“When is peak hurricane season?” This question looms large for the residents of Florida. It’s a time of heightened vigilance, preparation, and resilience. The Sunshine State is no stranger to the fury hurricanes bring, with its extensive coastline bordering the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts, making it more susceptible to these natural disasters than any other U.S. state. In this blog, we’ll explore the critical aspects of Florida’s hurricane season, including the timing of its peak, from the crucial period between mid-August and mid-October to the essential steps you need to take to ensure the safety of your family and the protection of your property. When is Peak Hurricane Season? Florida’s hurricane season is like a crescendo, building up to a climactic peak around September 10, with the most intense activity occurring from mid-August to mid-October, as the National Hurricane Center reported. While the official hurricane season stretches from June to November, recent years have seen storms forming as early as mid-May around Florida. This warm-up period reminds Floridians to be vigilant and prepared well before the official season starts. It’s crucial to understand that Florida faces more significant hurricane risk during hurricane season than any other U.S. state. Historical data …
Will 2023 Be an Active Hurricane Season? Here’s What to Expect
As we enter the mid part of 2023, many are curious about what lies ahead regarding weather and natural disasters. One pressing question on the minds of meteorologists, researchers, and individuals residing in hurricane-prone regions is, “Will 2023 be an active hurricane season?” The anticipation and concerns surrounding the upcoming hurricane season are rooted in the previous year’s experiences and the complex interplay of various atmospheric factors. In this blog, we will explore the predictions, factors influencing the season, and steps individuals can take to stay prepared. When Is Hurricane Season 2023? The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is rapidly approaching, set to begin on June 1 and extend until November 30. However, this season comes with a heightened level of uncertainty, as experts have identified a developing El Niño and unusually warm conditions in the Atlantic Basin as influential factors. An analysis by Weather.com highlights the abnormal warmth observed in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Southeast U.S. coast, and in the eastern Atlantic during spring. In early April, forecasters kept a close eye on the potential formation of a tropical or subtropical storm in the area, but fortunately, it dissipated without significant impact. April tropical systems are infrequent, with …
Hurricane Ian Damage: Where Was It Worst and How Much Did It Cost?
When Hurricane Ian made landfall last September, its destructive force left a trail of devastation in its wake. After communities endured the impact of this powerful storm, the question on everyone’s mind was, “Where did Hurricane Ian do the most damage?” In this blog post, we will delve into the regions hardest hit by Hurricane Ian, examining the consequences of its landfall and the extent of the damage caused. From shattered structures to the upheaval of lives, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian serves as a stark reminder of the immense power nature can unleash. What Areas Were Damaged By Ian When It Hit Florida? As Hurricane Ian descended upon Florida’s shores, it brought a ferocity that wreaked havoc on the southwest coast. The cities of Sanibel, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers were at the epicenter of the storm’s wrath, bearing the brunt of its catastrophic force. Lee County, encompassing Cape Coral and Fort Myers, suffered immense devastation as floodwaters submerged the area. In the face of such destruction, the Coast Guard heroically conducted rescue operations to save those stranded on rooftops. During a press conference, Governor Ron DeSantis described the situation as “inundated and devastated,” a grim testament to the …
Hurricane Preparedness for Pets: 5 Things to Do Before the Next Storm
Watch out; a hurricane is coming for your pets! What is hurricane preparedness for pets? Hurricanes are terrifying–there’s nothing that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up like seeing the news reporting the path of a hurricane coming straight for us. So keeping your pet carrier ready to go when needed can provide some peace of mind even if you’re just on standby during a storm. Whether you have farm animals or small, cuddly furballs at home, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have backup plans for when storms are at their worst. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite hurricane prep tips for you and your furry friends! What Is Hurricane Preparedness For Pets? If you’re like most pet owners, you probably think of your furry friend as your best friend. But what if a hurricane hits your area? That’s why hurricane preparedness for pets is imperative for your pets and yourself. Whether you plan on boarding your pet or taking them where you go, ensure that they are safe and in the care of someone reputable. There are limited options for shelters that allow animals during natural disasters, so ensure your …
Hurricane Preparation Tips
Hurricane season is upon us so keep these tips on hand to make sure you’re prepared. General Hurricane Preparation Tips: Fill Ziploc-type plastic bags ¾ full of water and stuff them in every corner of your freezer. You want them to freeze while you have electricity. It might take a couple of days for them to freeze. Nothing is lost if you don’t get the storm. Fill up with gas Get cash Fill your prescriptions Wash your clothes and dishes Take photos of every room and the outside of your house. Upload them to the cloud, or email them to yourself in Gmail, Hotmail, etc. Also take photographs of important papers, ID cards, the information in your wallet and contact information. Upload or email those photos as well. Get a rabbit-ears type TV antenna so you can watch TV if the cable goes out. Try it out now. The antennas are cheap, and the TV is free. Gather up toys and games and put them in one place. In case you have to leave home, you will want them to keep the kids entertained. Know if you are in an evacuation zone. Contact your county emergency management office online or …
Does Your Insurance Policy Cover Your Roof? It Depends…
Here in Miami, we all probably know someone who has had to deal with the insurance companies over storm damage to their home. As we recently saw on Wednesday, August 2, even a relatively small weather system like Tropical Storm Emily (technically downgraded to a tropical depression at that point) can cause major damage. As the forecast is showing, we’re not done with hurricane season quite yet. Not even close, since forecasters are expecting an very active season as the waters warm up. Not surprisingly, one of the questions I get asked most often as an attorney whose cases often revolve around storm damage is “does my insurance cover damage that my roof sustains during a storm?” In fact, because the roof is susceptible to damage from high winds, hail, lightning strikes, and falling debris, one of my primary jobs as an attorney who handles insurance litigation is to get the insurance companies to cover the costs of various types of damage. You’d be surprised by what they try to get away with (or maybe not; they’re insurance companies, after all). While I’d like to be able to tell every single person who has asked me this question, “yes, your …
My Insurance Company Won’t Pay…Now What? How to Prepare for a Claim Denial
With the stormy season upon us here in Miami, the likelihood that you will need to file an insurance claim for damage caused by a hurricane or thunderstorm go up by the day. Insurance is supposed to give you peace of mind, and for that reason, any of your claims that get denied by the insurance company are all the more infuriating. It’s a common enough story. In the past 15 years, insurance companies have paid out more than $450 billion for damage done to property that is covered under their policies. Now that the numbers are in, those companies are trying to minimize their losses by looking for more ways to deny policyholders’ claims. Whether by finding legal loopholes or by simply rewriting policies to contain more claim exclusions, your insurance company has the advantage when it comes to winning a legal battle. What that means for policyholders is a repair bill that could lead to bankruptcy. Instead of being caught off guard when your insurance company refuses to repair your property after the next big storm, use these tips to get prepared: Document Your Property With today’s technology, it is so easy to document your property for insurance …