Over the past few years, Florida has seen an increase in the number of storms and hurricanes it experiences every season. In fact, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2020 was one of the most active hurricane seasons thus far. And sadly, things don’t seem to slow down, as recent forecasts are warning Floridians about another active season in 2021. But is there any reason to worry? And more importantly, what should you do to prepare your family and your home?
Florida and Hurricanes
As previously mentioned, Florida has a long history of dealing with severe storms and hurricanes. However, recently, the hurricane season has become more dangerous than ever, with at least one hurricane happening every year. To put things into perspective, some of the deadliest hurricanes occurred in the past five years. One example is Hurricane Irma, which took the lives of over 80 people and devastated Florida in 2018.
The 2021 Forecast
Although people were hoping to catch a break after last year’s record-breaking hurricane season, multiple forecasts are warning Florida residents. According to the Colorado State University, Florida will experience 17 named storms and eight hurricanes in 2021. That number is staggering, especially since scientists believe that at least four Category 3 and above hurricanes will hit Florida this year. If those predictions come true, 2021 will surpass the national average in terms of both named storms and hurricanes.
Preparing for the Worst
If you live in the Florida area, you are already familiar with the damage that hurricanes can bring. However, most people fail to understand that their roof is what protects both themselves and their families. As a result, it is essential that you prepare your house before things get out of hand. And while you might believe that your house is ready for anything, the following tips can still prove helpful:
- Check Your Roof: It’s important to check your roof for any signs of damage before the next storm hits. We suggest looking for the obvious but also look for curled or missing shingles, as well as dents. Otherwise, you might be dealing with flooding and permanent structural damage.
- Trim Nearby Trees: Trim any tree branches near the house and roof. Also remove any dead trees. The strong winds of a hurricane can cause nearby tree branches to puncture your roof. If that happens during a hurricane, it will be almost impossible to fix the damage in time.
- Clear Drains, Gutters and look for repairs needed: Gutters allow water to drain from your roof, preventing infiltration and floodings. Failing to clear your gutters and draining system will increase the probability of water entering your house. The most common damage you’ll see includes torn screens, and loose weather-stripping. Also look for any dents in them.
The Bottom Line
Overall, understanding the dangers of storms and hurricanes is essential when living in a high-risk area such as Florida. Whether you brace yourself for Ida, Julian, or any other named storm, preparation is key. Therefore, getting in touch with a local contractor seems like the best way to protect your home from hurricane damage.
With a history that dates back to 1980, Tadlock Roofing is one of the most experienced roofing companies in the Florida area. You can count on our team to handle your roofing project with the utmost professionalism. So why waste any more of your time? Call us now and let us help you prepare for this years hurricane season.
