Hurricanes are natural, catastrophic events that cannot be prevented. However, residents living along coastal areas can take steps to protect themselves and their properties from these powerful storms. Hurricane season requires that property owners prepare well in advance of the anticipated storms.
When is Hurricane Season in the Alexandria, VA & Washington D.C. Areas?
In order to prepare for hurricanes in 2021, it is critical to know when the hurricane season starts. The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1 and runs through November 30. Hurricanes develop in the Atlantic basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.
While hurricanes are primarily expected during the six months of hurricane season, enormous storm systems can develop outside of this annual time frame. Frequency is also anticipated; in the Atlantic basin, hurricanes are known to occur, on average, twelve times per year.
How can a Hurricane Impact my Home?
Individuals residing along the coast are likely familiar with the threats of hurricanes. A storm can unleash sustained winds that reach 74 miles per hour. When it does, the result is a hurricane. A hurricane can fall into one of five categories, depending on its maximum sustained winds.
When a hurricane hits the coast, significant damage can occur. Natural environments along the coast are impacted. Large amounts of beach sand are shifted, and boulders are displaced by the surges of ocean water. Trees topple, and flooding occurs in low-lying areas.
Hurricanes have the potential to cause equally devastating destruction to coastal towns. When the storm moves toward the coastline, sea levels may rise as much as 20 to 30 feet. Storm winds heave ocean water toward the land. Storm surges are the result of the rising water.
Storm surges are powerful enough to demolish structures, such as homes, docks, and roads. Beaches are significantly eroded. During periods of high tide, storm surges create excessive flooding. Although a hurricane that reaches inland typically weakens, it can still cause immense destruction.
How Should I Prepare for Hurricane Season?
The waves of physical destruction are what coastal area residents must prepare for. The best time to prepare is before hurricane season starts. Early preparation leads to less stress during the height of hurricane season and reduced damage to residential and business properties.
1. Develop an Evacuation Plan
Creating an evacuation plan is key to a successful evacuation, upon the event that officials declare one in the wake of a major storm. Evacuation instructions must not be ignored. Local government officials provide critical information about local shelters for both families and pets.
2. Create an Emergency Supply Kit
Emergency supplies support individuals through the storm. Rather than rush to the store during a hurricane, keep important nonperishables on hand. Candles, batteries, and matches are necessary supplies. A flashlight, basic tools, and materials for emergency home repairs (i.e., plywood, heavy plastic sheeting) are also helpful.
Store a three-day supply of drinking water and food that does not require cooking along with the emergency supplies. Include prescription drugs and a first aid kit. Residents will need to stay updated on weather conditions, so a portable NOAA weather radio is recommended.
3. Take Important Documents
If ordered to evacuate, homeowners should take with them an inventory of personal property. A home inventory is helpful for insurance purposes. The document accelerates claims processes, is necessary to apply for disaster aid, and verifies losses for income tax purposes.
4. Shield the Property
Protecting a home or business is equally important and is ideally done in stages. Property owners are advised to cut weak tree branches that could tumble onto the building. Protect windows by installing storm shutters; alternately, nail plywood to window frames before an anticipated storm.
Ensure any sliding doors are constructed with tempered glass. During the storm, cover the sliding doors with plywood or shutters. Sliding doors are more susceptible to wind damage than other types of doors. The garage door should be approved for impact protection and wind pressure.
Water from the hurricane can easily penetrate building structures. Prevent water intrusions by sealing vents, outdoor electrical outlets, and areas where cables and pipes extend through the walls. Boats hitched to a trailer should be securely anchored to the ground.
How to Stay Safe After a Hurricane?
Storm damage can be severe from hurricane force winds and rain, see what to do after storm damage happens to your Alexandria, VA or Washington D.C. home
Once the hurricane has passed, residents must continue to take safety measures. If roads are flooded, do not drive through them. Be aware that the disaster may cause stressful emotions, such as grief and worry. Cope with these natural feelings and help both the family and community recover.
Storm damage must be repaired immediately, since the water is quickly absorbed into porous materials and spreads. Prevent further destruction to your home or business by working with a reputable and local storm damage restoration company, such as ServiceMaster NCR.
Our highly skilled crews use advanced equipment to extract all excess moisture from your property. High-tech tools we use include infrared cameras that detect concealed moisture and air quality testing equipment. Our powerful dehumidifiers thoroughly and quickly dry out the property.
ServiceMaster NCR provides comprehensive storm damage restoration. This means we perform flood damage cleanup as well as structural repairs to damaged areas. Our specialists also clean up large debris from the property.
As experienced flood damage cleanup experts, ServiceMaster NCR is equipped to restore water damaged buildings of all sizes. Whether your water damage is minor, such as an HVAC leak, or major, such as several office buildings under water, we are prepared to restore your property.
Storm damage is an emergency that requires prompt, professional attention. ServiceMaster NCR is based locally, so we respond within minutes to water damaged homes and businesses in Alexandria, Virginia, and the Washington DC areas. Contact ServiceMaster NCR for reliable storm damage restoration today.
