Can You Truly Prepare For a Storm?

The Real Estate Espresso Podcast

Can You Truly Prepare For a Storm?

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Can You Truly Prepare For a Storm? An Inside Look from Victor Menasce

From my recent experiences with Hurricane Milton in Florida to witnessing category four Hurricane Laura’s landfall last year, I, Victor Menasce, have seen first-hand the immense scale of destruction and chaos hurricanes can cause. There are lessons to be learned from each calamity, but one remains constant; effective preparedness for a storm is of paramount importance.

Understanding Storm Vulnerability

Inland municipalities and coastal regions possess unique vulnerabilities during hurricanes. Geographical areas with high water tables, like Central Florida, are especially prone to waterlogging due to their inability to absorb heavy rainfalls. We experienced this during Hurricane Harvey in Houston, where some areas saw upwards of 40 inches of rain, causing major displacement and damage.

Preparation Step	Why
Secure loose materials	These can become dangerous projectiles
Check local Topographic Maps	To take measure of areas most vulnerable to flooding
Carry out an insurance coverage review	If the property is damaged, assistance will be available
Pre-emptive Evacuation	Cliche as it may sound => ‘Better safe than sorry’
Consult with local authorities	Infrequent changes may affect preparations. Local authorities are the best source of information

Observations from Hurricane Laura

During Hurricane Laura last year, we witnessed the extensive damage a Category 4 storm could result in. Despite being 19 miles inland from the coast, the roofs of buildings and houses were torn off, and even large items like recreational vehicles were swept up by the wind causing significant damage to electricity infrastructure.

Hurricane Preparedness Notes

Having witnessed the dire consequences hurricanes bring, I’ve realised the importance of thorough preparation to mitigate the harm they can cause. Soon after learning about the impending hazards of Hurricane Milton, our construction site in Central Florida, located 68 miles inland, swung into action by securing materials onto the ground while also evacuating personnel for their safety.

The Hurricane Milton Experience

The magnitude of Hurricane Milton is so vast that even despite our thorough last-minute preparation, we risk many of our properties. Notably, shipping containers on site not anchored or weighted could be destroyed. The safety of our team is paramount; hence we made the decision to prioritise human life over property. Now, we can only anticipate the aftermath and assess the damages.

Can You Truly Prepare For a Storm?

It remains uncertain if one can completely prepare for a storm. Historical records, like the storm of 1921, show that we’ve continually been victim to Mother Nature’s fury—inescapable and ever-pervasive. Hurricanes show us that thorough planning and forethought months before the storm, paired with efficient use of resources during the last few hours pre-evacuation, can potentially make a difference. Here’s hoping for a safer tomorrow where winds pose no threats, and roofs never have to fly.