THE TRUTH BEHIND COMMON HURRICANE MYTHS
Hurricanes are a significant cause of home damage and loss, accounting for almost 40 percent of catastrophe losses in the United States. And yet, the unfortunate truth is that too many homeowners believe common hurricane myths when protecting their homes and preparing for a storm. Here are the facts about these dangerous tropical systems.
MYTH: YOU ARE SAFE FROM HURRICANES IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN A COASTAL AREA.
FACT: While coastal regions may bear the worst hurricane impact, inland areas are not immune to wind damage and severe flooding from large tropical systems. The effects can often extend hundreds of miles inland, requiring extensive hurricane damage cleanup well away from initial landfall.
MYTH: YOU CAN RIDE OUT A HURRICANE IF YOU LIVE ON THE UPPER FLOORS OF AN APARTMENT OR CONDO BUILDING.
FACT: Seeking higher elevation (also known as "vertical evacuation") is a dangerous idea. Wind speeds increase the higher you go, meaning you're at greater risk for blown-out windows and other wind-related damage. In addition, flooding and damage to lower levels can cause structural instability in taller buildings. If you are ordered to evacuate during a hurricane, seek a safe route out of the storm's path; don't shelter on an upper floor.
MYTH: TAPING AN "X" ON YOUR WINDOWS WILL KEEP THEM FROM BREAKING DURING A HURRICANE.
FACT: This is one of the more prevalent hurricane myths out there. The tape will do little to protect your windows from heavy wind and flying debris during a hurricane. Protect your windows with storm shutters or board windows with plywood if a storm is imminent. Better yet, install hurricane-resistant windows if you live in an area prone to heavy showers.
MYTH: YOU SHOULD CRACK A FEW WINDOWS TO EQUALIZE THE PRESSURE AND PREVENT YOUR HOME FROM EXPLODING.
FACT: This is another dangerous hurricane myth involving the idea that pressure can build up in your home and cause structural failure. Homes are not airtight structures, and it is not possible for pressure to build to this degree inside your home during a storm. Cracking windows increases the possibility of debris damaging your home, so you should keep all doors and windows tightly closed in the event of a hurricane.
MYTH: MY HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE WILL COVER DAMAGE TO MY PROPERTY FROM A HURRICANE.
FACT: Wind damage and flood damage are different regarding homeowners' insurance. Flood insurance is generally a separate policy, so you should talk to your insurance provider to see your coverage type. The last thing you want is to wait until after disaster strikes to find out you need to be covered.
MYTH: IT CAN'T HAPPEN HERE.
FACT: You might think of a place like Florida as the hurricane capital of the U.S., but the truth is major hurricanes can impact anywhere along the East Coast or the Gulf of Mexico – from New England to South Texas. Moreover, the path of a hurricane is notoriously difficult to predict, making it all the more critical that you take the approach of these storms seriously.
Don't fall victim to hurricane myths regarding protecting what matters most. Know how to prepare for a severe storm and follow all official warnings and instructions to keep you, your family, and your home safe. In the event that the unfortunate does happen, contact ServiceMaster Restore at 1-800-RESPOND to help guide you through the process to getting back to normal.