Hurricane Ian: Recovery and Preparedness

As cleanup and recovery efforts continue, we reflect upon this year’s Hurricane Ian– a destructive storm that had little mercy for those in its path. Homes and individual properties sustain significant damage from storms like this one, and even minor hurricanes or tropical storms, when they strike populous regions. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause a wide range of different types of damage, including wind, rain, flooding, wind-borne debris and hail, just to mention a few.

The ninth tropical storm of the 2022 season, Hurricane Ian, developed late on Friday, September 23, over the central Caribbean Sea. On September 28, 2022, shortly after 3 p.m. ET, Hurricane Ian’s center blasted onshore at 150 mph at Cayo Costa, a barrier island west of Fort Myers. Two days later, at 2:05 p.m., the hurricane made its last landfall as a Category 1 storm close to Georgetown, South Carolina.

Hurricane Ian Facts:

  • After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Ian is the second deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland this century.
  • There have been at least 101 verified fatalities from Hurricane Ian, with 92 of them occurring in Florida, five in North Carolina, one in Virginia, and three in Cuba.
  • On September 27, 2022, Hurricane Ian made its first landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm, rendering the whole island powerless.
  • On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall west of Fort Myers, Florida, after strengthening to a Category 4 storm.
  • The United States has only had four Category 5 storms with maximum sustained winds of more than 155 mph.

In the southeast of the United States, particularly in the states of Florida and South Carolina, Hurricane Ian inflicted extensive damage. It was the fourth hurricane, and second major hurricane, of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. The exact extent of the damage caused by hurricane Ian is currently unknown. The deadliest hurricane to hit Florida since the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, Hurricane Ian was a massive and catastrophic Category 4 Atlantic hurricane.

Dr. Joel N. Myers, the founder and CEO of AccuWeather, estimates that Hurricane Ian will have cost the United States somewhere between $180 billion and $210 billion in total damages by the time recovery efforts are complete. Enki Research, a data company, predicted that the hurricane might cause up to $75 billion in economic damage. According to the company, Hurricane Ian will rank among the ten most expensive storms in American history. The most recent and fifteenth weather event this year to be added to NOAA’s billion-dollar disaster list is Hurricane Ian.

Officials believe that some of the worst damage looks to have been caused by the pounding wind-driven ocean surge that poured into beach side villages and washed buildings away on Florida’s Gulf Coast as the full scale of Hurricane Ian’s destruction comes into view. When the storm hit Florida’s Lee County as a Category 4 hurricane, Lee County took the majority of the damage. Flooding was more destructive than strong winds.

Hurricane Ian left widespread floods and power outages in its path, causing destruction. After the important Sanibel Causeway was demolished, the barrier islands of Captiva and Sanibel were cut off from the mainland. By the end of the month, it is anticipated that the temporary repairs will be finished. Other bridges, roads, medical facilities, educational institutions, and water infrastructure were also heavily damaged.

While the west coast of the state, where Hurricane Ian made landfall, has received most of the attention, other sections of the state also suffered from heavy rain, flooding, and wind damage. Central Florida’s floodwaters caused stranded vehicles and home rescues.

FEMA continues to offer rental and repair assistance, hotel stays, reimbursement for temporary housing, and other forms of support to help Floridians accelerate their recoveries. To date, the agency has given approximately $500 million in aid to Hurricane Ian survivors across 26 counties.

Getting Prepared for The Next Storm 

Long before a hurricane like Hurricane Ian has developed, it is time to start preparing. If you wait until the storm forms, you run the chance of the storm harming your family and destroying your property– all of which may be avoided by installing high-quality impact windows and doors onto your home or business.

Because it’s difficult to protect your home and possessions at the last minute, we advise for you to plan ahead when it comes to storms. Having a storm kit ready, with at least three days worth of food and water per family member is an easy way to start preparing for the next storm far in advance. You’ll want to be sure that your kit includes first aid supplies and any medication needed by members of your family. You’ll also want to include gloves, boots/strong shoes and trash bags for any post-storm clean up that you may need to do in wake of the storm.

Living in Florida, hurricanes are simply a fact of life, so planning for the next storm long before the hurricane season will help to make sure that your home or business is well protected prior to the storm. After a storm, many homeowners and business owners frequently discover how important impact windows and doors are for safeguarding their homes and loved ones. Unfortunately, for those in a hurry, installing high-quality storm windows and doors in your house or place of business requires some time and planning. Our goal is to get your home and business protected well in advance of any dangers that can occur.

We would love the opportunity to speak with you about installing hurricane impact windows and doors on your home or business. We can give you an idea of the time frame for the installation of your doors and windows, so that you have a clear idea of the process and time involved in protecting your home. East Coast Windows & Doors wants to help keep you and your home safe. Give us a call at (954) 946-3697 or click here to request a free quote and we will follow up with you shortly.

Hurricane Terms and Meanings – What You Should Know

Hurricane Terms Meanings

It’s that time of year again-hurricane season-and there’s really no better time to make sure that you understand the terminology, used by meteorologists, so that you can fully understand the situations and potential risks as they occur. Some of these terms you’ve heard before, others you may not be as familiar with, but all of these hurricane-related terms are important to know.

Hurricane season: The part of the year in which there is a relatively high incidence of hurricanes. The hurricane season in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico runs from June 1 to November 30. In the Eastern Pacific basin it runs from May 15 to November 30. Hurricane season in the Central Pacific basin runs from June 1 to November 30. Remember that this is just the hurricane season, and that hurricanes can and do occur outside of these windows.

Air pressure: Air pressure is the force exerted by air, whether compressed or unconfined, on any surface in contact with it. When more air is present over an area, a column of atmosphere has more weight, which results in high pressure. When air is removed from the column, low air pressure is the result. Hurricanes are such a powerful source of suction mainly because of their low pressure center. Typically, the rule is, the lower the pressure, the more intense the hurricane.

Cyclone: This is a blanket term for any area of low pressure that has a closed circulation. Hurricanes, tropical storms, Typhoons and tropical depressions are all cyclones because they are closed areas of low pressure.

Hurricane Watch: Sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible and may occur within the specified area in association with a tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities can become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Hurricane Warning: Sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected to occur somewhere within a specified area in association with a tropical cyclone. The warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Storm surge: This is an abnormal rise in sea levels, accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, creating possible life-threatening situations.

Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with much calmer conditions than the outer layers of the storm. The eye is either completely or partially surrounded by the eyewall cloud.

Eye Wall: The area surrounding the eye, containing some of the most severe weather of all of the storm, with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.

Rain Bands: Bands of precipitation coming off the hurricane that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.

Indirect hit: This term generally refers to areas that do not receive a direct hit from a hurricane but do experience hurricane-force winds or tides of at least 4 feet above normal.

Tropical depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation where the maximum sustained surface wind speed is 38 mph.

Tropical disturbance: A generic term used for discrete weather systems that originate in the tropics or subtropics and maintain their form for at least 24 hours or more.

Category: You will often hear meteorologists referring to a category when discussing a hurricane. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. It is a 1 to 5 category rating system based on the hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage in five specific categories:

Category 1: 74- 95 mph.
Damage potential: minimal

Category 2: 96-110 mph.
Damage potential: extensive

Category 3: 111-129 mph.
Damage potential: devastating

Category 4: 130-156 mph.
Damage potential: catastrophic

Category 5: greater than 157 mph.
Damage potential: catastrophic

During the hurricane season, especially, it is important to pay attention to the weather reports and keep yourself informed of any possible storm activity. Also, be sure to pay attention to any evacuation orders and curfews put in place for your protection. Protect your home and belongings from the storm by installing impact windows and doors through out.

Installing impact windows and doors that are hurricane-safe and with a high DP rating, protects your home, belongings and loved ones from the flying debris and heavy winds of the storm. Have peace of mind, with East Coast Windows! Call us today at (954) 946-3697 to get more information about our doors, windows, and services, or get a free quote by filling out our online form!

Your Guide to Wind Speed and Windows

Hurricane Impact Windows - Guide to Windspeed

We are all familiar with the routine hurricane preparations we must go through every year during storm season. However, dangerous winds have the potential to occur at any point, making it even more important to have the correct impact windows and doors installed on your property. But when exactly should we be worried about wind speeds? At what point do standard windows fail us, and at what wind speed are hurricane impact windows essential? Here is a guide that can help clear up some of these important questions.

What Risks Do High Speed Winds Pose to Windows?   

Most window breakage during a storm is a result of debris hitting the glass due to high wind speeds, though it is possible for windows to break from extreme winds and high pressures, which can also cause walls or roofs to collapse. Since blown-over trees and signs quickly become projectiles in hurricane-force winds, installing hurricane impact windows is ultimately your only option if you want to be safe in the midst of a serious storm.

When windows are broken due to any one of these events, sharp and dangerous glass shards are then propelled throughout your residence, having the potential to seriously injure those inside. If a projectile was the reason for the breakage, this object could also fly through your window and injure a person (or pet) that it comes across. In addition, the newly exposed window opening is then an easy access point for rain, high speed winds and other projectiles to get inside. If those things do not damage you or your family members, they could certainly damage your residence. All-in-all, this is a situation that is scary, unsafe, and is best to be avoided at all costs.

How Strong Does Wind Have To Be To Break Windows?   

High wind speeds are possible even when we are not in the midst of a hurricane, so even if you are not in a major storm, there is still an element of risk when it comes to your windows and doors.

Hurricane wind speeds start at 74 mph, but here’s the damage that winds can do before and up to that point, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory:

  • 19 mph: Small trees begin to sway
  • 25 mph: Umbrella use becomes difficult, whistling can be heard through wires and branches
  • 32 mph: Whole trees sway and walking into the wind becomes difficult
  • 39 mph: Branches can be broken from trees, cars can veer on the road
  • 47 mph: Light structural damage
  • 55 mph: Trees can be uprooted, considerable structural damage is possible
  • 64 mph and up: Widespread structural damage is possible

In the case of a hurricane, here is a breakdown of the different categories that the storm could be, and the wind speeds/estimated damage associated with each category:

Category 1: 74-95 mph

Winds at this speed will mostly cause damage to mobile homes and trees, but stronger homes may see minor damage to the roof or gutters. Trees with shallow roots may topple, and damage to power lines can cause power outages that last for days. A storm surge of 4-5 feet above normal can cause coastal road flooding.

Category 2: 96-110 mph

These winds are extremely dangerous, and homes may sustain roof, siding, window and door damage. Trees will sustain considerable damage and some will be uprooted, blocking roads. The storm surge is usually 6-8 feet above normal. Coastal and low-lying areas are evacuated.

Category 3: 111-129 mph

Mobile homes and poorly constructed buildings are destroyed. The storm surge is typically 9-12 feet higher than normal. Electricity and water may be unavailable for days to weeks after the storm passes. Major trees are snapped or uprooted, and homes may incur major damage.

Category 4: 130-156 mph

Catastrophic damage occurs; homes can suffer severe damage including the loss of the roof structure, windows, doors and/or some exterior walls. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. The storm surge is generally 13-18 feet above normal levels. Land that is less than 10 feet above sea level may be flooded.

Category 5: 157 mph or higher

These storms destroy most homes, causing roof failure and wall collapse. The storm surge is usually more than 18 feet higher than normal. Fallen trees and power lines will isolate areas, with many shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Lower levels of all structures sustain major damage and there are massive evacuations of residential areas. Power outages can last for weeks or months, and most of the area will be uninhabitable.

A 50 mph wind will apply 5 to 7 pounds of force per square foot, but this increases exponentially as winds get stronger. At 100 mph, that figure jumps from 20 to 28 pounds of pressure per square foot, and at 130 mph, 34 to 47 pounds per square foot of pressure are applied. To figure out how much wind your windows can be expected to withstand before they shatter, you will need to look for the design pressure rating (or DP) for your windows. This information can be found on window packaging, manufacturer product data sheets or by contacting the manufacturer directly.

A standard/basic residential window often has a design pressure of about 15 pounds per square feet. A window that can be expected to withstand up to 15 pounds of pressure translates into a window that can withstand wind speeds of about 77 mph. Since even a category 1 hurricane can easily bypass this wind speed, it is highly recommended that you install hurricane impact doors and windows with a much stronger DP rating in order to be the most prepared for whatever comes your way. Keep in mind, even if your glass is strong enough to withstand the literal wind speeds of the storm at hand, it takes extra protection to also fight against heavy pieces of debris that can often come your way.

Why Choose East Coast Hurricane Windows and Doors 

Whether flying debris hits your windows or doors during high speed winds is out of your control, but preparing ahead of time by making sure your windows and doors are strong is well within your control, and can make the difference between keeping your home and family safe or not. By installing impact windows and doors that are hurricane-safe and with a high DP rating, you are doing the very best for you, your property, and your loved ones.

Be on the safe side, with East Coast Windows! Call us today at (954) 946-3697 to get more information about our doors, windows, and services, or get a free quote by filling out our online form!

What to Expect from Hurricane Season 2022? 

 What to Expect from Hurricane Season 2022 

As all Floridians should be well aware, hurricane season is on the horizon! Hurricane season starts on June 1st, and the forecast suggests that this year’s weather will rank above average in intensity and projected hurricane numbers.

According to the latest forecast from CSU forecasters, we should expect about 19 major storms this year, among which nine of them will become hurricanes and four of them could become major hurricanes. The 2022 hurricane season will be the seventh year in a row with above-normal hurricane activity.

The names of this year’s storms are Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Ian, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Martin, Nicole, Owen, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tobias, Virgine, and Walter.

 What Does This Mean for Residents of Florida? 

It’s going to be another stormy season for Florida. If you’re new to the area and unaware of how this season goes, you’ll have to prepare for some extreme winds and rain-soaked days. Different areas are affected differently, and storms can often change course or alter their path during their journey, keeping residents on their toes. Overall, there is a 96% possibility that you will encounter at least one tropical storm this season, a 75% chance of encountering at least one hurricane, and a 44% chance of encountering at least one massive hurricane.

Besides hurricanes, the threat of flooding is also high. You have to prepare accordingly to protect yourself and your family members during and after a major storm.

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season 2022?

Don’t fear! Finding out that a hurricane is coming can be terrifying news, but if you take the proper steps to prepare yourself you can rest easy so that you, your family, and your belongings will be safe and secure.

So, what are some necessary steps you can take?

  • Install Quality Hurricane Resistant Windows: it is extremely important to protect your windows and doors; installing impact windows and doors will protect you and your loved ones from the inevitable flying debris that occurs in extreme winds and hurricane conditions. This debris can include tree branches, street signs, roofing materials, and other items left outside that essentially become flying missiles in the midst of a major storm.
  • Take Care of Your Home Exterior: If you have trees near your residence with shaky or falling branches, then now is the time to trim them. When you know a storm is coming, secure your outdoor furniture, children’s toys, potted plants, or other appliances. You can use a rope to tie them or move them inside of your house temporarily.
  • Have an Emergency Kit Ready: The strength or direction of a hurricane can sometimes change rapidly, and you might have to quickly evacuate yourself from your home. Having an emergency kit ready with important documents, jewelry, insurance papers, a first aid box, and a flashlight could come in handy.
  • Make Changes To Your Home Interior: As you are notified that a storm is approaching, it’s wise to remove valuable things that could fall from your walls such as art and paintings. Unplug your electronic appliances and turn your gas off.
  • Have an Evacuation Plan Ready: Consult with your local authority to figure out the closest hurricane shelter. Don’t forget to make arrangements for pets if you have any.
  • Download FEMA App: You can easily download the FEMA application for your mobile devices where you can gather information on weather alerts, safety tips, and resources. This app includes a configurable emergency supply checklist, maps of open shelters and rehabilitation centers, disaster survival information, and National Weather Service weather warnings.

The 2022 hurricane season is on its way, and it’s time for people on the East Coast to prepare themselves. Protect your home and loved ones by installing hurricane-resistant impact windows and doors. You can send us an email or simply call us at 954-545-0997 to learn more about our high-quality impact doors and windows.