Florida is home to the ForumForensics team and the state with the most recorded hurricane landfalls in theUnited States. In fact, Florida is number one on the National Hurricane Center's List, with over 113 hurricanes recorded since 1851. Based on personal experience, it is safe to say the Forum Forensics team are hurricane inspection experts. Not only do we regularly provide service in the most hurricane-prone state, but we are licensed in the following states that also made the list forfrequent hurricanes:

•  Texas  
• Louisiana
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Alabama
• Georgia  
• Mississippi
• New York  
• Virginia  

The Forum Forensics team thoroughly understands a hurricane's destructive characteristics, the damage they leave behind, and what our friends and neighbors can do to protect themselves and their families, as detailed below.

What is a Hurricane

       Hurricanes are tropical storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean at speeds of at least 119 kilometers (74 miles) per hour. Hurricanes comprise three parts within the rotative structure: the calm eye in the center, the eyewall where the winds and the rain are the strongest, and the rain bands on the outskirts of the storm that determine the size of the hurricane. The exterior rain bands can also contain extreme straight-line winds or small tornadoes. 

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One advantage of a hurricane versus other natural disasters is longer forecast time to prepare to minimize damage and save human lives.  Hurricanes are classified into five categories using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.  The Saffir-Simpson scale is based explicitly on wind speeds that inform the public of the severity.  Categories 3-5 are classified as significant storms with wind speeds ranging from 111 mph to 157 mph.

The Saffir-Simpson scale does not consider other hazardous occurrences that typically happen with these storms, such as storm surge,flooding, rainfall, rip currents, and tornadoes.  Whether the hurricane is labeled as dangerous category 1 or catastrophic category 5, the conditions are still life-threatening, and the damage left behind is devastating.  

Hurricane Damage

In many cases, after a major storm, many places are left uninhabitable from days to months, depending on the region's location and the storm's strength. Coastal cities are vulnerable to storm surges with swells up to 20 feet and can be completely leveled. Through the years, these storms have left behind about $1.1 trillion in damages, with an average of about $20.5 billion per event, according to NOAA.  

During a major hurricane, the energy is equivalent to 10 atomic bombs. It can last up to two weeks over openwater and a few hours inland. The damages typically left behind from these storms include:  

• Down Power Lines
• Flooding or Water Intrusion
• Wind Borne Debris
• Roof and siding damages
• Uprooted trees
• Soil erosion

Taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the damage to your property and keep you and your loved ones safe in the case of an approaching storm.

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‍Preparedness

No one can predict nature, and hurricanes can catch people off guard even with advanced warning systems. The question in the weather forecast is always where the eyewall will make landfall, as this area will be susceptible to the most damage. If you receive news that a hurricane's path could come your way, taking preventative action, preparing for the worst, and in some circumstances evacuation is essential. Some ways to protect your property are:  

• Board up windows with plywood, storm panels, or hurricane shutters.
• Fabric panels over windows to deflect small debris.
• Anchor your roof with hurricane straps.
• Reduce the risk of flooding by creating barriers.  
• Secure the garage door from high winds.  
• Cut weak branches or trees.  
• Seal any outside window or door openings.

Most property damage associated with hurricanes is due to water intrusion by storm surges or failed structural entry points. Aside from proactively strengthening your home, knowing your hurricane risk, making an emergency plan, and gathering essential supplies is vital.

What to do After a Hurricane?

After a severe storm, further hazards can harm those inhabiting the property. Live power lines can result in serious injury, gas leaks, loose trees or branches, and damaged roadways. As soon as the area is deemed safe by officials, repairs and insurance claims can be made. If you fall victim to hurricane damage, our forensics team is prepared to inspect residential and commercial properties to ensure they are safe and repaired correctly.  

Our expert team always recommends an inspection even if the property appears safe. Some structural damage may remain unseen to the eye, and it is best to have a professional inspect critical structural systems such as the roof, floor, foundation, and walls. If damage remains undetected, it can wreak havoc on a building or even cause life-safety issues in the future.

The Forum Forensics team is skilled and experienced at identifying signs of hurricane damage. Our service includes thorough investigation and comprehensive reporting of your home or business. In addition, our team will communicate with you throughout the process and provide you with real-time notifications. Contact us today if you have experienced hurricane or other storm damage, we are here to help.  Home- FORUM FORENSICS-Structural Damage Assessments.

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Cited:  

TopTen Most Hurricane Prone States - National Hurricane Center(national-hurricane-center.org)  

HurricaneCosts (noaa.gov)

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