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The Institute for Business and Home Safety, a consumer safety group
formed by
the nation's insurance companies, has issued a report warning that
most
Americans living in coastal areas are not ready for hurricane season,
and
that this years season is expected to be worse than normal.
According to the Boston-based IBHS, some 58 percent of homeowners
along the
South Atlantic and Gulf coasts say they are unprepared for hurricane
season,
which begins June 1. Another 76 percent of residents along the
Mid-Atlantic
and New England coast say they would not be ready if a hurricane were
to
strike.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) already is
predicting 11 or more tropical storms will form in the warm waters of
the
central Atlantic this year and more than seven of them could
strengthen into
hurricanes.
Storms with sustained winds in excess of 75 mph are classified
hurricanes.
Some hurricane wind gusts have been clocked above 200 miles an hour.
Major hurricanes that strike populated areas of the coasts have been
known to
leave in excess of $1 billion worth of damage. IBHS President Harvey
Ryland,
however, maintains much of the damage can be avoided. "We can cut down
on the
devastation dramatically by taking simple steps ahead of time."
"The more precautions you take, the better chance your home has of
surviving
the next hurricane."
The IBHS recommends that homeowners consider the following safety
precautions:
Upgrade current window systems to impact-resistant windows or
shutters.
Impact-resistant shutters that close over window openings prevent
flying
debris from breaking window panes. If high winds threaten immediately,
an
easy, temporary and effective step is to cover windows with securely
fastened
plywood storm shutters (minimum of 7/16-inch). Be sure to cover all
doors
that have glass, too.
Brace garage doors to make them stiffer and more resistant to
wind.
Re-enforcing kits may be purchased at home-supply stores.
Reinforce double-entry doors with heavy duty foot and head
bolts, and use a
security dead bolt lock with 1-inch minimum bolt throw length.
Glue roof sheathing to the rafters or truss if access to the
attic is
possible. (When reroofing, use extra 8d -- 8 penny -- nails or #8
screws.)
Brace gable end walls.
Trim trees, shrubbery, climbing roses and vines. Cut weak
branches and
trees that could fall or bump against the house. When trimming, try to
create
a channel through the foliage to the center of the tree to allow for
airflow.
The Institute is an initiative of the insurance industry to reduce
deaths,
injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused
by
natural disasters. Members include insurers and reinsurers that
conduct
business in the United States or reinsure risks located in the United
States.
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