Hurricane Myths and Facts
On average, there are 10.1 named storms every hurricane season. Of these, 5.9 become hurricanes. The typical year will see 2.5 hurricanes. Over the past few years, hurricanes have been increasing in intensity and frequency. Down here in South Florida, we recognize how destructive and powerful these storms can be. We remember Charley, Ivan, and Andrew. As part of our service to you, we want you to know the fundamentals of how to deal with a hurricane. Read below to inform yourself about common hurricane myths and facts.
Fact: Hurricanes Cause a Lot of Damage
You should take hurricanes very seriously. Katrina was responsible for 1200 deaths. The 1900 Galveston Hurricane, which had 145 mph winds at landfall, may have been responsible for the deaths of 12,000 people, and caused deaths as far north as New York and Canada.
Hurricane Matthew, which rocked the Caribbean and the US in 2016, caused $15.09 billion worth of damage. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew brought about $26.5 billion of damage. New Orleans and the area were totally devastated by Hurricane Katrina, as the terrible storm caused $108 billion in damages.
Myth: The Wind is the Deadliest Part of the Storm
When one pictures a news report of a hurricane, it is easy to imagine some poor weatherman holding on to his hat while a stop sign flies by in the background. Hurricane Harvey had 1-minute sustained windspeeds of 130 mph.
While this is a factor that one ought to be concerned about, the wind is by no means the most dangerous facet of a hurricane. Most of the damage done by hurricanes is done by water, not wind. The storm surge from Katrina was 28 feet high. It was the water, not the wind, which broke the levees of New Orleans. Florida has a high-water table, and a vast amount of fresh water. The fresh water contributes to the water level of the flood.
Fact: You Need to Protect Your Windows
The glass of your windows is extremely fragile. You need to protect them. If you have shudders for your windows, you need to use them. Should you not have them, you can put planks over your windows so as to protect them from flying projectiles. All windows and glass doors should be protected against high winds and objects soaring through the air.
Some people believe that you should open windows to alleviate the pressure that hurricanes cause. This is completely false. Never open a window during a hurricane. You also need to protect all sides of your house, not just the side facing the hurricane.
Myth: Mandatory Evacuations Are Only For Certain People
Mandatory evacuations are for everyone. If you do not leave during a mandatory evacuation, you are taking an incredible risk. It does not matter if you live in the sturdiest home ever built, or reside in a trailer home. When the mandatory evacuation order comes, you need to get out.
There is a considerable amount of information online concerning how and when to evacuate. When you need to know which routes to take and where to go, consult your local government’s website. They will have info on how to get out. Now that you’ve read about hurricane myths and facts, you can inform yourself about the best protection we offer.
If you have any questions about how to protect your windows, call the experts at ASPWindows. We will give you the information you need to know. Contact us at 1-888-782-8342.
