Hurricane Season: Are You Prepared?

By David Culbreth, Senior Transitions Specialist, Realtor, SRES

Not only am I realtor, one that specializes in seniors real estate and senior transitions, I am also a weather geek and the son of an Air Force weatherman. Call me crazy but I love a good storm and find hurricanes fascinating. One thing I have leaned over the decades, severe weather, especially hurricanes, is not something to take lightly. Be Prepared!

As hurricane season approaches, experts are urging coastal residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their property. With climate change potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of storms, hurricane preparedness is more critical than ever.

“We’re seeing a trend towards more powerful hurricanes in recent years,” says Dr. Amanda Chen, a meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center. “It’s absolutely vital that people in hurricane-prone areas have a plan in place well before a storm threatens.”

Understanding Hurricane Risks
Hurricanes pose multiple threats, including destructive winds, storm surge flooding, and inland flooding from heavy rainfall. Storm surge—the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm—is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. It can cause catastrophic damage along the coast, with water level rising as much as 20 feet or more.

Inland areas are not immune to hurricane dangers. As Hurricane Harvey demonstrated in 2017, slow-moving storms can dump prodigious amounts of rain, leading to widespread flooding far from the coast. Harvey dropped more than 60 inches of rain in parts of Texas, causing $125 billion in damage.

“People tend to focus on wind speeds, but water is responsible for nearly 90% of hurricane-related deaths,” notes Chen. “It’s crucial to understand your local flood risks and evacuation routes.”

Creating a Hurricane Plan
Emergency management officials recommend that all residents in hurricane-prone areas develop a comprehensive hurricane plan. This should include:
1. Knowing your evacuation zone and route
2. Preparing an emergency kit with at least 3 days of supplies
3. Reviewing insurance policies and documenting valuables
4. Identifying a safe room or storm shelter location
5. Having a communication plan for family members
6. Preparing for extended power outages

“Don’t wait until a hurricane is bearing down to figure out what you’re going to do,” advises Mark Thompson, director of emergency services for Wilmington, North Carolina. “By that point, supplies may be scarce and roads congested. A little preparation now can make a huge difference later.”

Emergency Kit Essentials
A well-stocked emergency kit is crucial for riding out a hurricane or its aftermath. Key items include:
• One gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Cash and important documents in a waterproof container
• Pet supplies if applicable

“Think about what you’d need if you had to evacuate quickly or if you were without power and running water for several days,” says Thompson. “Having these supplies ready to go can reduce stress and ensure your basic needs are met.”

Protecting Your Property
While personal safety should always be the top priority, there are also steps homeowners can take to minimize property damage:
• Trim trees and shrubs to make them more wind resistant
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts
• Reinforce garage doors
• Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and anything else that could become projectiles
• Install storm shutters or prepare plywood to cover windows
• Review insurance policies and consider flood insurance

“Many of these measures are relatively inexpensive but can prevent thousands of dollars in damage,” says Chen. “Flood insurance in particular is crucial, as standard homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage.”

The Importance of Heeding Warnings
Despite improvements in hurricane forecasting and preparedness, some residents still choose to ignore evacuation orders and other warnings. This can put both themselves and first responders at risk.

“We understand the desire to protect property, but no possession is worth risking your life,” emphasizes Thompson. “When officials issue an evacuation order, it’s because they have strong evidence that staying put could be extremely dangerous.”

Chen adds that even if a storm weakens before landfall, the threats can remain severe. “A Category 2 hurricane can still produce life-threatening storm surge and inland flooding. It’s important to focus on the specific hazards for your area, not just the category.”

Climate Change and Future Hurricane Seasons
While individual storms can’t be directly attributed to climate change, there is growing evidence that warming oceans are fueling more intense hurricanes. A 2020 study found that the likelihood of a hurricane developing into a Category 3 or stronger storm has increased about 8% per decade since 1979.

“We’re seeing hurricanes intensify more rapidly and maintain their strength for longer periods over land,” explains Chen. “This means coastal and inland communities alike need to be increasingly prepared for extreme impacts.”

As the climate continues to warm, experts stress the importance of not only preparing for each hurricane season but also taking steps to mitigate long-term risks. This includes supporting resilient infrastructure, preserving natural flood buffers like wetlands, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Hurricane preparedness isn’t just about boarding up windows anymore,” concludes Thompson. “It’s about building communities that can withstand the storms of both today and tomorrow. That requires ongoing effort from individuals, local governments, and society as a whole.”

With another active hurricane season predicted, now is the time for coastal residents to review and update their hurricane plans. By taking proactive steps and heeding official warnings, communities can work together to weather whatever storms may come.

Culbreth & Co Senior Transitions

352-322-2105 | www.culbrethandco.com