With the first named storm of the season just officially behind us many of us up here in Florida are breathing a sigh of relief.If you were wondering what to do if that track would have brought the storm closer to home than you’re not alone.Thousands of homeowners likely had the same questions.
If you thought you’d just run out and get some plywood to protect your home or business than you might have been taking a huge risk.Although popular, plywood doesn’t offer the protection that most homeowners wish for.It can warp when it becomes wet and it shouldn’t be used for an opening larger than 4’ x 8’, like some doorways.Even ½” thick plywood can be penetrated causing glass to break and the home to be compromised.Furthermore, insurance companies won’t count plywood as storm protection.That means no insurance discounts for wind mitigation.
Sure there are some advantages to plywood.It’s relatively cheap, although it needs to be replaced more often than real shutters, and it can be installed by most homeowners.Here is another problem though, many homeowners don’t install it correctly (not anchored properly).Along with that plywood can be heavy and hard to move and if there are any second floor openings, it becomes difficult and dangerous to install.Even the perceived advantages are not all that great.
Before it’s too late check out the options for real storm protection.It is probably cheaper than you think and in the long run can save you money as you collect insurance discounts and preserve your biggest investment.Look here for detailed descriptions of our storm protection products: http://www.coastalstormshutters.com/products.htm
Many people understand that hurricane shutters are installed to protect their home or business.While some shutters do this by preventing the glass in a window from being broken; others do it by forming a tight seal if the window is compromised.This gets us to the real reason for hurricane shutters.Protecting the integrity of the whole building or house by preventing a pressure difference between inside the structure and outside.If this is not done it can lead to the roof of the structure being degraded to the point it comes off.
So how does a consumer know if their shutters can help protect their home or business from this type of catastrophic damage?Well Florida has some the toughest building codes in the country when it comes to external hurricane protection materials.A product is “rated” if it passes a series of independent tests that meet very high protection standards.This system is known as TAS and if a product passes this testing it can be used in a Florida HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone).
These tests are used to determine if a product can withstand impacts both large and small, wind and water.Not all products are rated and a consumer doesn’t just have to take their contractor’s word that a product is rated either.Consumers can look up products here: http://www.floridabuilding.org/c/default.aspx
Just click on the product approval section, fill in a few boxes about the product you are looking for and it will tell you if it’s indeed rated and approved for use.
Consumers should ask their contractor if they are using rated products.Besides piece of mind for the consumer this could translate into potential insurance discounts too.Most insurers will not offer mitigation discount if the storm protection has not been rated and approved.Here at Coastal Storm Shutters all our storm protection products meet this standard and offer you the best protection options for your biggest investment.
Although we all hope the day never comes, odds are we will have to evacuate for a storm at some point while living along Florida’s beautiful coasts.Scenes of past evacuations on the news make it seem like complete chaos, but it doesn’t need to be that way.The theme in all of our preparation stories has been to have a plan; why wouldn’t you have an evacuation plan too?
The first step is to determine if you live in a mandatory evacuation zone.There are several resources for this and I’ve linked them all here.
Even if you are not in a mandatory evacuation zone you still may want to leave the area.Remember evacuation zones are designated based on storm surge not winds.
So if you want to get out of town you’ll need to plan a few things.It’s essential to be flexible since the evacuation route will be determined based on path of the storm.Have a couple destinations picked out ahead of any storm.
Next build a list of hotels, hospitals, restaurants, pet shelters etc. for each location.That will speed up the process of getting settled into your evacuation location.Have the phone numbers for each of those establishments included on the list.
If a storm is approaching and you expect an evacuation try to make any reservations as you need before you leave.That way you are assured a spot at your desired location.Remember to be flexible, if hotels are full move to your plan B.
Make sure you have a full tank of gas and maybe even a spare gas can that is full before you depart.There will be little time to stop and gas becomes a scarce resource when an evacuation order is issued.
Now that you’ve successfully evacuated you can begin the next phase of the operation.You’ll have to plan on recovery.Again, have a plan on what you are going to do once you return to your property.There could be no power so plan on ways to live without it for at least 3 days.Also have phone numbers for you insurance company, bank, doctor and place of employment handy.These organizations and people will want to know the status of you and your property.
Last but not least, go into the recovery phase expecting some damage.Have a list of local contractors to call that can be there to begin repairs.Here at Vanderheyden Inc.we are not just there at the beginning of a storm,we are there for you after as well.There are not many companies like ours that offer before and after storm services.In fact this is where a lot of good people go wrong, they’ve planned all the way up to the storm but failed to have a recovery plan.They then fall victim to fly-by-nite operations that come in after a storm to try to make a quick dollar.Use a reputable local company like Vanderheyden Inc.’s Coastal Storm Shutters to protect your property today!
It’s just a week away!The 2010 Hurricane season is almost here and are you ready!Sure you may have your shutters ready, have your flood insurance, wind insurance and maybe even an evacuation plan but are you ready?
This week’s hurricane prep tip can be summed up pretty easily:have a plan.Just as you prepare your property for a potential storm you need to be prepared too.First, not every storm we get here causes us to evacuate.In this case you’ll need to have a storm kit assembled.It should include at a minimum: food, water, flashlights, batteries, radio and a first aid kit.There are many suggestions for a personal survival kit and you can check them out at www.coastalstormshutters.com.
This topic goes beyond the basic survival needs though.You should have accurate and up to date important papers stored in a lockable fire and waterproof safe, preferably one that’s easy to move.These records should include passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses etc.Having these documents safe will give you piece of mind and help reestablish your life after a disaster.
Along the same lines, if you have any property you’re protecting then you probably want to inventory it.It will help any claims process go a bit smoother if you can prove to the insurance adjuster what exactly you had.A good tip here is to be sure to take photo’s or video of high value items to actually display what condition they were in before the event. Once the inventory is complete store that in the safe too.
Taking these simple steps can help you recover quickly after a storm and give you piece of mind during the season.As always stay tuned as our next topic covers evacuation planning.
Fortunately most hurricanes and tropical storms give us some advanced warning.A lot can be done to the property you own to minimize any potential damage that the approaching storm may cause.
First make sure you pick up and store inside any loose items around your property.This includes lawn ornaments, children’s toys, patio furniture, grills etc.If an item is too big to be put away (like a trampoline) secure it in some way.A trampoline can be flipped over and sand bags placed on top to hold it down. Sheds for instance can be cargo strapped shut to help them maintain their integrity.This important step can save a lot of headache down the road as any of the above items can quickly become debris in a storm.
Next, prepare your home for the approaching storm.Make sure that you cover any openings or vulnerable areas on your home.The windstorm mitigation report talked about in our last discussion should help you identify these potential vulnerable areas.If you need some ideas before storm season is upon us check out http://www.coastalstormshutters.com/products.htm for valuable information.
Most people understand that they need to take these steps in order to protect their investments.However, what most people fail to account for is the amount of time needed to prepare.If a storm threatens, preparation should start immediately.That way no corners are cut and you’re not outside trying to secure the property when you should be evacuating.Keep checking back as we discuss this topic more and get into some preparation tips for yourself and family as well.
Let’s face it, living in Florida especially along the coast puts homeowners at increased risk from the effects of a hurricane or tropical storm.It is a fact of life here, but it doesn’t mean there is nothing that can be done about it.
Homeowners new and experienced need to know that the first step in adequately protecting your home is first finding out what needs protecting.That is where a wind mitigation inspection comes in.In our opinion every homeowner who has a home that requires a windstorm policy needs to have this done.
Although the name may sound intimidating all a windstorm mitigation inspection is, is a closer look at your property to see how it is currently constructed and where it could be made stronger.
A windstorm mitigation inspection can help you prioritize what needs to be reinforced in and around your home.It will allow you as the homeowner to see where the most vulnerable portions of your home are and tell you how to prepare those areas to have a higher chance of surviving a storm.
The biggest benefit to having a windstorm mitigation inspection comes down to money.Sometimes just having the inspection done can cut your insurance premium.If the suggestions detailed in the inspection are followed up on, then the potential savings grows.Check out this link to see how much some protection to your home could save you: http://www.floridadisaster.org/mitdb/index.cfm.
Lastly,who you choose to conduct a windstorm mitigation inspection can be just as important as the inspection itself.Homeowners should choose someone that is licensed and has the proper background to make the correct recommendations.Here at Coastal Storm Shutters we pride ourselves on being a one stop shop for all your hurricane protection needs and we believe that it starts with a thorough mitigation inspection.Give us a call today at 850-936-7300 or visit us on the web at http://www.coastalstormshutters.com/index.htm
While not officially over (just think Tropical Storm Ida), the 2009 hurricane season is winding down. When we all gather with friends and family this holiday season I hope most of you share our thoughts and give thanks for being spared a major storm this year! Though it is nice to have a break, the time in-between offical storm seasons should be used wisely. This is a great time to take stock and see what you can improve for your home or business in regards to storm protection. Here at Vanderheyden Inc. we have plenty of products to help you to prepare for next season. So, enjoy the holiday season but be sure to prepare ahead of time for the next go around.
So there is a storm approaching and you’ve got to get the wheels in motion for the hurricane evacuation plan. Are you sure you’ve included everyone in the plan? Pets are part of the family too. Did you know that 44% of the people that stayed behind in New Orleans during Katrina did so because of a pet? That’s astounding; it also means there were a lot of people without a plan. Just because you have a dog, cat, bird or lizard doesn’t mean there is not shelter available. Check out this website to get up to date information for pet friendly shelters in you county;
September is time to prepare, the Feds think so too. September is the 6th annual National Preparedness Month; a multi-agency effort to increase awareness. In conjunction with the National effort, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has declared September as Florida Preparedness Month as well.
So what does this all mean to citizens of Florida. Well, there are some useful websites out there now that aid in organizing, preparing and responding to potential disasters. They are good resources to have since most people tend to plan last minute.
