Category: Latest Hurricane Information

Hurricane season can be a stressful period for everyone involved. Hopefully homes with hurricane impact windows won’t have to deal with much or any aftermath. These windows are there to protect a house owner’s belongings so that they can sleep at night without a worry on their mind. To keep these windows in effective condition, regular maintenance is often needed.

These checkups are not technical at all and can be done within a matter of minutes. So, here are a few steps that must be taken to check and maintain your windows after between hurricane seasons:

1.     Inspection

The first thing that you need to do is carefully examine your window glass and frame. Look for any cracks in and around the frame of the glass. Even though the case of this happening is low because these windows are designed specifically for these kinds of situations, it’s better to check than not. If you do find any, call East Coast Windows immediately, and we will sort this issue out in no time.

2.     Cleaning*

Windows can make a significant impact on a home’s look and feel, so keeping them clean should be a priority no matter what time of the year.

The first thing to do would be to start off with the window frames. Make sure to use a mixture of dish soap and water. This mixture should be used for the glass as well, though glass needs to be cleaned with fresh water. This should easily remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated, especially after hurricanes. Then use a dry cloth to clean off any liquid leftover.

* Although soap and water is a safe bet for most windows, the manufacturer of your window may have a better recommendation when it comes to cleaning.  You can always check with them for the best options, or contact us with any cleaning or maintenance questions you may have.

Now that your windows are inspected and cleaned up, you can rest easy knowing another hurricane season is behind us. If you have any concerns at all regarding your hurricane impact windows, please don’t hesitate to call East Coast Windows and we will be happy to help in any way we can.

Natural disasters wreak havoc in communities along every coastline and can even affect people living far from the shore. That’s why it’s so important to have a disaster recovery plan, regardless of where you live. When a hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster does strike, following a few suggestions and keeping a level head can help you recover that much more efficiently.

Gather Evidence
The first thing you should do, upon returning to your home, is to document the damage caused by the event. The best way to do this is to take photographs. While some people take videos, they can actually be more problematic if you need to locate evidence of specific damage. Instead of reviewing a continuous loop of video footage, it’s much easier to pull up a specific photograph.

Pictures can be extremely helpful in filing your claim, especially if your insurance company seems reluctant to settle.

Prevent Further Damage

Some people try to handle everything themselves, but this makes recovering that much more difficult. There are resources available to help you, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of them. For instance, FEMA will usually provide large tarps to help you cover damage to your roof and walls. This can help protect against additional wind and rain damage, until you can get repairs underway.

File Your Claim
It’s important that you don’t delay in filing your claim for a couple of reasons. First, delaying your claim can cause the insurance company to question your motives. They may think you delayed filing to claim damages not caused by the disaster. Secondly, there will likely be many other claims your insurer will have to process. The sooner you submit your claim, the quicker the insurance company will get to it.

Obtain Early Estimates
While you’re waiting to hear back from your insurance company, you can begin shopping around for contractors to make the repairs you need. A company that specializes in quality replacement windows and doors, such as East Coast Windows, is often the best place to go for replacement pieces. You can talk to their service specialists about obtaining the best windows and doors to protect against future disasters. By selecting contractors early, you’ll be ready to move once your insurance claim has been settled.

Contact Creditors
You should also contact your credit card issuers, mortgage lenders, and other creditors to discuss your situation. You may be able to negotiate a temporary payment relief, which can help you through the immediate future. Even with your insurance settlement, if you have significant damage, money can be tight and a brief reprieve from paying on your debts can be a big help.

There’s much to be done immediately following a natural disaster. However, your primary responsibility is to protect yourself and your family from additional financial fallout. This means getting your home situation taken care of and communicating with financial institutions to gain as much protection as possible. Taking these steps will help you recover that much faster and enable you to get back to a more normal way of life.

Hurricanes and other natural disasters are frightening enough on their own, but you may find your fear factor amped up if you’re pregnant or have small children. Although it may feel different, preparing for a hurricane while pregnant or when caring for small children is essentially the same as preparing for a hurricane when you aren’t pregnant or live alone. However, there are a few things you’ll need to do differently to keep your unborn baby and other children safe. In this article, we’ll provide you with some proven strategies that will enable you to plan ahead and not panic if and when you and your family members face a hurricane.

Protect Your Home

It’s always important to do what you can to protect your home from hurricane damage, but starting a family can make this feel like even more of a priority.

To prepare for a hurricane, install hurricane straps on your roof and reinforce your garage door. Install hurricane shutters and consider upgrading to hurricane impact windows with the help of East Coast Windows and Doors. Remove trees or branches that might fall on the home during a storm and always carry flood insurance. The less damage you have to deal with, the more quickly your family can get back to normal life after the storm.

Have a Backup Plan

If your due date and a hurricane are approaching at the same time, talk to your doctor about a backup plan. Know where you will evacuate if it becomes necessary and discuss nearby alternative hospitals and clinics that can deliver your baby if your planned birthing center must close. Hopefully you won’t need the information, but ask your doctor what you need to know and do if your labor begins during the storm. If your prenatal care clinic remains closed after the hurricane passes, find another one rather than skipping appointments.

Emergency Kit Additions

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you should already have and maintain an emergency kit you can grab during an evacuation, but if you’re expecting or have young child, you’ll need to add a few more essentials to the kit. In addition to packing bottled water, vitamins, medications, nutritious snacks for you and your children (nuts, protein bars, and granola), you’ll also need to bring an emergency birthing kit. This kit should include clean sanitary pads, scissors, towels, gloves, sheets, syringe, white shoelaces, blankets, etc.

Next, invest in a portable crib so the baby has a safe place to sleep and grab some extra blankets. You’ll need enough clothing and diapers to last three days as well as a three-day supply of any medications the baby needs. Pack some extra formula too, but make sure it’s the ready-to-feed type in case you lack access to clean water and can’t mix powdered formula safely. Stash a baby sling or carrier in your emergency kit too. Strollers may prove worthless if you’re in a very crowded shelter or navigating post-hurricane debris.

In conclusion, preparing for a hurricane is important to staying safe. Just as it was before you had children, preparation is the key to getting through a hurricane. If you have what you need and know what to do, you can act swiftly and decisively during a hurricane rather than scrambling to react to it. As a result, your entire family will be safer and calmer during the storm.

When a hurricane hits, no one screams about how cool they are, but you’d be surprised to learn what an interesting natural disaster they are. For example, you might be wondering what happens to the birds? While humans flee the area or hunker down and wait it out, where do the birds go? Scientists aren’t necessarily sure if they leave the area or fly ahead of the hurricane, but birds have been shown to leave the area as well. They are believed to hear sound waves below what humans can perceive, known as infrasound, and this warns them of the incoming storm.

Where Does the Word Hurricane Come From?

The actual English word for hurricane comes from a Native American word called, “Taino.” It means “Evil spirit of the wind,” which should tells you all you need to know about what this culture thought of hurricanes. A tropical storm can travel up to 74 miles per hour, but hurricanes can travel even faster than that. In fact, hurricanes can travel at speeds of up to 160 miles per hour. They form in warm moisture atmospheres and over warm water, and as the hurricane hits land, it starts to disintegrate.

Releasing Death and Destruction

Great hurricanes can be devastating to anyone, and they have been known to release the equivalent of 10 atom bombs per second. You don’t even want to imagine the amount of power behind them.

Inside the Eye of a Hurricane

If you want to know where the most dramatic weather changes on earth occur, then you should look no further than the eyewall of a hurricane. Inside of the eye, you normally have a light wind. They’re usually about 20 to 40 miles in diameter to give you a picture of how big hurricanes can be. Meanwhile, only a short distance away, you have what’s known as the “Eyewall.” When you hit this point, you know it because some of the most destructive and intense hurricane winds will be found near the eyewall.

Hurricane eyes will appear in different shapes and sizes. Some hurricane eyes will be clear enough that you can see water or land from satellite imaging. Someone on the ground could possibly even see the stars at night.

Will Hurricane Windows and Doors Protect You?

A hurricane window is comprised of polyvinyl butyral in between two slabs of glass. While the glass most likely shatters on impact, the polyvinyl butyral keeps it in place. While these windows do cost a little more, they offer you better protection. Meanwhile, hurricane doors will be made from commercial-grade aluminum with the finest hardware.

Important to note that just because a hurricane has only been classified as a three or four doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take precautions. In fact, the one that slammed Galveston, Texas, in 1990 was only a category four, but 8000 people died as a result of 15-foot waves and 130 mile-per-hour winds. Hurricanes kill more people every year than any other storm.

Contact East Coast Windows and Doors today and be ready for the next storm.

Sources:
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-hurricane-facts.php

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/eye-hurricane-photos-20130809

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-much-cost-will-a-hurricane-resistant-window-add-844562

https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2017/09/08/where-do-birds-go-in-a-hurricane/#3fc47e89254a

It’s that time of year again for us Floridians. Hurricane season is upon us and with it comes strong, damaging winds and rain. These winds will often carry with them large amounts of debris that often damage homes, mostly their windows and doors. It’s important to remember to protect your doors and windows during these storms. Below are some helpful tips to keep your doors and windows safe during the harshest of storms.

Buying Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors

Probably the easiest way to ensure your doors and windows are protected against storms is to buy Hurricane Impact windows and doors made especially to withstand the storm. By owning doors and windows that are built to last during these harsh storms, you save money in the long run by not having to spend money on materials to board up your doors and windows every year. This is also a time saver, as you do not have to take time out of your preparation to secure your doors and windows, allowing you to focus on important tasks like gathering supplies and preparing for power outages.

Boards and Shutters

Boarding up your doors and windows is a common practice done to protect them from being blown away or damaged during a hurricane. Boards act as an extra barrier to protect your home from debris. Shutters guard your windows in a similar manner and are available in various metals, such as aluminum.

Insurance

In a worst case scenario, if you are unable to protect your doors or windows, the next available option is to have them insured. Having them insured means that you will be able to replace or repair any damages that may have occurred during a storm. Using the money from your claim can also be used to upgrade your windows and doors to hurricane impact windows to avoid having to board them up in the following years.

The hurricane is over. You are filled with both relief and fear. What happens next?

Here is a checklist of what you should do following a hurricane.

1. If you have cell phone service and/or power, check in with family members and friends. Texting and social media are great options and won’t use as much battery as a phone call if you need to conserve your battery life.
2. Listen to official news reports for instructions for your area.
3. If you have evacuated, wait to return home until authorities have given the OK.
4. Be careful of downed powerlines and report them to your local electric company if they are not yet aware of them.
5. Be careful around debris and make sure small children stay clear. Many injuries occur from improper debris clean up.
6. Do not let your children play in flood waters. If possible, you should also avoid walking through flood waters, especially if there’s a current.
7. When you clean your home, wear rubber gloves as there could be toxic cleaners or other chemicals that could have leaked.
8. Try to also keep your vehicle away from flood waters. Did you know that just one foot of fast-moving water can sweep your car away?
9. For insurance purposes, take pictures of any damage to your property. You may need this later if you have any insurance claims to submit.
10. Try to perform temporary fixes to prevent any further damage. This may include applying a tarp on your roof if you have any leaks, or taping plastic bags or other material over a broken window.
11. If you lost power, throw out all perishable food and beverages.
12. Stay alert for any rainfall that may come after the storm has ended.

Although you will be tempted to explore your local area, or check on family and friends in person, it is important to still only drive if necessary, especially if there is flooding.

Your safety during the storm is our number one concern.  If you’re interested in learning how to minimize damage to your home, contact us to see what your options are and for a free quote.

2018’s hurricane season is expected to be an above-average season similar to 2017.  In 2017 we saw 17 named storms, with three major hurricanes landing in the United States.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) predict a 70 percent chance of 10 to 16 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, between 5 and 9 could become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher; and 1 to 4 are predicted to be major hurricanes of Category 3, 4, or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher.

This prediction includes a 35 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 25 percent chance of a below-normal season. An average hurricane season consists of 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

Two of the factors driving this outlook include the possibility of a weak El Niño developing and near-average sea surface temperatures across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Are you ready for the 2018 Hurricane Season?  Contact us today for a free estimate and we’ll show you how you can protect your home with impact windows and doors.

During a hurricane, it can be normal to feel frightened. Being prepared and keeping yourself occupied can help give you the confidence that your family and home will be safe.

Here are some tips to get you through the storm:

1. When the hurricane is six hours away from landfall, and you are not in an evacuation area, stay put at home. You may also want to let your family and friends know you are staying home.
2. Charge your cell phone now so that you will have a full battery, in case you lose power during the storm. If you have a wireless battery charger, go ahead and get that charged too!
3. Close all of your storm shutters, and make sure everyone knows to stay away from the windows. Flying objects can act as weapons during fierce hurricane winds.
4. If you do not have impact windows and doors and you have shutters, secure the shutters on all of your openings.  If you don’t have either then use plywood to board up your openings.
5. Turn both your freezer and refrigerator to the coldest settings available. Doing so will keep your food and drinks fresher longer, in case you lose power during the storm.
6. Turn on your television or radio to stay on top of the latest weather updates, and also emergency instructions.
7. Have candles and flashlights with extra batteries ready to go. You never know when the power will go out.

Now, to keep your family occupied, try some of these tips, especially if you lose power and have kids that just beg to be entertained:

1. Read a book. Whether it’s quiet time or group story time, catching up on some reading is always a great way to stay preoccupied.
2. Take turns telling stories with shadow puppets.
3. Play eye-spy.
4. Prepare a box of art-and-crafts ahead of time. Some handy ideas would be glue, scissors, construction paper, paper cups, cotton balls, popsicle sticks, and if you’re really feel adventurous, paint brushes and water colors!
5. Ad-lib puzzles. Let your kids choose the words and you’ll never know what to expect.
6. Or you could always do the good ‘ole fort with coloring.

Do you have any quick tips you think should have made the list?  Let us know.  We would love to hear from you.

Being prepared and staying busy can help ease nervousness and anxiety about what is going on outside.  Knowing that your home is protected with Impact Windows can also bring great peace of mind.  You will be able to rest easy (or at least the best you can during a storm) knowing that your house is protected while your family is safe and sound inside.  Call us today for your free estimate.

Every hurricane season, we all witness the catastrophic affects that hurricanes can cause. Many people mistakenly believe that hurricanes are just a threat to coastal communities, but the truth is that high winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and even tornadoes can have devastating impacts many miles inland.

This is why everyone should take action now to be prepared for this year’s hurricane season. For starters, learn your zone. Evacuations are more common than most people realize, and familiarizing yourself with your area’s evacuation zones will give you a jumpstart if the time should come. You should also have a family communication in place. This includes planning how your family will gather, and plan where you will all go depending on the situation. You should also have a plan on how to contact each other in an emergency.

Make sure you stay “in the know.” There are many apps available that include weather alerts, disaster resources, safety tips and more. You can even receive push notifications to your cell phone to help you prepare for hurricanes.

Another important item on your checklist when it comes to preparing for hurricane season is to check your insurance coverage. Know in advance what your deductibles are, and find out if your belongings are covered in addition to your property.

Make sure to have a go-bag disaster supply kit. This kit should include a flashlight, batteries, cash, first-aid supplies, medications, and copies of any important information/documents you may need.

Last, but not least, it is very important for you to prepare your home. Here is a checklist:

1. Trim or remove any damaged trees or limbs to keep your property safe. Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall.
2. Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
3. Reduce property damage by securing and reinforcing your roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
4. Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture.
5. Consider building a safe room or storm shelter designed for protection from high-winds and in locations above flood levels.

Learning what do before, during and after a hurricane will give you a peace of mind in the event of an impending storm.

Need help protecting your home with impact windows and doors?  Contact East Coast Windows today and be one step ahead this hurricane season.

In 2017, an estimated 116.5 million came to visit Florida in spite of the natural disasters that hit the state. This is equivalent to around 3.6% increase from the previous year –a new state record. On the downside, the state also lost an estimated 1.8 million visitors when Hurricane Irma struck which is equivalent to a loss of $1.5 billion in potential revenues.

Unfortunately, recent reports reveal that many business owners suffered significant losses because of Hurricane Irma – an effect that continued for several months. Some owners spoke with a heavy heart about delays in business construction, damages to their structure and roads, and a severe drop in foot traffic.

Even more distressing is the announcement last April 1 that flood insurance rates have increased by 8% for the average premium to 25% for high-risk zones which include business properties. For residences in high-risk zones, the rate increased by 11%. Accordingly, this new rate is unrelated to the effects of last year’s hurricane season but because of two congressional decisions to help ease the National Flood Insurance Program which is buried under steep debts amounting to $25 billion.

Practical Strategies to Avoid Long-Term Effects of Hurricanes and Floods

Here are efficient and cost-effective business strategies you can adopt this year to protect not only your business, but also the business building.

1. Every year at least two months before hurricane season, have a professional inspect your building. This kind of certification will only bode well for you as it improves the confidence level of your employees, clients, customers, suppliers, and investors.
2. If your business is located in a medium to high-risk zone, consider installing hurricane impact windows and doors. This can prevent indoor flooding, damage from flying debris, and keep your building safe from structural damage.
3. There are other measures to protect your structure like roof ties.
4. Trim trees and plants located near your building right before a hurricane lands
5. Train your employees about protective measures before, during, and after a storm
6. Consider having a backup business location away from the medium to high-risk zone in case access to your business becomes too difficult after the hurricane. This way you can still keep your business going soon after the storm leaves.

Finally, set aside a hurricane fund that you build up slowly over the years to cover new hurricane features and expenses. This fund should be separate from your operating funds so your business operations won’t struggle to stay afloat during the period immediately after the hurricane.

For all your hurricane impact window and door needs, contact us at East Coast Windows and Doors– your friendly professional window and door experts.