Perhaps no one knows better than Floridians how unpredictable the path of hurricanes can be.
First, it looks like there’s going to be a direct hit and then the hurricane veers off — catching another community off-guard causing devastating impacts from high winds and storm surge.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests a number of actions residents can take well before a hurricane threatens, to help keep themselves and their property safe:
- Elevate or flood-proof heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and/or mechanical units, ductwork, electrical systems and other utilities.
- Install hurricane shutters to protect windows and glass doors.
- Reinforce garage and double-entry doors to prevent failure under wind pressure.
- Check with the local floodplain manager to see if your home needs to be elevated, and if so, by how much.
- Install flood vents in foundation walls, garages and other enclosed areas.
- Use flood-resistant materials in areas of your home below the Base Flood Elevation( BFE). For example, replace carpeting with tiles or use flood-resistant insulation and gypsum wallboard (Sheetrock).
- Anchor any fuel tanks to the floor. Make sure the vents and fill line openings are above the BFE. (This may require approval from your fuel provider.) Fuel tanks can tip over or float, releasing fuels in liquid or gas form creating a fire or explosion hazard.
- Install a backflow valve on your sewer system to prevent sewage backup in your home.
- Add a waterproof veneer to exterior walls to prevent damage from shallow flooding. Seal your basement walls with waterproofing compounds.
- Prune oversized trees and shrubs.
- Keep drains and gutters clear of debris.
Published February 21, 2024
