fbpx

24/7 Emergency Number

(941) 379-8669

Blog

Author Keri Andino Leave a comment Categories Uncategorized Posted on

Forecasters Predict ‘Above Average’ 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season

  • 14-18 named storms are predicted to form in 2020
  • There is a 69% chance for at least one major hurricane to make landfall along U.S. shores
  • An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes. 

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st and runs through November 30th. Accuweather

forecasters are anticipating another busy year for the Atlantic Basin in 2020, on the heels of an active 2019 season.   

The 2019 season featured hurricanes Dorian, Lorenzo, and Humberto as well as Tropical Storm Imelda, and caused more than $11 billion in damages. The season produced 18 named storms, including six hurricanes of which three were “major” (Category 3, 4 or 5). NOAA’s outlook called for 10-17 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes and 2-4 major hurricanes, and accurately predicted the overall activity of the season.

For 2020, “It’s going to be an above-normal season.” Dan Kottlowksi, AccuWeather's top hurricane expert, states.  Kottlowski also increased the number of major hurricanes – Category 3 or higher – that could develop this season to four to six. Kottlowski warned that four to six named tropical systems could make direct impacts on the U.S mainland, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

The current 2020 outlook reflects competing climate factors. The trending La Niña is expected to persist throughout the late summer. Active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic can result when a La Niña pattern is present due to a general reduction in wind shear over parts of the Atlantic Ocean. NOAA will give their full update later this month. 

March 2020 was the warmest ever recorded at SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton International Airport) with Sarasota's seasonable average being 66.6°F in March, we passed that easily, averaging 73.1° this year, the warmest recorded. That being said, we are tracking for warmer Caribbean and Gulf temps as things just keep heating up! The gulf temperature as of today is already 77°F.

Accuweather 2020 Hurricane Forcast

At Wrightway Emergency Response Services, we want to help you be prepared before the 2020 hurricane season is upon all of us. Even in the midst of these unprecedented times, it will give you and your family peace of mind to have your plans in place ahead of hurricane season here in SW Florida. 

Here are several things you can do ahead of time provided by the National Weather Service:

  • Know your zone: Do you live near the Gulf or Atlantic Coasts? Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area by contacting your local government/emergency management office or by checking the evacuation site website.
  • Document: Take photographs of each room in your home/business and keep a photographic inventory of your belongings. It may be difficult to inventory everything you own, so start with taking an inventory of your valuable possessions such as jewelry, rare collectibles, vehicles, high priced artwork, firearms, expensive electronics, appliances, and furniture. 
  • Review your insurance policy to make sure you have proper coverage. You run the risk of being under-insured if you have not looked at your policy for a while. For example, when you first insured your property, let’s say it would cost $100,000 to rebuild, but years later, with increased property values and other variables, it may cost $120,000 to rebuild. If you originally insured it for the $100,000, you would be responsible for the difference in cost. A quick discussion with your agent can save you a lot of money and unnecessary stress in the event of a disaster.
  • Put Together an Emergency Kit: Put together a basic emergency. Get the important basics well ahead of time, as we all know the supermarkets and box stores may run out! Check emergency equipment, such as batteries, flashlights, generators, bleach,  storm shutters.
  • Now is the time to trim trees back, check your pool cage screens, overall stability, and tighten tie-down straps.  

We will be updating you with more local information as it becomes available in the following weeks.

If you have any questions or would like a referral from one of our business partners, feel free to contact us, we’re always here to assist you! 941-379-8669 ALWAYS AVAILABLE 24/7

Author Owen Jones Leave a comment Categories Uncategorized Posted on

Protecting your Home from a Hurricane

How to protect your home

Hurricanes can cause massive damage to your home and property. While you should always make you and your family’s safety your number one priority, here are some tips to protect your home from damage.

Your Home

Hurricane’s can do more than break a window or destroy your roof. Follow the below steps to help keep your home safe.

  • Use hurricane straps or clips to fasten your home’s roof to the frame of the house. This can help reduce the amount of damage caused by hurricane force winds and debris.
  • Use head and foot bolts on all entry doors. This can help fortify your doors and lower the risk of collapse and potentially prevent indoor water damage.
  • Put up storm shutters! If for some reason you can’t please purchase exterior or marine grade plywood to cover your windows, making sure to cover larger pieces of glass as well. Sliding glass doors can be broken as easily as a window during a storm.
  • Caulk around your doors and windows, especially if your weather stripping is old or damaged. Flood waters can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in home repairs.

Your Landscaping

Plants, trees, and other landscaping pieces are potential projectiles during a hurricane. Make sure to follow the below steps.

  • Trim your trees and shrubs. Not only will this help them survive the high winds, it decreases the chance of damage to your home and power lines during the storm.
  • If you have gravel, cover it with mulch. Gravel can be swept up and cause severe damage to your home.
  • Tie down small trees and shrubs. This helps prevent uprooting.

Your Insurance Policy

If your home is damaged during a storm your insurance policy is the most important tool you have.

  • Contact your insurance agent to make sure you have necessary coverage.
  • Consider purchasing flood insurance as well. Though if a storm is imminent it may be to late.
  • Make sure your documents are kept in a safe place.

Your Personal Belongings

  • Dealing with insurance after a storm can be a hassle, make sure you document all your belongings.
  • Document the contents of your home and the home itself, inside and out. The easiest way to do this is to shoot video or still photos. Take pictures from every angle, including close-ups and shots that pull back to show the big picture.

If you have time create an inventory of your possessions that includes an appraised or estimated value for the most expensive items. Check here for more information.

With proper steps you can greatly reduce the damage to your home, property, and belongings. Just remember, your personal safety is the number one priority. If you need to evacuate due to an approaching storm, do so.

Author Owen Jones Leave a comment Categories Uncategorized Posted on

WrightWay In the News

At the Oxford House in Port Charlotte, Florida, several families were displaced from their apartments following a fire that set ablaze 16 other units. WrightWay was on the scene to comfort the homeowners, while removing damaged contents from the units. Here is the news story that was aired on NBC.