The latest hurricane season comes to a close next month, though no hurricanes have yet struck the Sunshine State thus far.
That being said, it’s always important to prepare for a hurricane, as Florida is prone to strong storms that can bring intense flooding.
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According to the National Hurricane Center, this storm surge — water pushed toward the shore by strong winds — is considered the leading cause of death from hurricanes.
One of the more prominent examples in recent memory is Hurricane Ian, which claimed the lives of over 60 people in Florida back in 2022 — most of whom died due to storm surge.
Of these, 12 were attributed to freshwater flooding in Central Florida, eight were listed as marine deaths, and one other person died from rough surf.
It may not be much of a surprise, then, that larger storms produce higher surge, thanks in large part to stronger winds and a greater area of impact.
And with water weighing roughly 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, a continued push by high levels of storm surge can demolish buildings and threaten people’s lives.
[RELATED: What is storm surge and why is it so dangerous?]
“Storm surge can even travel up rivers and canals, reaching well inland from the coastline,” NHC officials wrote.
The danger that sudden flooding poses has been well-documented, such as with Hurricane Katrina, which left at least 1,500 people dead — largely as a result of storm surge.
Factors like wind speed, angle of approach, coastline shape, ocean width and more can make storm surge more dangerous, though FEMA offers tips to protect yourself and your property.
- Elevate your home — Keeping the lowest floor of your home above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) can keep your home safe and potentially lower your flood insurance premium.
- Reinforce your garage door — Buying a reinforced garage door or installing bracing kits can keep water out of your home.
- Protect windows and doors — Storm shutters and high-impact glass can keep glass from breaking during a storm.
- Secure objects outside — Bring items like lawn furniture and potted plants inside so they don’t get swept away by floodwaters.
- Remove damaged trees and limbs — Be sure to trim or get rid of damaged trees regularly to avoid them falling during storm surge. Homes should also be kept a full-grown tree’s height away from the base of any tree.
- Use flood-resistant materials — Flood-resistant insulation, drywall, and floor coverings like tile will help mitigate damage and can be easier to clean.
- Elevate appliances and utilities — Keep water heaters, washers, dryers and electric panels on higher floors to prevent them from getting damaged during a potential flood.
- Have a plan — Create an emergency plan and practice it regularly. When a storm approaches, evacuate and move your car to higher ground; just 2 feet of water can move a vehicle.