THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, June 15, 1996 TAG: 9606130282
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 28 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARY ELLEN MILES, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: 100 lines
With scenes of the current film blockbuster ``Twister'' spinning through your television and imagination, you may find your thoughts drifting to local storm possibilities.
While no twisters are likely to be blowing through this region, the official hurricane season has already begun and lasts through November. A hurricane is an intense tropical weather system with a well defined spiral pattern and minimum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots). This area's unofficial hurricane season is August through October.
Last season, says Jim Talbot, deputy emergency services coordinator for the City of Norfolk, was our busiest hurricane year since 1933, when we had a direct hit.
``There were 19 main storms last year in the Atlantic basin,'' he says, ``five of those being potential threats to coastal Virginia and North Carolina.'' Hurricane Felix was our largest threat, looming as close as 300 miles of the coast. ``That's uncomfortably close,'' says Talbot.
The most destructive storm last year, he says, was Hurricane Opal in Florida. ``It intensified very quickly and a massive evacuation had to be done in the middle of the night.''
We can learn from Florida's experience, he says. ``We're still studying the major storms, like Hurricane Andrew, and looking very closely at the evacuation procedures used in Opal.''
The 1933 hit caused heavy flood damage in Norfolk. The years 1944 and 1954 brought indirect hits that caused wind damage from 100-150 mph winds. Hurricane Gloria in 1985 was a close call.
With so many near misses in recent years, Talbot is concerned that residents are becoming apathetic. Many people took precautionary measures for Felix last year, but the storm fizzled out, lulling locals into a sense of false security.
The Hampton Roads Emergency Management Group, a regional group of 14 coastal Virginia counties and cities meets, at least monthly during the hurricane season to examine past storms and coordinate preparations on a regional basis. They're going to be spreading the word about personal responsibility - things that people can do around their properties or businesses to keep the damage to a minimum, he says. ``We're also going to ask people to please review their insurance policies.''
A recent insurance survey of the coastal regions showed that only about 18 percent of local homeowners have flood insurance. And, hurricane shutters and clips are almost nonexistent here.
``Those are extremely alarming statistics,'' says Talbot. Hurricanes may cause extensive flooding far inland, as well as along the coastline, making flood insurance a valuable asset in this area. Flood damage is not covered by a standard homeowners' insurance policy. It's also a good idea to ask about wind and rain damage coverage.
Proper planning and preparation can enhance your home's and family's security. Houses have four main weak points that should be examined before hurricane season: the roof, doors, windows and garage door.
Roof: Gabled roofs are built with manufactured trusses, which are often not held in place firmly enough to endure a hurricane. Inspect the bracing through your attic; truss bracing may be necessary. Galvanized metal hurricane straps (``clips'') can be used to assist in holding the roof to the walls with any roof type. They may need to be professionally installed.
Doors: Doors can be strengthened by storm or plywood shutters. If any doors have windows, additional protection will be necessary. Double entry doors may need reinforcing bolt kits specifically designed for your type of door.
Windows: Cover all windows, skylights, sliding glass and French doors. As with doors, an easy and effective method of protection is storm or plywood shutters, which can be installed on all types of houses.
Garage doors: Many doors can be reinforced; retrofit kits are available, which brace each panel horizontally. Stronger end and center supports can be purchased, as well as heavier hinges.
Temporary measures or structural improvements mostly likely will make your home more durable during a hurricane. For more extensive information regarding home protection from hurricane wind damage, contact a local building professional or building supply retailer.
Local building code requirements exist. These suggestions serve in addition to, not as substitutes for these codes. Before implementing these suggestions, check with you local building officials regarding these requirements and the need for building permits.
Keep essential hurricane preparation items in a convenient and safe location, known to all family members. Necessary items should include flashlights or lanterns (candles present a fire hazard); fire extinguisher; non-perishable food (which should actually be replaced every six months); manual can opener; bottled water for each family member, including pets (this should also be replaced after about six months); blankets for each family member; a first aid kit, and a battery operated radio with extra batteries.
Determine which emergency shelter is closest to your home; gather emergency information from agencies like your local Red Cross or office of emergency management; discuss and practice your family's emergency plan; obtain the materials to properly secure your house, and cut loose limbs from trees.
When your home and family are at stake, as they may be during hurricane season, some well organized preparation can assure you peace of mind.
If you'd like additional information on hurricane preparedness, Talbot encourages you to contact your city's emergency services office. by CNB