Unexpected natural events like hurricanes can be devastating, especially if you live in an area that’s vulnerable to them. They can cause a storm surge and heavy rains and cause widespread destruction as a whole. Leveling an entire town is something that they can do in just a matter of hours and understanding how they can impact your property can mean enough preparations when they come.
You must be ready for them and minimize their damage as much as possible. You should also read about the news, like the hurricane that happened in Galveston in 1900 and the horrors that it brought to the residents. In hindsight, there’s no way to predict the storm surges the damage that would be, and the death toll that had occurred. Learning more about how to prepare for them can help you avoid the destruction that it could bring.
Wind Damage is Considered the Invisible Force
Many homes should prepare for the strong winds that a hurricane can provide. With category 5, where it can exceed 150 miles per hour, a simple object can become a dangerous projectile when things become worse. They are going to rip off the roof, make the shingles fly, break the glass windows, and even open the doors forcefully. When the winds are faster, know that they are going to deliver greater catastrophic damage.
Vulnerable parts like the windows and doors should be reinforced. This is going to prevent the 1900 galveston hurricane deaths where the count came in at a minimum of 6,000 and a maximum of 12,000. To put this into perspective, the death toll for Hurricane Katrina was 1836 and, on that day, the city was completely destroyed. There’s no such thing as overpreparation until the hurricane has passed and if you want to be prepared, you should call the right company for details.
They are going to install everything with secured latches so that the windows will NOT break even if exposed to immense pressure. They won’t also allow any rain or debris to enter and prevent the roof from leaking. It’s going to help you have peace of mind to know that they won’t easily break in the process.
Rain Damage is More than Just Water
Heavy rain is a hallmark of hurricanes and can lead to serious problems if your home isn’t adequately protected. Torrential downpours can last for hours, overwhelming drainage systems and leading to localized flooding. Homes with poor drainage or inadequate waterproofing are particularly at risk, as water can seep into basements, walls, and floors.
Once water finds its way inside, it can cause extensive damage to the structure of the home. Wood can rot, metal components can rust, and electrical systems may short circuit, leading to costly repairs. Mold and mildew can also quickly take hold in damp environments, posing a health risk to the occupants.
To prevent water damage during a hurricane, ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear and properly directed away from the foundation. Sealing windows, doors, and any potential entry points can also help keep water at bay. Homes in flood-prone areas should also consider installing a sump pump and waterproofing the basement.
Water’s Destructive Force through Floods
As a result of prolonged rain, flooding may occur, and it can have devastating consequences. It can damage the furniture, paperwork, electronics, upholstery, and many other things inside the home.
It can also compromise the entire foundation of the home, help mold growth, and ruin other personal effects of the homeowner. They are going to appear rapidly, and when unprepared, the costs of the repairs can be huge. See info about floods on this website.
An insidious component of the flood is that it’s going to require a complete renovation, where a basement or the first flood may need the flooring replaced or the walls torn down. Waterlogged furniture and carpets may also need to be discarded, especially if they are affected by sewage.
Everything can become overwhelming fast enough, especially if you don’t have insurance. If you want to get protected, you might want to invest in a sump pump, waterproofing, and doors that won’t easily give way.
Wall of Water in the Form of Storm Surge
Most people often focus on the rain and wind during a natural disaster. However, a storm surge can often be possible when strong winds are going to push ocean water onto the land areas around you. It’s often possible because there’s a sudden rise in sea levels.
Coastal areas can be soaked in several feet of water, and floods can enter homes, wreaking too much havoc. These forces can wash away structures and vehicles that can result in a path of destruction in the storm’s way. Even homes that are several miles inland can be affected if the surge is particularly powerful. Also, saltwater from the ocean can corrode metal, further weakening a home’s structural integrity.
Minimizing damage will mean making sure to build a home on an elevated foundation. Provide extra barriers with hurricane-proof premium roofing and windows, and homeowners should also familiarize themselves with storm signals if it’s approaching.
Structural Damage Can be Risky
For many homes, hurricanes pose a significant risk of structural failure. When strong winds and intense rains combine, the strain on a building’s foundational elements can be immense. Walls can crack, and floors can buckle under intense pressure, and this is something that needs to be avoided at all costs.
A collapse may be inevitable when this happens, and homes that are not built to hurricane-resistant standards are particularly vulnerable. Lightweight construction materials and buildings with poor maintenance are more likely to suffer structural damage during a hurricane.
It’s essential to invest in reinforcements, such as hurricane straps and braces, which help anchor the roof to the walls and the walls to the foundation. Building codes in hurricane-prone areas often require homes to meet certain standards to withstand these storms, so be compliant with the codes and make sure to call the right builders.
