1) Has the knowledge, credentials, and expertise to understand the specific risks posed by hurricanes in your area. A design professional will be able to design and build your home to withstand the forces of wind, rain, and storm surge and assist you with proper construction.
2)Is up-to-date on the latest codes and has access to the latest building materials and techniques. The professional needs to be familiar with materials and techniques that can help to make your home stronger and more resilient to hurricanes.
3)Has experience working in hurricane-prone areas. Choose a design professional who will know how to navigate the permitting process and how to work with contractors to get your home built correctly.
4)Can help you to create a disaster plan for your home. A design professional should also help you plan to protect your family and your belongings in the event of a hurricane.
1)Design your home to meet or exceed the latest hurricane building codes. We are constantly tracking codes and the latest updates to be at the forefront of current events and attend continuing education classes to stay current.
2)Use strong, durable materials that can withstand hurricane-force winds. With more than 20 years of experience working in Florida, we know what materials and construction techniques work best depending on the location while being sensitive to the construction budget.
3)Build your home to withstand floodwaters. If your home is located in a floodplain, we will assist you with wetland permits if required to help you raise the property. Flood vents and sump pumps can also be installed to help keep water out of your home.
4)Consider the location of your home. We are familiar with and have access to the latest flood maps and can help you make informed choices on where to build. If you must build in a high-risk area, we can help take steps to mitigate the risk, such as planting trees or shrubs to buffer your home from the wind or installing a seawall to protect your home from flooding.
5)Stay informed. Stay informed about the latest hurricane forecasts and warnings. You can sign up for alerts from your local emergency management office or download a hurricane-tracking app.
1) Use a certified hurricane engineer to design and build your home. This will help to ensure that your home meets the latest hurricane building codes and standards.
2)Use a contractor who has experience building in hurricane-prone areas. This will help to ensure that your home is built to the highest standards of quality and safety.
3)Choose the right building materials. Use strong, durable materials that can withstand high winds and flying debris. This includes steel-reinforced concrete, impact-resistant windows, and corrosion-resistant roofing materials.
4)Build your home to withstand floodwaters. If your home is located in a floodplain, elevate it above the predicted flood elevation. You can also install flood vents and sump pumps to help keep water out of your home.
5)Consider the location of your home. Avoid building your home in areas that are known to be prone to hurricanes or flooding. If you must build in a high-risk area, take steps to mitigate the risk, such as planting trees or shrubs to buffer your home from the wind or installing a seawall to protect your home from flooding.
-Get regular inspections of your home’s roof, gutters, and downspouts. This will help to identify any potential problems that could lead to damage during a hurricane.
-Keep your trees trimmed and remove any dead or dying branches. This will help to reduce the risk of trees falling on your home during a hurricane.
-Store important documents and valuables in a safe place. This will help to protect them from damage during a hurricane.
-Have a plan in place. Make sure you have a plan in place for what to do in the event of a hurricane. This includes having a go-bag packed with essentials, knowing your evacuation route, and having a plan for your pets.
-Have a plan for your pets in the event of a hurricane. This could include boarding them with a friend or family member or taking them to a pet shelter.
-Stay informed. Stay informed about the latest hurricane forecasts and warnings. You can sign up for alerts from your local emergency management office or download a hurricane-tracking app. The American Institute of Architects has also several resources : https://www.aia.org/articles/6664019-top-aia-resources-for-disaster-preparednes
