 44 percent, which is a significant increase. There will be reduced wind shear in the Atlantic basin when the El Nino cycle weakens and is replaced by a La Nina cycle, according to NOAA.
Make sure there isn’t a gaping hole anywhere in or around your home.
Don’t make the same financial blunders that were made during the last housing bubble.
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Checking your homeowner’s insurance policy is the first step in preparing for the 2017 hurricane season because you need to be sure you’re covered.
I know it’s nearly hard to persuade politicians in Tallahassee to do anything useful, but someone up there needs to address this major issue of tens of thousands of Floridians who risk having their houses damaged by storms this year without insurance or coverage that has reduced.
Many analysts believe that if Florida has a severe hurricane season, the quasi-public-private Citizens Homeowners Insurance scheme will go bankrupt. In order to be eligible for Citizens Insurance, homeowners who have been turned down by the public market must follow a set of specified procedures.
Before the first hurricane watch of the season is posted, verify your insurance coverage and get to work on completing household duties in preparation for the next hurricane season.
Even if you are physically able to do the work yourself, it may be nearly hard to get it done during a watch or warning in this tight labor market. While the weather is still pleasant, you should get your house ready for a storm.
The next step in hurricane season preparation is to remove trees, bushes, and limbs from your property, particularly around the roof area. In Central Florida, dead limbs falling on houses or leaning on roofs cause the majority of hurricane damage.
You don’t have to worry about your roof being ripped apart by a hurricane’s sandpaper-like branches. Water can enter through holes in roofs and decking caused by flying limbs.
After that, check your gutters to see if they are clear and working properly… Having blocked gutters can cause serious damage to your roof if water backs up there. When a French drain system fails, water can back up into a house. To prevent erosion, inspect the termination of downspouts to make sure the correct materials have been used.
Caulk around windows and doors should be checked for any leaks. Water intrusion is a major issue during a hurricane in this region. Caulking around windows and doors is commonly seen as a one-and-done task by homeowners. Check for leaks and redo caulking every year, as caulking will crack and flake over time.
Checking your roof shingles for leaks is a good idea at all times. Pay special attention to the valleys and roof boots. Storm-force winds will break down shingles that have been improperly fastened, glued, or aged.
If your roof is leaking, don’t wait until hurricane season to fix it. In addition, simple fixes like globs of tar or sprays are usually ineffective – call a professional roofer.
Garage doors and locks should also be double-checked. Make sure the locks are firmly engaged, and the doors are plumb, square, and level before the wind begins to pound on them.
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To ensure that garage doors can be raised manually in the event of a power outage, the springs must be appropriately adjusted. In the event of a power outage, you might also want to consider installing a battery-operated garage door opener.
Before the wind starts howling, make sure your home’s generator and supply line are working properly. You can’t get an electrician or a small engine mechanic to tune up your generator or main switch breaker right before a cyclone hits land. In the event of a power loss, make sure your generator is ready to go.
One further thing to keep in mind is that the supply lines for building materials are still severely disrupted, making it difficult and expensive to procure items like plywood, fasteners, tarps, and generators when a hurricane is in the area.
While the weather is nice, gather the supplies you’ll need to keep your house and belongings safe and find a location to store them. This has the potential to be the season’s best idea.
Finally, check your emergency home kit for flashlights, batteries, water, and first-aid items. Stock up on non-perishable food items as well to see you through the winter.
In the event that a hurricane does make landfall in Florida, you should be prepared. Even if a hurricane is on the way, if you have prepared properly, you will be able to focus on safeguarding your family’s health and safety.
