Hurricanes of seasons past and what you should know

If you follow us on Facebook, you know we’ve been posting a #FridayFunFact about hurricanes every Friday since the beginning of hurricane season on June 1. Certainly, as South Floridians the possibility of a storm should never be far from our minds. Although experts have predicted a slow season for 2015, here is a round-up of just a few pressing facts surrounding hurricanes to ensure we remember why it’s so important we be prepared.

Interesting Hurricane Facts You Need To Know

• The deadliest U.S. hurricane on record was a Category 4 storm that hit the island city of Galveston, Texas, on Sept. 8, 1900. Some 8,000 people lost their lives when the island was destroyed by 15-ft waves and 130-mph winds. (source)
• Most hurricanes in North America hit areas near the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. In other words, the warm water of the West Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico create more favorable conditions for hurricanes. (source)
• In 1992, Hurricane Andrew blew across southern Florida at speeds of 140-160 mph (225-258 kph). In fact in terms of property loss, Andrew was one of the worst hurricanes to ever hit North America. The property devastation was massive. Consequently, it wiped out entire communities and people had to rebuild them. Above all, Hurricane Andrew left 50 people dead and caused over $25 billion in damages. (source)
• The Atlantic Ocean’s hurricane season peaks from mid-August to late October and averages five to six hurricanes per year. (source)
• Five of the 10 most costly hurricanes in the U.S. have occurred since 1990. (source) 
• The largest hurricane can be the size of the state of Montana, 600 miles (966 kilometers) wide. (source)
• Three Category 5 hurricanes (the highest category on the hurricane strength scale) have hit the United States since the beginning of the 20th century: the 1935 Florida Keys Labor Day Hurricane, Hurricane Camille in 1969, and Hurricane Andrew in 1992. (source) 
• Hurricanes can form before and after the official, human-imposed start and end dates of the hurricane season. The earliest known hurricane to form in the Atlantic basin was an unnamed one that formed on March 7, 1908 and the latest came on December 31 in 1955. (source)Though we can’t avoid or prevent storms, we can prepare ourselves and our homes. Impact windows and doors provide security and protection for your home. If you want to receive a free quote, call us at 888- 782-8342. The time to get prepared is NOW.

Be sure to Like us on Facebook  and tune in on Fridays for more #FridayFunFacts now through the end of hurricane season on November 30.