June-23-2021

2021 Hurricane Season Tips 

2021 Hurricane Season Tips 

The month of June marks the beginning of storm season. Last year the storms were ever-present and wreaked havoc in many areas throughout the United States. According to NOAA, there is likely a range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes. With that being said, we want you to be ready for this year’s storm season! Check out how hurricanes come to be mega-storms and our 2021 hurricane season tips below. 

Formation of the Storm 

Being prepared for a hurricane is one thing, but understanding them is another. 

  1. Hurricane formation starts when there is warm water near the Earth’s equator.
  2. Warm ocean air begins to evaporate, followed by cooling and condensation. This combination creates massive thunderstorm clouds.
  3. Warm air continues to rise, this increasing air pressure in the clouds which causes air pressure at sea level to drop.
  4. Fresh air flows into the lower pressure area, and the air then heats, rises, and creates even more thunderclouds.

The repetition of this process causes the wind speed to increase, forming powerful waves and winds progressively.

The Eye of the Storm 

Hurricanes are rotating storm systems that can stretch over hundreds of miles, which is one reason they can be so dangerous. Have you heard the common term ‘the eye of the storm”? Well, hurricanes always feature a center of low air pressure, and this is called the eye. The eye is typically 20 to 30 miles wide and calm within with minimal wind. 

Hurricane Names 

Hurricane names have a rhyme and reason each year, and this year there is no difference. When hurricane season is in full force, the use of names helps meteorologists, researchers, emergency response workers, ship captains, and citizens to follow the paths and prepare appropriately. The World Meteorological Organization develops the list of names each year, and they are assigned in alphabetical order. Names can be repeated after a six-year time span, but the names of severe storms are permanently retired from use. Names that have been retired, for example, are Katrina, Ike, Opal, and Hattie.

Check out this year’s list of names below. 

How to Prepare 

When preparing for a storm, it’s always best to be safe and ready no matter what. While we don’t know what areas will be impacted this year, it never hurts to have a plan in place. 

  • Emergency Plan: Our team encourages you, your team, and your family to sit down and chat about your specific hurricane plan as a whole. This ensures each member is aware of what needs to be done when a storm does strike. Your emergency plan is custom to where you live and your surroundings. Be sure to study the area and know your significant threats to help create your 2021 plan. 
  • Supply Stock: While we encourage being prepared, we don’t encourage panic buying. We suggest you have a pack of water, non-perishable canned goods, and pet food set aside for when stores do get busy when a storm strikes. When building a storm kit, have enough food, water, and other supplies to support your needs for several days. The food and water can be added to your kit as the storm’s potential threat to your area increases. 
  • Study Evacuation Zone: Each area has a specific evacuation zone. With a simple Google search, you can get your exact route. Study this plan and share it with all eligible drivers in your family. 
  • Gather Important Documents: When you are in a rush, you must have your documents ready to grab and go. Make sure your property insurance policies and personal documents like your ID are up to date. It’s a good idea to make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space. Confused about a current policy or not sure what your coverage is? Our talented team members can help you out. Click here to contact our firm today. 

 

Thoughts and Prayers to those Affected by 2020 Storms

Our hearts go out to all those affected by last year’s hurricanes. If you, your business, or your loved ones have been affected firsthand, or your business suffered from property damages due to a storm and need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone on our team. If there was property damage and you don’t receive the coverage you were promised, contact us immediately because you deserve a fair fight. We can help you navigate claims and will always fight for you, the policyholder.

 

We pledge to #ProtectthePolicyholder #ProtecttheHomeowner and #ProtecttheBusinessOwner. Do not hesitate to contact McClenny Moseley, & Associates for a FREE, no-obligation claim review with our experienced attorneys.