What Kind of Damage Can a Hurricane Cause?

Home and Business Property Damage

Hurricanes can wreak havoc on residential and commercial buildings, from minor scratches to complete destruction. Flooding from heavy rainfall also leads to water damage to flooring, walls, and ceilings - not to mention mold growth and structural problems. Roof damage or leaks are often experienced, leading to water infiltration into structures along with further structural harm.

Storm Surges

A storm surge is an elevation in sea level caused by wind, pressure, and waves, which can cause coastal area flooding, resulting in massive property damage and loss of life. The intensity and extent of this flood depend on factors like hurricane strength, size, and trajectory, as well as topography in affected areas. It could sometimes extend several miles inland, leading to extensive flooding and destruction.

Utility Damage

Power outages are common during and after a hurricane, disrupting essential medical equipment, communication devices, and home appliances. Water supply systems may be disrupted, leading to shortages of clean water or sanitation problems; furthermore, communication networks make it difficult for emergency services to reach those in need quickly enough.

Personal Injury

Hurricanes can result in both direct and indirect personal injuries as they knock down trees, power lines, and debris. High winds may knock down trees, power lines, and debris, resulting in injuries to people and animals; the storm surge could even result in drowning due to waves hitting floating debris. Furthermore, hurricanes bring about secondary hazards like mold growth, electrocution, or fire which may further cause further suffering and fatalities.

Road and Infrastructure

Flooding and landslides may cause road closures, making evacuating or accessing medical care more challenging. Furthermore, disruption in supply chains disrupts access to essential goods and services due to damage inflicted upon essential transportation infrastructure.

Flooding

Flooding can happen on shorelines and inland, depending on where it hits and its intensity. Aside from water damage, flooding also poses mold growth, electrical hazards, and sewage issues, leading to further destruction and health hazards.

Landslides

Landslides can occur during and after a hurricane, particularly in steep slopes and loose soil. Furthermore, landslides often lead to secondary hazards like flooding, which compound the harm and health risks.

Protect Your Home and Loved Ones

You must safeguard your home and loved ones during a disaster by protecting both property damage and health risks by protecting both home and loved ones from harm. It is essential to follow these tips to safeguard your home and loved ones from hurricane damage.

Stay Informed

The initial step to protecting your home and loved ones during a hurricane is staying informed about its trajectory, strength, and potential impact. Monitor weather forecasts, official announcements, and emergency alerts from local authorities and adhere to their instructions if instructed to evacuate. When instructed to do so, leave as quickly as possible along designated evacuation routes.

Stay Indoors

Pick an area away from windows, doors, and exterior walls - preferably on the ground floor - that can withstand wind and debris damage.

Board Up

To protect your property from wind and debris damage, board windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas. Use plywood or other approved materials to cover these openings securely before fastening them shut.

Remain Calm

Avoid panic or unnecessary risk-taking, and ensure you have an emergency plan.

Tidal Wave Response

When a hurricane causes water damage to your property, you must have an efficient tidal wave response team come in quickly and effectively to remove the water damage and restore your building to its pre-damage condition. Tidal Wave Response is an expert service specializing in water damage removal, restoration, and mold remediation with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques that help minimize further deterioration while saving time and money in the long run.