Minimizing Windstorm Damage
In many of the neighborhoods worst hit by Hurricane Charley, newer homes stand relatively unscathed amid the neighborhood destruction.  These homes clearly demonstrate the value of the new 2002 Florida building codes that were strengthened based on lessons from Hurricane Andrew. 

For all homes, and especially for those built prior to the new code, there are a number of actions you can take to increase the odds your property can withstand major wind damage in future storms.  Experts generally divide recommendations into discussions on shuttering windows, strengthening the roof, securing exterior doors, protecting garage doors, and strapping the roof and foundation.  They also point out the need to reinforce the locations where sheds, pool cages, or other external structures attach to your home. 

Of course, retrofitting your home for improved safety does cost money, but it can have dramatic benefits should a storm hit our area.  Also, under new Florida legislation, many windstorm protection measures can result in significant annual insurance savings on your homeowner’s policy. 

The websites below provide specific windstorm mitigation information. 

·          Institute for Business and Home Safety – Hurricane Retrofit Guide:
        www.ibhs.org/publications/view.asp?id=128

·          Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – Wind Retrofit Guide:
        www.blueprintforsafety.org/homeowner/windretrofit/windretrofit.html 

·           FEMA hurricane information:
        www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/
(From this site you can download the brochure “Against the Wind:  Protecting Your Home from Hurricane and Wind Damage” as well as a brochure on dealing with flood damage.) 

·          State of Florida wind insurance incentives:
        www.dca.state.fl.us/fhcd/mitdb/index.cfm 

Storm Surge Considerations
Before Hurricane Charley arrived, emergency management officials were very concerned about potential storm surge flooding in our area.  Because of the path and speed of the storm, Charley didn’t cause flooding, but the threat remains with any future storms.  According to FEMA flood zone maps, almost all of our area could be subject to hurricane surge flooding. 

Do you know your home’s elevation and whether it exceeds the expected storm surge heights in your area?  For Charlotte County residents, information on both of those topics is available by going to the Charlotte County Geographic Information website (www.ccgis.com) and looking up the details for your property address. 

If you find that your property may be subject to storm surge, the Institute for Business and Home Safety, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, and FEMA websites, referenced in the earlier windstorm discussion, all have sections that address flood mitigation techniques. 

Also, remember that storm surge damage is not covered by your  homeowner’s or windstorm insurance.  Instead, a separate flood insurance policy is required.  If you haven’t done so recently, you may want to contact your insurance agent to review all of your storm-related insurance policies.