Storm Season – What Are the Risks?

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Are you and your property prepared for severe weather?

With summertime comes school breaks, outdoor barbecues, and…stormy season.  Northwest Florida experiences more than its fair share of rainy weather, thunderstorms, and severe weather threats during this time of year.  Unfortunately, with stormy weather the possibility of property damage rises.  So, what are some of the most common weather-related culprits of property damage, and how can you, as a home or business owner, prepare for the risks?

Rain, Rain, Rain: While the occasional rain shower is both good and necessary, heavy amounts of rain mixed with additional factors can lead to disaster.  Torrential rainfall can cause flash flooding, heavy rains coupled with high wind gusts can push the water into places where it doesn’t belong, and rainy conditions over an extended amount of time can lead to widespread flood conditions.  When rain is in the forecast, make sure your property is prepared.  Check window and door sills for any cracks or leaks.  Clean out rain gutters to prevent water from backing up onto your roof.  Clear debris from drainage areas to reduce the risk of flooding.

Tornadoes: Thunderstorms have the potential to spawn dangerous tornadoes.  While there is little that can be done to prepare your property from tornado threats, it is important to prepare yourself and loved ones.  Have a designated area within the building to shelter in.  This area should be on the lowest level of the property, away from windows and doors, and as centrally located within the building as possible.  Make sure to have a way to receive weather alerts, so that you can be aware of any tornado watches or warnings in your area.

High Winds: Heavy winds can result in extensive damage to your property.  Make sure your roof is up to building code and utilize hurricane clips if possible.  You may want to consider installing storm shutters on windows.  Before a storm with projected high winds moves into the area, clear any loose limbs, outdoor debris, and patio furniture away: all these things can become projectiles in heavy winds.  Stay away from windows during storms with high winds, as broken glass can pose a serious safety hazard.

As many Floridians are all too aware, these are just a few of the risks associated with storms.  With a higher-than-average 2022 Hurricane Season projected, the time to plan and prepare for severe weather is NOW!  For additional information on thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other weather occurrences, there are many great resources available:

The National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/

The Weather Channel: https://weather.com/

Escambia County Emergency Management: https://myescambia.com/our-services/public-safety/beready.

The National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): https://www.noaa.gov/weather

If severe weather does damage your home or business, remember that SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County is here to help.  We’re proud to be of service to the communities of Pensacola, Century, and Cantonment, and will work diligently to make your property damage “Like it never even happened.”  SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County is just one call away, 24 hours a day: 850-466-3089.