When is Hurricane Season in Florida in 2022?
Hurricane season in Miami officially begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th. The peak of hurricane season is typically from mid-August to late October.
During this time, homeowners should take extra care to ensure their homes are prepared for a possible storm.
Will 2022 Be An Active Hurricane Season?
According to the latest predictions Colorado State University, the 2022 hurricane season will be MORE active than normal. The study lists expectations to be "above average" compared to recent years.
According to the university forecast, there will be nine hurricanes, four of which will be major.
What is causing this above-average seasonal outlook? Researchers noted the absence of El Niño. Normally, when El Niño is present in the Pacific, its wind force can break down hurricanes as they form in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
What Does This Mean for Miami Homeowners?
This information means that Miami homeowners should start preparing their homes now. By taking the time to do this now, you can help reduce the amount of damage your home sustains during a hurricane.
Waiting to take safety steps is not a safe idea, according to history. Florida is no stranger to severe weather and hurricanes. In fact, the Sunshine State is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the US.
A Look Back at Recent Hurricanes in Florida
Hurricane Andrew in 1992 is one of the most well-known hurricanes, as it caused over $25.5 billion worth of damages to South Florida. The destructive impact of Hurricane Andrew resulted in Florida establishing stringent building codes throughout the state.
The 2004 hurricane season was also infamous, as hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne caused extensive damage to the state.
In 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida as a Category Four hurricane. The storm caused widespread damage throughout the state, leaving millions of people without power and causing billions of dollars in damage.
Just one year later, in 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall near Panama City Beach as a powerful Category Five hurricane. This was the first time a Category Five hurricane had made landfall in the US since Hurricane Andrew.
Now that you know a little bit more about hurricanes and hurricane season, it's time to start preparing your home. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1) Understand the Types of Hurricane Watches and Warnings
Understanding the various types of watches and warnings during hurricane season is critical, as knowing the differences between these categories of storms is a vital aspect of hurricane safety.
Tropical Storm Watch
A tropical storm watch occurs whenever there is a potential for sustained winds between 39 to 73 MPH within 48 hours. These conditions may create a storm surge or produce coastal or river flooding.
Tropical Storm Warning
A tropical storm warning happens if sustained winds between 39 to 73 MPH are expected to impact an area within 36 areas. Preparing your home in advance against these strong winds is essential to limiting damages.
Hurricane Watch
A hurricane watch is a possibility within a specific area due to the potential of sustained winds of 74 MPH or higher. Preparation is key to hurricane safety, as the NHC will issue a hurricane watch at least 48 hours before it anticipates tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Warning
A hurricane warning is issued whenever sustained winds of 74 MPH or higher can impact a specific area. The NHC will issue a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical-storm-force winds to give you additional time to prepare your home. Following evacuation orders is also essential to maximize your safety.
2) Learn About Storm Surge Zones
One of the deadliest aspects of a hurricane is the significant rise of ocean water pushed onto the shore. One of the primary keys to hurricane safety is to understand your storm surge planning zones.
These zones divide into five categories, which include Zone A, B, C, D, and E.
- Zone A is at the highest risk of a storm surge for Category 1 hurricanes or greater.
- Zone E has the potential for storm surge due to Category 5 storms.
Take time to learn the zones of both you and your loved ones by consulting Florida’s Division of Emergency interactive map.
Being aware of the dangers of hurricanes is the first step in preparing for hurricane season. As a homeowner, you should take the time to understand types of watches and warnings, as well as learn about storm surge zones. This information will help you make informed decisions about evacuation and other safety precautions. Stay safe this hurricane season by being prepared.
3) Know Your Hurricane Categories
As we mentioned earlier, hurricanes are classified into five categories. These categories range from Category One, which has the lowest wind speeds of 74-95 MPH, to Category Five, which has the highest wind speeds of 157 MPH or higher.
While all hurricane categories have the potential to cause catastrophic damage, it’s important to note that the higher the category, the greater the potential for damage.
Knowing which hurricane categories pose the greatest threat to your home will help you better prepare for hurricane season.
4) Have a Safety Plan Ready
If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, it’s also important to have a plan in place in case of evacuation. This plan should include a designated meeting place for your family, as well as a route to safety.
It’s also important to have an emergency kit ready in case you lose power or access to essential supplies. This kit should include items like non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight.
You should also have any important documents, like insurance policies and identification, stored in a waterproof container.
By having a plan and an emergency kit ready, you can minimize the stress of hurricane season and focus on staying safe.
5) Solidify Your Property With Impact Windows and Doors
Another way to prepare your home for hurricane season is to install impact windows and doors. These windows and doors are designed to resist high winds and flying debris, making them an essential part of storm-proofing your home.
If you live in an area that is vulnerable to hurricanes, impact windows and doors can give you peace of mind during the storm.
Installing impact windows and doors is a big investment, but it’s one that can save your home from catastrophic damage.
No Time to Prepare? Quick Hurricane Safety Steps
If you find yourself in the path of a hurricane with no time to prepare, there are still some steps you can take to stay safe.
First, if possible, move to an interior room on the lowest level of your home. This will help protect you from flying debris and high winds.
If you have time, try to bring any loose items inside your home, like lawn furniture or potted plants. These items can become projectiles in high winds and cause damage to your home or injure someone.
You should also close and secure all doors and windows, as well as turn off any utilities.
By following these steps, you can help protect your home and yourself from the worst of the storm.
Family Safety Tips
Safety for you and your family is the number one priority during a hurricane. Always monitoring your radio or television is essential to receive real-time weather updates and additional instructions from public safety officials.
Staying indoors during a storm is critical to your safety, as finding a room with no windows gives you the best protection against flying debris. It is also good to keep an emergency kit nearby that includes non-perishable foods, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
Pet Safety Tips
Planning is the best way to keep your pets safe during a hurricane. Purchasing a carrier or a crate to keep your pets indoors is always smart for hurricane safety. You can also reach out to a veterinarian or a kennel beforehand if you are unable to keep your pets in your home.
Leaving your pets outdoors should be avoided at all costs, as they are most likely to get killed or severely injured during a hurricane. Taking the extra time to create a plan for keeping your pets safe is always well worth the effort.
Dealing With Evacuations
Many times the local government will order an evacuation for areas in the direct path of a hurricane. Checking out the Miami Dade website or the local news station is a great way to receive updates as soon as possible.
Evacuees are often encouraged to stay with friends or family members that live further inland in a non-evacuation area.
Staying at a hurricane evacuation center is another option if you are unable to find shelter elsewhere. Following government guidelines and evacuating as early as possible is essential to your safety and will save you a lot of stress. These evacuations are usually rolled out by zones or partial zones.
Checking out the Storm Surge Planning Zone Finder is the easiest way to determine if your home resides in an area at risk for storm surge. You can also download the Storm Aids for Everyone (SAFE) app to locate nearby evacuation centers, bus pick-us, disaster assistance centers, operational hospitals, and distribution points for food and water.
Making sure your vehicle has plenty of gasoline is a good idea, as gas may not be readily available due to disruptions in the supply chain.
Keeping cash with you is also important, as banks and ATMs may be temporarily closed. Following these simple tips plays a crucial role in making your life easier while keeping stress minimum.
Understanding hurricane safety is essential for anyone living in Florida. An intense hurricane can cause massive damage to homes and property while also threatening human lives. Many times these damages cost billions of dollars while significantly disrupting economic activity.
Following hurricane safety guidelines after the storm is over is critical in keeping you and your family safe. Often, you will still be dealing with structural and environmental hazards due to the destructive force of a hurricane.
Following a few safety tips in mind is always a good idea in helping you stay safe and avoid an accident.
Structural Hazards
Many times the aftermath of a hurricane will create numerous structural hazards. Downed power lines are always a significant safety concern, as reaching out to the local authorities is essential to report these safety hazards.
If you suspect a gas leak, it is critical to turn off the main gas valve, open all of the windows, and leave your home immediately. Report the gas leak to your gas company, and do not go back to your home until told it is safe to return.
A powerful hurricane can also cause significant damage to your roof and windows. Giving your home a thorough inspection is essential to assess the extent of the loss accurately.
Filing an insurance claim and reaching out to a local contractor for repair work is your safest option. However, you should always be aware of scams from out-of-town contractors, as price gouging is an all too common problem for areas impacted by a hurricane.
Environmental Hazards
Understanding the various environmental hazards is also essential to hurricane safety. You should never drive or walk through standing water, as it may be much more profound than it appears and may be contaminated with various chemicals.
Mosquitos are another common problem due to the excessive amount of standing water. Keeping your swimming pool maintained and reducing the amount of standing water around your home is critical in reducing mosquito populations. You should only drink bottled water during the aftermath of a hurricane due to damaged water pipes.
Clean-up Tips
Choosing to wait until daylight is a good idea before you attempt to clean up after a hurricane. You should also take plenty of photos for insurance claims. Wearing protective clothing, such as waterproof gloves, electrical hazard boots, and a hard hat, is essential for your safety.
Looking for signs of water damage and checking out the exterior of your home is vital to assess the damage. The best way to prevent mold growth is to air out your house while also using fans to dry wet areas. You should also make it a priority to disinfect any items that came in contact with floodwater.
Hurricanes are always a fact of life for anyone living in Florida. Staying proactive by preparing for future storms is a great way to keep your family safe.
Let's look at a few ways you can get your home hurricane-ready.
The Evolution of Hurricane-Safe Homes
Architects and designers continue to use innovative ways to keep homes safe against the massive force of a hurricane. These hurricane-safe homes use various designs, such as square or hexagonal floor plans with multiple slopes on a roof for added protection against the strong winds of a hurricane.
An elevated structure on an open foundation also provides additional protection against flooding. Many homes utilize impact glass doors and windows for the ultimate protection against flying projectiles.
Why Invest in Impact Windows and Doors?
There are more basic steps homeowners can take to hurricane-proof homes, such as installing hurricane shutters, bracing garage doors, and reinforcing roofs.
The most feature-rich safety step you can take in 2022 is to look into installing impact windows and doors. Why? They’re required in certain new constructions, they protect against high winds and airborne objects, and they provide an extra layer of security for your home.
Even more than this though is the fact that impact products provide numerous advantages in addition to hurricane protection.
Let's look at a few of these other benefits:
1) Operational Reliability
Impact windows provide reliable longevity in all types of weather conditions. They're also easy to operate and work when you need them most - such as in the case of a fire or other emergency.
You can rest assured that years down the road every piece of an impact window will reliably work, unlike the breakdown that normally occurs with traditional windows.
2) Healthier Homes
Unlike cheaper options, impact windows do not gather moisture and cause condensation. Excess condensation can lead to the growth of mold, which can be harmful to your health.
Condensation is also one of the main reasons why traditional windows break down over time. By preventing condensation, impact windows will not only keep your home healthier but also last much longer.
Impact windows provide asthma sufferers relief by reducing pollen, dust, and other irritants.
3) Stronger Home Security
In Florida, a burglary occurs about every 5 seconds. Most burglaries happen through windows and doors, which is why impact products are a great way to increase your home security.
Impact windows and doors are much more difficult to break than traditional products. They're also fitted with stronger locking mechanisms that make them even more resistant to forced entry.
In addition, impact windows can't be removed from the outside, so even if a burglar does manage to break the glass, they won't be able to enter your home.
This is an important consideration for any Florida homeowner.
4) Exterior Noise Reduction
Impact windows provide a significant reduction in exterior noise. If you live in a high-traffic area or near an airport, this can be a huge benefit.
The thicker glass and tight seal of impact windows create a barrier that significantly reduces the amount of noise that enters your home.
You'll be able to enjoy peace and quiet in your own home, even if the outside world is anything but quiet.
5) UV Ray Filtering
UV rays not only cause damage to your skin but also to your home's interior.
Impact windows filter out harmful UV rays, protecting both you and your home. This can help to prevent fading of furniture, flooring, and other household items.
6) Lower Utility Bills
Because impact windows provide such a tight seal, they also help to keep your home better insulated. This leads to lower utility bills as your home's HVAC system won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
In the summer, you'll be protected from the heat, and in the winter, you'll be protected from the cold. Either way, you'll save money on your energy bills.
7) A More Comfortable Home
Have you ever walked from one end of your home to the other and felt the temperature change? This is a common occurrence in residences with traditional windows. Rooms on the south and west sides of homes get the hottest sun and can end up hotter than other rooms in the home.
Impact windows keep the entire residence at an even temperature, so you'll never have to worry about hot or cold spots again.
8) A More Significant Return on Your Investment
If you're planning on selling your home in the future, impact windows can increase its value. Because they provide such a wide range of benefits, buyers are willing to pay more for a home that has impact products installed.
This means that you'll get a higher return on your investment when it comes time to sell.
There are many reasons to consider impact windows for your home, but this eight are some of the most important. If you're looking for hurricane protection, security, noise reduction, or lower utility bills, impact windows and doors are a great option. They can also add value to your home if you're planning on selling in the future.
Whatever your reason for considering impact windows, be sure to do your research and find a reputable company to install them. A little bit of preparation now can save you a lot of headaches later.
Why Partner With Alco Windows and Doors?
Alco Windows and Doors is a family-owned and operated company based in Miami. We are a small business focused on making every community safe and strong tomorrow by offering the best experience today.
We are proud to be members of the Miami community, and we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our products and services.
Our team of employees has over three decades worth of experience in the industry. We are licensed and insured, and we understand the importance of focusing on safety.
We take pride in always delivering high-quality work, as keeping your business or home safe against a hurricane is our top priority. We are also happy to answer any of your questions and discuss the many advantages of using impact windows and doors.
Your trust in our guidance and know-how unlocks a lifetime of satisfaction.
Your best experience awaits! Schedule a FREE consultation using the form below.
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