HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE. TIME TO PREPARE!

With Hurricane Season here and going from June 1-November 30 it is never too early to prepare. According to Florida Realtors, experts say there is a big lesson to be learned from 2022. It is to “break out of the habit of obsession over the cone, spaghetti models and the storm’s category, and start focusing on hazards such as storm surge warnings, rainfall flooding and even tornadoes”

UNDERSTANDING HURRICANES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

While the forecast cone shows the likely path of the eye, it does not show the limit of the fury of the storm.

“There is too much emphasis on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. It’s telling you the peak winds anywhere within the storm. But it’s not telling you whether or not those winds are going to impact you. Nor is it telling you anything about the rest of the hazards that come with the storm, namely the water-based hazards, which are historically the killers.” Jamie Rhome, the acting director of the National Hurricane Center said.

We need to pay attention to watches and warnings which is the “primary risk communication tool.”

The NHC (National Hurricane Center) puts out watches 48 hours (about 2 days) before and warnings 36 hours (about 1 and a half days) before.

STORM SURGE: WHAT IS IT?

A storm surge watch or warning should have the same effect on you as a hurricane watch or warning. A storm surge can occur well beyond the “cone.”

As a side note, do you ever wonder why the Gulf of Mexico is prone to higher storm surge than the east coast? The reason is the shallow coastal water just offshore and the pitch of the Gulf of Mexico ocean floor. The water has nowhere to go except sideways to land and with wind it goes further inland.

Historically around half of all hurricane deaths are due to storm surge. “Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water above the predicted tides due to the strong winds of a storm.”

CREATING AN EMERGENCY PLAN: UTILIZING RELIABLE SOURCES

Prepare early and plan ahead is the key to Hurricane Preparedness. Local, state and federal authorities say now is the time to prepare. A valuable resource site is: https://www.scgovnet/emergency-services/hurricanepreparedness-6291

This site provides preparation guides for Homeowners, Business Owners, Medical Dependent, Pets and Farm Animals, Transportation Plan, Disaster Planning Guide in both English and Spanish, Storm Activation Risk, and Disaster Supply Checklist (this is especially helpful). It also lists helpful resource links including FEMA, National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, and more. Under the Emergency Management tab on the left you will find a list of Evacuation Centers.

INSURANCE MANAGEMENT

Now is the time to review your insurance policies and your coverage. Contact your insurance company before an emergency to make sure you are covered if a storm does strike. Flood Insurance is crucial even if you do not live in a flood zone that requires it.

BE PREPARED!

About Diana Fischer

Diana moved to Sarasota in 1990 from New Jersey and started her real estate career in 2008 with Michael Saunders & Company.

She has a background in preparing and negotiating government contracts. Her previous experience also includes the medical field where she developed her listening and human relationship skills which have proved vital in real estate.

She understands that buying or selling a home is one of the most critical decisions people have to make. That is why she feels it is important to listen to concerns and objectives. This enables her to tailor the process to each individual. It is through her dedication, perseverance and compassion that she meets the expectations of customers.

Her designations include GRI and Green. While she loves cooking, entertaining, traveling and reading, her passion is Crossfit.

Interested in buying or selling your home? Contact Diana today!

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