Weather can be unpredictable. One minute, you’re sunbathing in the garden, and the next, you’re facing the fierce winds and torrential rain of a severe storm. The aftermath can be equally unpredictable, from broken windows to flooded basements. Understanding these issues can prepare homeowners for recovery and prevention.
The Unwelcomed Water: Flooded Basements
Water, while essential for life, can become a formidable foe when it finds its way into places it shouldn’t. Basements, being the lowest part of a house, are vulnerable to storm damage.
Causes of Basement Flooding
Heavy rainfall: Even well-constructed homes can suffer from water seepage if the downpour is persistent.
Poor drainage: Clogged gutters or improperly sloped landscapes can divert water towards your home.
Sump pump failures: These devices, designed to remove accumulated water, can malfunction or become overwhelmed.
Coping Strategies
Water removal: Using submersible pumps or wet vacuums can help remove standing water.
Drying out: Industrial fans or dehumidifiers can expedite the drying process.
Check foundations: Regularly inspect your foundation for cracks and seal any that are found.
The Unexpected Openings: Broken Windows
The saying might go ‘people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones’, but sometimes, the stones come uninvited. Broken windows are a common result of stormy weather.
Reasons Windows Break
Flying debris: High winds can toss around unsecured items, turning them into projectiles.
Pressure changes: Severe weather events, like tornadoes, can cause rapid pressure changes, shattering windows.
Aging frames: Over time, frames can weaken, making windows more susceptible to breakage.
What to Do Post-Breakage
Safety first: Wear gloves, and carefully remove large shards. Use a broom for smaller pieces.
Temporary patch: Use plywood or heavy-duty plastic to seal the opening until repairs can be made.
Assess damage: Before replacing the window, ensure structural damage isn’t the root cause.
The Road to Recovery
Dealing with the aftermath of a storm isn’t just about cleaning up; it’s also about planning ahead.
Insurances: Check your homeowner’s policy. Many cover storm damages, which can alleviate financial strains.
Professional help: Sometimes DIY isn’t enough. Consider hiring professionals for extensive damages.
Preventative measures: Think long-term. Reinforce windows, install sump pumps, and ensure your landscape directs water away from your home.
Preparing for the Next Storm
Nobody enjoys dealing with the mess after a storm, but preparation can make the aftermath more manageable and prevent certain damages. Here’s how you can armor your home against the unpredictable.
Protecting Your Beloved Basement
We’ve already mentioned flooded basements, but what about preventative steps to keep the water at bay?
Install a Backwater Valve
Function: This device prevents municipal sewage lines from backing up into your home’s outlets.
Benefits: Not only can it prevent basement flooding, but it also stops sewage from entering your home.
Elevate Appliances
Up and away: Keep appliances like washers, dryers, and heaters above potential water levels.
Use cinder blocks: This cost-effective method can lift your appliances several inches off the ground, providing an extra layer of protection.
Fortifying Windows and Doors
While broken windows are a concern, don’t forget about your doors!
Strengthening with Film
Film benefits: Safety and security films can hold shattered glass together, minimizing the risk of injury.
Easy application: These films are adhesive and can be applied to existing windows and glass doors.
Storm Shutters: Not Just for Looks
Protection in layers: Shutters offer an added layer of protection against flying debris.
Varieties: From roll-down shutters to storm panels, there’s a type to suit every home and budget.
Safeguarding the Home Exterior
Your home’s exterior can be a point of vulnerability. Here’s how to bolster its defenses.
Secure Loose Items
Potential projectiles: Unsecured items like garden tools or patio furniture can cause damage during storms.
Storage solutions: Consider investing in a sturdy shed or storage bins.
Check the Roof
Regular inspections: Schedule annual roof inspections to check for weak points or potential leaks.
Gutter maintenance: Clean gutters and downspouts ensure water flows away from your home, reducing the risk of flooding.
Landscaping as a Defense Tool
The right landscaping choices can do more than beautify your home. They can also serve as barriers against storm damage.
Plant Wisely
Tree placement: Ensure trees are planted away from the house. Falling branches can cause significant damage.
Root consideration: Some tree species have invasive root systems that can harm your home’s foundation.
Ground Coverage
Use of ground covers: Plants like creeping juniper can prevent soil erosion.
Functional and aesthetic: Well-placed plants can safeguard your home while enhancing its curb appeal.
Emergency Kits: Always Be Prepared
No matter how well you prepare your home, it’s essential to prepare your family too.
Essentials for a Storm Kit
Basic supplies: Think water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and batteries.
Medical needs: A first-aid kit, along with any essential medications.
Important documents: Keep copies of insurance policies, identification, and medical records in a waterproof container.
Communication Plan
Stay connected: Ensure all family members know how to get in touch if separated.
Safe places: Designate safe meetup points both inside and outside your home.
While the wrath of nature can be fierce and unforgiving, homeowners aren’t entirely at its mercy. By taking proactive steps – from landscaping choices to securing windows – households can reduce potential dangers and ensure the safety of their homes and loved ones. Storms might be inevitable, but with preparation, their devastating effects don’t have to be.
If you have suffered damage to your home as the result of a storm, contact Storm Damage today. With decades of experience, our team of legal professionals, claims consultants, and contractors are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. We know how important your home is, and our mission is to ensure that claims are paid out swiftly so you can repair your living space and go back to living comfortably as quickly as possible.
We’re here to help – there are no costs or obligations involved in getting a consultation. No matter what damage you’ve suffered or issues you might have encountered with your insurance company, get in touch for support and advice today.
Find us at: 200 Lake Morton Drive, Suite 300, Lakeland, FL 33801.
Call us today for a free consultation on (833) 941-7867.
Losing one’s home in a natural disaster like a hurricane, flood, or wildfire can be emotionally devastating. For many people, their home is far more than just a physical structure – it is intimately tied to their sense of security, identity, and community. When a disaster suddenly wrecks or washes away everything in an instant, it can leave people feeling shocked, grief-stricken, and completely uprooted.
Survivors often describe the loss of their home as similar to losing a loved one. Seeing all their possessions destroyed and having to start over with nothing is deeply traumatizing. The home may have been in their family for generations or filled with irreplaceable mementos that embody their memories and relationships. Losing this en masse is a painful bereavement process. Even if they can rebuild, the new home will never fully replace what was lost.
Financial Hardship Compounds Emotional Loss
Adding to the emotional loss is the sudden financial hardship of losing one’s home. Most people invest a huge portion of their net worth into their home through down payments, mortgage payments, remodeling, etc. To have this massive investment literally washed away overnight leaves many homeowners reeling and worrying about their financial security.
If they did not have flood or hurricane insurance, the financial loss can be utterly catastrophic. Paying for temporary housing, replacing possessions, and eventually rebuilding will place an enormous financial strain on families. Some may go deeply into debt or never fully financially recover. This compounds the grief of losing their home with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future.
Disruption of Community Bonds and Stability
A home is more than just four walls – it is part of a community of friends, family, neighbors, and memories. When whole neighborhoods are leveled by disasters, this can fracture or dissolve the close social bonds that took years to develop.
Seeing the community landscape permanently altered is deeply unsettling on an emotional level. Knowing that neighbors have moved away and that the familiar rhythms of community life have been disrupted can exacerbate feelings of loss and loneliness. The stability and social roots that were tied to a home can be washed away just as tangibly as the physical structures.
Short and Long-Term Mental Health Impacts
Coping with such sudden and traumatic loss often has significant short and long-term mental health impacts. Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances are common after disasters. The extreme stress and uncertainty about the future can be emotionally exhausting.
Sometimes the mental health impact is not felt until months or years later, after the flurry of initial recovery efforts have ended. Lingering depression may sink in when survivors realize how much they lost that can never fully be restored. Sadness from losing aspects of their identity and community roots may resurface for years to come. Counseling and mental health support are crucial for helping disaster victims process their grief.
Work with Us to Expedite Property Loss Claims
Natural disasters can wreck more than just physical structures – they can fracture a profound sense of home, community, and security. Beyond just replacing possessions, recovery requires carefully rebuilding stability, purpose, and social bonds. The true losses after a disaster are not just material, but deeply emotional and psychological.
Working with our experienced team can help your insurance claim get resolved faster, so you can move on from this terrible event.
Visit our office at 200 Lake Morton Drive, Suite 300, Lakeland, FL 33801.
Or call us today for a free consultation on (833) 941-7867.
Mother Nature brings real beauty into the world, but she’s also a cruel mistress who wreaks havoc and racks up a considerable death toll amidst a hurricane’s wrath. These devastating storms have left communities broken but united by a common cause. Some of the most memorable hurricanes today include Hurricane Katrina, which took the lives of 1,833 people and caused around $434 billion worth of economic damage. Throughout this article, we discuss the ten worst hurricanes in US history.
Hurricane Galveston
The Great Galveston Hurricane, which took place in 1900, was the deadliest natural disaster in US history. Hitting Galveston, Texas on September 8th, 1900, this Category 4 hurricane brought winds of up to 140mph and a storm surge of up to 15 feet.
The exact number of deaths isn’t known, but it’s estimated to be between 6,000 and 12,000, with most of the deaths caused by drowning. The storm destroyed 3,600 buildings and led to around $30 million in damage, which is $900 million today.
Hurricane Galveston is a significant event because it changed the way the US prepared for and responded to natural disasters. In particular, it led to the creation of the United States Weather Bureau, which is designed to provide more accurate warnings for hurricanes and other devastating natural events.
Great Miami Hurricane
The Great Miami Hurricane swept through the greater Miami area in 1926 and caused around $100 million (1.5 billion today) in damage. Killing around 372 people, this hurricane was the deadliest in Florida’s history.
After destroying thousands of businesses and homes, which left many homeowners without a roof, the city of Miami introduced stricter building regulations and started to invest in sturdier flood and storm defenses.
Okeechobee Hurricane
The Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928 killed around 2,500 people and became one of the deadliest in US history. Causing landfall near Palm Beach, Florida, on September 16th, 1928, this Category 4 hurricane brought winds of up to 145mph and submerged the areas around Lake Okeechobee.
As well as leaving the community in tatters, the storm destroyed millions of dollars in livestock and crops, which had a lasting impact on the agricultural industry of Florida. The aftermath prompted stronger levees and other flood defenses around the lake to help safeguard the area from future devastation.
Labor Day Hurricane
The Labor Day Hurricane, which was Category 5, hit the Florida Keys on September 2, 1935, with winds of 185mph. The storm killed at least 485 people, including 259 World War I veterans working on a relief project to build railway extensions within the Keys.
The damage to local businesses and residents came to around $6 million at the time (around $90 million today). Even though the Labor Day Hurricane will never be forgotten, the majority of businesses impacted by the storm are now open and thriving. However, opening times are different for restaurants and bars.
Hurricane Camille
Hurricane Camille was another Category 5 event that caused winds of up to 190mph. Hitting Pass Christian, Mississippi on August 17th, 1969, the storm left much of coastal Mississippi and Alabama underwater.
Camille left a path of destruction along the Gulf Coast as it decimated thousands of homes and businesses, which led to the untimely deaths of 250 people. The estimated damage totaled around $1.4 billion ($11 billion today).
Hurricane Agnes
In 1972, the Florida Panhandle was hit by a Category 3 hurricane named Hurricane Agnes. The storm moved inland and caused mass flooding across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US. Agnes killed 122 people, which is much less than other hurricanes, but it was the most expensive in terms of damages ($21.7 billion today).
The rainfall that came with Hurricane Agnes led the Susquehanna River to reach its highest-ever level, and it was a serious wake-up call for the US government, which worked hard to strengthen defenses in the area.
Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Andrew, which was classified as Category 5, hit Homestead, Florida in 1992 and smashed through the area leaving $26.5 billion of damage behind. The death toll reached around 65 people in the US and 25 in the Bahamas.
Andrew’s aftermath saw 250,000 people left homeless and thousands of businesses laid to waste. As well as Florida, areas of Louisiana and stretches of the Gulf Coast were also impacted. This hurricane led to the National Hurricane’s adoption of the Hurricane Andrew Forecasting model, which tracks and more accurately predicts the intensity of hurricanes.
Hurricane Katrina
Just five years into the new millennium, Hurricane Katrina made land near Buras, Louisiana. This Category 5 beast led to the deaths of 1,833 people in the US and 128 in the Bahamas. The damage ripped through Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama and caused around $125 billion ($175 billion today) in damage.
Katrina’s winds reached speeds of 175mph, and the storm surge reached 28 feet in certain areas. Alongside the tragic death toll, Hurricane Katrina caused extensive damage to the infrastructure of southern Mississippi and Louisiana.
Hurricane Ike
2008 brought along another devastating hurricane to Galveston, Texas. Hurricane Ike was a Category 4 Hurricane that became the third most expensive in US history, with the damage totaling $24.9 billion ($33.6 billion today). Including 74 deaths in Haiti, Ike took the lives of 195 people.
With winds up 140mph and a storm surge of 18 feet, the storm caused extensive damage throughout Texas, Louisiana, and parts of the Caribbean and Bahamas. Further, more than 1 million people were forced to leave their homes, and thousands were left homeless.
Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria made landfall on Dominica island on September 18th, 2017, before sweeping across Puerto Rico two days later. There were an estimated 2,975-4,635 deaths and damage equating to $91.6 billion ($100 billion today).
Millions of people across Puerto Rico were left without power, and many people lost their homes for many months to years.
If you or your loved ones have been impacted by a hurricane, you can seek compensation for damages.
Visit our office at 200 Lake Morton Drive, Suite 300, Lakeland, FL 33801.
Or call us today for a free consultation on (833) 941-7867.
Living on the coast is something that many people only dream of. The ocean a beautiful slice of nature that can be incredibly relaxing and soothing to live nearby. But for all its beauty, the coast can also prove dangerous. Storms can be very common, and while only a fraction will be strong, that’s all it takes to create significant damage to properties. If you’re a coastal homeowner who wants to take all the steps possible to protect their properties from storm damage, here are a few steps worth taking.
Ensure Doors and Windows are Reinforced
One of the most important and basic steps to take is to reinforce all doors, windows and garage doors. Storm shutters are a great example, as well as impact-resistant windows and heavy-duty deadbolts on doors. It may seem like overkill, but should a storm occur, you’ll be glad you took the extra steps.
Regularly Inspect Your Roof
Roofs often suffer the most damage during a storm, which is why you want to maintain its condition. Do regular visual inspections of your roof looking for wear and tear, loose shingles, bare spots, buckling and more. Any issues should be repaired immediately, as they can compromise the integrity of the roof.
Don’t Leave Loose Items and Furniture Outdoors
If you know a storm is approaching, be sure to bring all loose items and furniture indoors. The wind can easily pick these items up and turn them into dangerous projectiles during the storm. If you have a shed for these items, ensure it is secure and won’t move about.
HVAC Systems Should Have Metal Tie-Down Straps
Just as outdoor furniture can become a projectile during a storm, so too can an HVAC system. There is an easy fix for this problem: simply install metal tie-down straps. This will prevent the unit from moving as long as it’s done correctly.
Cut Down Low-Hanging Branches and Those Close to Your House
Homeowners that have large trees on their property will want to be sure they stay groomed. Any low-hanging branches or those too close to the home should be cut off so as not to cause damage.
Get Professional Help – Ensure Things Go Smoothly
Whether you took the protective steps or not, unfortunately, storm damage can still occur. Storms can be incredibly powerful weather events and even with all the best protective steps, there is still no guarantee. If your property has sustained damage thanks to a storm, it can be extremely stressful and you may be wondering what steps you need to take.
We encourage you to contact us at Storm Damage to help you through the process. We are made up of claim consultants, contractors and attorneys who can provide you with valuable information and assistance to help you resolve your claim. Our website was created to act as a resource, giving you links and information to everything you may need after your home suffers from storm damage. It even provides definitions of common terms.
You can visit us in person at 200 Lake Morton Drive, Suite 300, Lakeland, FL 33801.
If you’d rather, you can call us today for a free consultation on (833) 941-7867.
Let us at Storm Damage provide you with the guidance and information you need during this trying time.
Cat 5 hurricanes are extremely serious events when they happen, but they are thankfully rare. In fact, there have only ever been four recorded hurricanes that have hit land of this level in the entire living history of the USA. These storms are intense and extremely dangerous, threatening life, infrastructure, and well-being every time one comes to pass.
The First Cat 5 Hurricane in Florida
The very first incident of a Cat 5 hurricane landed in Florida in 1935. Known as the Labor Day hurricane, its devastation was felt rippling through the state and it touched thousands of residents. There were over 400 fatalities as a result of the 185MPH winds and there were more than 40 miles of destruction recorded at the time.
The Most Recent Cat 5 Event
Florida did not see another extreme weather event that ranked as highly as a Cat 5 until late 2018 when Hurricane Michael came to pass. Wind speeds did not quite match the Labor Day hurricane event, but they were still catastrophic and registered at around 160MPH. There were at least eight deaths as a direct result of this storm and the devastation was felt all over the state. Hurricane Andrew, which occurred in 1992, was briefly registered as a Cat 5 when it first landed in Florida but was downgraded as it traveled across the state. This too caused intense levels of destruction and chaos.
What Makes a Cat 5 Hurricane?
There are five different categories when it comes to ranking hurricane severity. Cat 5 is the most serious, and Cat 1 is the least serious, but still a significant weather event under any circumstances. To rank as a Cat 5, the wind must be registered at over 157 MPH. This reach causes untold destruction and is extremely dangerous to human life. It can tear down buildings and disrupt basic infrastructure systems like electricity, internet connections, gas mains, and more.
Why Is Florida Vulnerable to Hurricanes?
Though there have only been a handful of the highest-ranking hurricanes, Florida has experienced more than its fair share of less serious weather events of this nature as well. There have been over one hundred recorded incidents since official records began back in the 1800s, and each one of them has brought unique consequences and turmoil to the state and its residents. While Floridians may be well versed in hurricanes, it doesn’t make dealing with this type of event any easier should it come to pass. So, what makes this state so vulnerable?
Location
The simple, most straightforward answer is because of its location. Florida is situated in the Gulf of Mexico, close to the Caribbean. It has a warm climate and ocean and sees action from the heat-intensive African winds as well. All of this adds up to the perfect conditions for hurricanes to form over the Atlantic and make their way inland.
The Coastline
The size of Florida’s coastline means it is an easy target for hurricanes to land. There are two clear points of entry for the winds to gain momentum including the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, both of which cover over 1,000 miles in terms of coastline up and down the state.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane Event
If you live in Florida state, you will be no stranger to hurricane preparation. There are smart moves, but doing anything is better than just standing around and waiting for a weather event to hit. A lack of preparation increases the chance of property damage, injury, and even loss of life. So, it makes sense to dive into the process with open arms and get your life ready for the worst just in case. Cat 5 hurricanes are amongst the rarest in the world, but Florida has seen most of them come and go right on their doorstep.
Have a Hurricane Plan
The best thing you can do is have some kind of plan in place for when a hurricane warning is announced. There are dedicated channels for this type of thing, and these should always be watched closely just in case something sinister is coming. A plan should include what you are going to do when the warning is cast and how you will prepare your house if you opt to stay put until the storm passes.
Evacuation Measures
Get to know where the nearest official shelter is and make sure you know how you would get there with enough provisions in a serious weather event. Take precautionary measures to plan for flash flooding, because it is easier than you may realize to get trapped inland by flood water.
Prepare Provisions
It is also wise to have a stash of provisions in case of a storm. This should always include batteries, water, first aid, flashlights, portable chargers, extra clothing, non-perishable food items, sleeping equipment, and spare fuel to cover all the bases. Some people choose to take this further and invest in things like a generator and gas-powered cooking equipment for if (or when) the power goes out.
Take Care of Your House
It is impossible to lift your house up and move it away from the hurricane, so you have to get it ready instead. This includes putting shutters or similar on all of your windows, tying down any garden equipment, and securing the parameters wherever possible. Any tall trees in close proximity should be tended to, and it is wise to invest in a protective cover for your vehicle as well. Make sure any safe room you have built is fully equipped and in a safe enough location too.
How Common Are Cat 5 Hurricanes in Florida?
Thankfully, not very. However, Florida is the state most at risk of this kind of weather event, so it is best to be prepared at all times.
Storm Damage is the expert when it comes to all things hurricanes. We understand the devastation such an event can cause to homes and lives, and the team is here to help. Find our contact information below and get in touch if you need further legal input.
Visit our office here, 200 Lake Morton Drive, Suite 300, Lakeland, FL 33801.
Call us today for a free consultation on (833) 941-7867.