2018 Hurricane Preparedness Update

Fortunately, the one thing about a hurricanes is that we now have advanced notice and can be prepared well in advance of an approaching significant hurricane.  This provides us with adequate time to board up our windows, purchase fuel, stock up on groceries and water and do any last minute preparations. However, many people simply wait to the last minute and often times find themselves scrabbling for plywood at Home Depot or Lowes.  It doesn’t have to be this way.

Hurricane and Flood Concerns

There are many concerns that a hurricane brings to South Florida.  Whether it is flooding in areas of Dade-County, Miami, washing away of the beach in Fort Lauderdale or causing structural damage in Palm Beach County we need to take all of these possibilities into account when planning.  The proper planning can make a big difference in protecting both property and wellness.  We often don’t worry about floods causing more than structural damage but floods are actually the cause of many deaths throughout the United States.  Floods cause a mean of 100 deaths every year in the U.S. alone. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do to prevent rising water.  The South Florida Water Management District does all it can to control the tide of flood water. However, there is only so much they can do since there is only so many places you can direct the water. We have all seen the images of other parts of our Country were people have had to take refuge on the roof of their homes.

Loss of Power during Hurricanes

The significant effects of hurricanes are high winds and a lot of rain.  We all see that our power distribution system that is provided by Florida Power Light (FPL) are vulnerable to falling tree.   We have lost power from tropical storms so it isn’t unusual to be without power for a couple days do to a category 2 or greater hurricane.  Call Rapid Construction at 954-324-2390 and ask us about installing a whole house generator. This type of generators have come way down in price and can provide you with continuous power during and more importantly after the hurricane has dissipated.  Being without power when our temperatures can reach 90 plus Fahrenheit can endanger the lives of both humans and pets.  We have unfortunately witnessed the tragic results of people incorrectly wiring their own generators or placing their generators inside their home.  Always remember to place your generator outside your home at least 15 feet from any window, door, or opening that might cause the deadly exhaust to seep into your home.  Again, it is never acceptable to run a generator inside your home or garage!

Flood damage from a storm or hurricane

The very low price of expert flood restoration service is much less than the general price tag of long-term moisture in a building. Don’t let the water sit in your house for long!  Call an expert company like Rapid Construction to remove the water and start the repair process immediately.  You are causing exponentially more damage to your home the longer you let the water rest and “wick” up the walls, furniture, insulation and structural components that will mold or rust.

Hurricane Shutters and Impact Windows

You really only have four choices to protect your windows in South Florida.

1. You can purchase plywood and secure it by screws or nails onto your house.
2. You can purchase hurricane shutters. In general, you must keep in mind that rolling hurricane shutters have the greatest initial cost, but offer the very best protection that can be found on the market. Then let’s look at the entire cost for repairs versus the sum of your insurance deductible. Storm shutters are another means to protect glass windows.
3. You can upgrade your windows to impact windows. We recently did a full review that you can watch here, it was entitled “The Benefits of Impact Windows“.
4. Do nothing and hope that the storm doesn’t damage your house.  We don’t recommend this option!

There are many ways you can prepare your home in advance of a hurricane.  Removing debris or objects that fly into your home is a great start.  We recommend that you talk with your neighbors to see how you can collectively help each other.  We have even issued portable “walkie talkie” two way radios to friends and family in the area so that they could communicate with each other during the storm.  Being able to communicate during the storm is vital and having two way radios is an excellent method of communicating with each other even when cell phone service goes down.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions or recommendations for our upcoming hurricane season.

Thank you,

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53 St, Suite 502
Cooper City, Fl
954-324-2930