As hurricane season takes hold in Tampa Bay, many homeowners have taken the time to prepare their properties with shutters, sandbags, and emergency supplies. From reinforcing windows to updating roofing and drainage systems, home renovations have played a significant role in helping residents feel more confident in the face of a potential storm. However, even with these improvements, one of the most challenging decisions remains: whether to shelter in place or evacuate when a storm begins to approach.
Understanding the nature of the storm
The priority is the path and estimated strength of the storm. Not all hurricanes pose the same level of threat. A Category 1 hurricane may be relatively minor in terms of damage, while a Category 4 or 5 hurricane brings massive damage, power outage, and flooding. According to reports from the National Hurricane Center, local television stations, and government warnings, homeowners are best equipped to assess whether the storm will have a severe impact on their area.
If the storm eye is predicted to move through your area, then the danger of wind damage, storm surge, and flooding would be much greater. In this case, the officials may initiate forced or voluntary evacuations. These should be obeyed, even if you possess a well-fortified and recently renovated house that can handle a storm.
Evaluating your home’s location and structure
The physical characteristics of your home and your location are crucial in determining whether it is safe to stay. Houses located in low-lying or flood-prone areas, even those newly renovated, will not be suitable shelters against storm surges. And homes near the coast or inland water bodies are also under a greater danger of water rise.
If you are in a mobile home or a building built before the adoption of current building standards, remaining indoors might not be secure. Alternatively, if your home is adequately retrofitted, that is, with roof bracings, impact-resistant windows, and enhanced drainage, it can be well-prepared to withstand minor storms.
No amount of refurbishment can remove all danger. Household owners must consider not only the design of their own homes but also external features, such as large trees, surrounding water bodies, and the power and communications infrastructure in the neighborhood.
Personal health, family, and preparedness
Your household structure and well-being are also taken into consideration. Evacuating could be the wiser decision if you or a member of your household is a senior, a baby, an individual with special medical needs, or has a pet. Your safe house may be cumbersome or even unsafe when you lack electricity, running water, or a means of getting help in an emergency.
If you are staying behind, stock your home with adequate supplies. These include water, over-the-counter medicines, flashlights, and batteries for a few days. Also, fill up the car ahead of time in case the conditions suddenly shift and you need to leave immediately.
When to follow evacuation orders
Local officials order evacuations after carefully considering a range of information, including wind speed, flood predictions, and infrastructural weaknesses. A mandated evacuation is not a suggestion; it’s a requirement. If you’re told to evacuate your area, it’s time to leave. Voluntary evacuations provide a small amount of room to move, but should not be taken lightly, especially if you have any uncertainty regarding your house’s ability to provide safe refuge.
Exiting early is generally safer than holding back. Roads get congested or blocked before the typhoon arrives. Holding back can limit your options and put you and your loved ones in danger.
Staying informed and making a plan
Whether you are leaving or staying, a good hurricane preparedness plan is wise. Map shelters, routes of exit, and jot down emergency phone numbers. Keep valuables and documents in waterproof bins and keep mobile phones charged in the days and hours leading up to the moment of landfall.
One of the best ways to make good decisions during a hurricane is to remain calm and well-informed. Talk to your neighbors, monitor local news regularly, and refrain from taking any action based on rumors or unverified information.
Your preparation matters
Evacuating or staying put during a hurricane is not a simple decision. It depends on the nature of the storm’s power, the strength of a home’s construction, and your specific situation, as well as that of the members of your household. In the Tampa Bay area, residents have been preparing for home improvement projects to secure their homes. Despite this, going or remaining requires consideration and a thorough understanding of the risk.
If you are considering renovations to prepare your home for future storms, the professionals at Econo-Mike Renovations offer guidance and solutions tailored to Florida’s hurricane-prone conditions. With proper preparation and thoughtful planning, you can better protect your home and loved ones, regardless of what the season brings.
Picture Credit: Depositphotos