What is Wind Damage – Flood – Storm Surges from Hurricanes

Tropical Storms have winds from 39-73 mph and have the potential to do damage. Hurricane winds range from 75 mph and up. The stronger the winds the higher the category number for a Hurricane.

Category One – 74-95 mph
Damage to mobile homes and manufactured homes that are not anchored, shrubbery, trees, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage. Loss of electricity. Storm surge 4-5 ft

Category Two – 96-110 mph
Damage to possible destruction of mobile homes, manufactured homes, roofs, windows, trees, shrubbery, small craft in unprotected anchorages. Loss of electricity. Storm surge 6-8 ft

Category Three – 111-130 mph
Mobile homes are destroyed. Damage to small residences and utility buildings. Structural damage to homes possible. Flooding well inland very possible. Loss of electricity. Storm surge 9-12 ft

Category Four – 131-155 mph
Extensive damage to loss of curtain wall (an outer covering of a building in which the outer walls are non-structural, used to keep out the weather.) Roof damage to destruction, damage to homes in general, flying debris, flooding, beach erosion. Loss of electricity. Storm surge 13-18 ft

Category Five – 155 mph+
Catastrophic Damage to whatever is in its path. If you do not have to be in a category Five Hurricane, Evacuate! This can cause, Roof destruction, loss of any utility buildings, major flooding to lower floors and all buildings and homes on or near a shoreline. Total destruction to mobile and manufactured homes. Extensive damage to homes and buildings. Flooding. Loss of electricity. Storm surge 18 ft +.  Hurricane Dorian Category 5, reached up to 185 mph with over 200 mph wind gusts over the Bahamas. Taking about the same route as Hurricane Andrew in 1992, this is very scary for all concerned in the Bahamas and Florida Coast.

If you live in a high rise building at the highest floor, you are likely to see more wind damage then on the lower floors, being the wind is stronger at higher levels. Lower levels may experience flooding, depending on the storm surge and category of the hurricane. If you are renting, be sure you have renters’ insurance, your landlord’s insurance may cover the building but not your personal belongings.

Hurricane winds are preceded by Tropical Storm winds and should not be taken lightly. Hurricane force most intense winds are on the right side of the eye wall. The eye wall (the inner circular formation of the hurricane) carries the highest winds and rain surrounding it. If you have the eye of a Hurricane coming over your area, you will experience a lull in the storm. This could be for just a few minutes to more depending on the size of the eye, how many miles across, and you do not want to be outside when the eye passes completely. The winds will pick up again for the other half of the storm.

Check your homeowner’s insurance before a hurricane is near your area to be sure your up to date. Once there is a watch issued binding restrictions take place within the carriers and aren’t lifted until the storm passes.

Flood insurance is not a part of your homeowners insurance coverage, and you will have to purchase it separately and will take 30 days to go into effect. Even if you are not in a flood zone, when there is a hurricane in your area, you will run the risk of possible flooding. Purchasing Flood Insurance would be a good idea before the Hurricane season starts.

Contact Us today for a homeowners and flood insurance questions or quotes at 863-453-3903 or visit our website budgetbirite.com fill out the form and we will have an agent contact you within 24 hours.

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of TipsDave at Pixabay.com

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How To Prepare Your Child for a Hurricane

Hurricanes can be very scary, wind howling, rain, and the possibilities of Tornado’s. We prepare the best we can, keeping a chart of the on coming storm, getting in supplies and making sure there is enough water for the days when there will be no electricity and possibly no drinking water.

Your children should be a part of your preparations. Let them know about how a hurricane works in a basic way they will understand depending on their age and always assure them that they can be safe.

Depending on the strength of the storm and what type of home you live in, you may be required to go to a shelter. Uprooting your kids, and then taking them to an unfamiliar place can be stressful for you and them. Prepare them ahead of time by packing a special suitcase or backpack with their clothes and special toys, coloring books, or stuffed animal they are attached to and let them know they are going to a safe place from the storm. Even if you do not have to leave, you and your children are prepared to go quickly.

If you are staying in your home during a hurricane, let them know that their lives after the hurricane will be different. The TV, video game machines etc, may not be accessible to them because there will be no electricity. Think ahead and have them help you prepare a space in a room, or a table with books, paper, crayons, craft supplies for small projects, puzzles, cards, etc. It would be a good idea to have them do the grocery shopping with you to and have special treats to look forward to. They will also see that shopping for a storm is different then your normal grocery list.

With the storm approaching, ask them if they have any questions about the storm and what fears they may have. Addressing these fears with them and letting them know that you are there for them will be less stress on them.

Is your hurricane insurance coverage up to date? Once there is a Watch issued, binding restrictions take place within the carriers and aren’t lifted until the storm passes.

Call us today to get your questions answered. 863-453-3903 or visit our website budgetbirite.com fill out the form and we will have an agent contact you within 24 hours.

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of 12019 at Pixabay.com