THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 29, 1995 TAG: 9504270273
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARY ELLEN MILES, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: Long : 128 lines
Remember that vivid scene in ``The Wizard of Oz'' where the house soared into the air spinning?
Well, with hurricane season just a couple months away, proper planning and preparation can enhance your home's and family's security, hopefully restricting such a scene to the movies.
A hurricane is an intense tropical weather system that has a well defined spiral pattern and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.
Hurricane season is officially June 1 through the end of November. But, ``the unofficial season for our area is August through October,'' says Jim Talbot, deputy emergency services coordinator for the City of Norfolk.
One of our region's most significant hurricanes struck Norfolk in October 1749. Fifteen-foot tidal surges washed up 800 acres of sand, forming most of what is known as Willoughby Spit, where 30,000 people now reside.
Hurricanes, however, are renown for their destructive, not creative, capabilities. Hampton Roads' last direct hit was in 1933. Flooding in Norfolk caused heavy damage. Non-direct hits in 1944 and 1954 caused damage from powerful, 100-plus mph winds.
Hurricane Gloria in 1985 was our last close call. ``It appears that the East Coast has hurricane cycles,'' Talbot says, ``and we haven't been in a cycle in several years. The longer we go without one, the closer we get to the next one.''
At one time or another, we have all heard ``This is a Test of the Emergency Broadcast System'' on the news and radio. We are then informed that in the event of a real emergency, we are to ``stay tuned.''
When listening or watching news of an approaching storm, we have also heard the terms ``hurricane watch'' and ``hurricane warning.'' A hurricane watch means that a storm could be 36 hours away - time to prepare your family and property.
Be ready to act immediately if a hurricane warning is issued. Dangerous conditions are likely within 24 hours. In that case, make storm preparations and evacuate if told to do so by city officials.
Houses constructed on a beach or in a low lying coastal area (especially if not built to code), as well as mobile homes, are the most likely to be affected.
James Witt, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, wrote in ``The Official Guide for Hurricane Preparedness'' to ``be aware that property damage and financial losses from hurricanes can be reduced if you take prudent mitigation measures.
``Build out of harm's way to avoid the full impact of the storm surge,'' the guide advises. ``Elevate the living areas, utilities, appliances, heating and air-conditioning equipment to floors above the protection level. Buy flood insurance too, to cover losses you may sustain despite protective measures.''
Hurricanes may cause extensive flooding far inland, as well as along the coastline. Flood insurance can be a valuable asset. Flood damage will not be covered by a standard homeowner's policy.
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew caused extensive damage in southern Florida, with winds surging in excess of 175 mph. It was the most expensive hurricane in U.S. history to date. After the disaster, destroyed houses were examined and compared to those that remained standing.
The following four weak points were identified: the roof, doors, windows and garage door. They should be examined before hurricane season.
The roof: The force of a hurricane-force wind pushes against the outside of a house and moves along the roof to exterior walls and the foundation. When wind energy isn't properly moved to the ground, a house can be demolished. Gabled roofs are built with manufactured trusses, which are often not held in place firmly during a hurricane.
Inspect the bracing through your attic; truss bracing may be necessary. Galvanized metal hurricane straps can be used to assist in holding the roof to the walls with any roof type. However, they may need to be professionally installed.
Doors: A house's protective shell is made up of the exterior walls, windows and doors. If the shell is penetrated, high winds can put pressure on the roof and walls, diminishing their strength and blowing them out. Doors can be strengthened by storm or plywood shutters.
If any doors have windows, additional protection will be necessary. Double entry doors may need reinforcing bolt kits specifically designed for your type of door.
Windows: Cover all windows, skylights, sliding glass and French doors. As with doors, an easy and effective method of protection is storm or plywood shutters, which can be installed on all types of houses.
Garage doors: Double-wide garage doors are more vulnerable. Wind pressure will cause the doors to vacillate and they may jump off their tracks or collapse from the pressure. Many of these doors can be reinforced; retrofit kits are available, which brace each panel horizontally. Stronger end and center supports can be purchased, as well as heavier hinges.
Temporary measures or structural improvements mostly likely will make your home more durable during a hurricane, although it is never certain which houses will survive.
For more extensive information regarding home protection from hurricane wind damage, contact a local building professional or building supply retailer.
Prior to weather satellites, there was very little accuracy in predicting the path of an approaching storm. Weather satellites allow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hurricane Center in Dade County, Fla., to alert the public of possible storm threats to their area in a more precise and timely manner.
These warnings, combined with the efforts of local officials and media, have greatly diminished hurricane fatalities; however, the storms will continue to cause extensive property damage from wind and flooding.
How about designating May as your family's annual hurricane preparation month? It's a good idea to have your essentials in a convenient and safe location which is known to all family members.
Some of the necessary items should include flashlights or lanterns (candles present a fire hazard), fire extinguisher, non-perishable food (which should actually be replaced every six months), non-electric can opener (remember those hand-held levers?), bottled water for people and pets (this should also be replaced after about six months), blankets, first-aid kit, and a battery operated radio (with extra batteries).
You could also determine which emergency shelter is closest to your home; gather emergency information from agencies like your local Red Cross or office of emergency management; discuss and practice your family's emergency plan; obtain the materials to properly secure your house; and cut loose limbs from trees.
We cannot prevent a hurricane, but we can do our part to protect our loved ones and our property. ILLUSTRATION: File photos
Hurricane Gloria caused major flooding in this North Carolina
coastal town in 1985. The best protection for this hazard is flood
insurance.
The best defense against falling tree limbs is timely trimming
before a storm arrives.
by CNB