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Unchartered territory: when preparing for hurricanes, factor in COVID-19

July 24, 2020 by NHSI

By Kent Koptiuch
Natural Resource Manager
Nestlé Waters North America

This year, our society has ventured into uncharted territory. Once again, we must all prepare for hurricane season, but this time we do so while faced with a full-scale global pandemic.

As a professional in the business of supplying water to others for healthy hydration, I have witnessed how the threat of COVID-19 changes the ways that families must prepare for, and respond to, hurricanes this season.

As we all assemble our hurricane kits, it’s critical that we include some key additional items for dealing with potential exposure to the coronavirus, whether our plan is to take shelter elsewhere or to shelter in place.

In addition to our typical inventory of non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, medical supplies, pet supplies, and battery-powered emergency radio, our hurricane kits should also be stocked with supplies for protecting our family members from the pandemic.

This should include hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and at least two cloth masks per person.

Jared Moskowitz, management director for Florida’s Division of Emergency, now recommends that families stock a fourteen-day supply of necessary medicines, along with a seven-day cache of food, water, and other critical supplies for each family member.

Keep everything in a portable cooler or waterproof tote that’s easy to grab on short notice. Every person in your family needs one gallon of water per person per day for every day of the week.

You should also keep water purification tablets on hand and consider having portable devices like water bottles or plastic pitchers that come with filtration systems to ensure access to clean, potable drinking water.

Finally, we can extend the life of our fresh and frozen food supplies, while simultaneously increasing our water supply by freezing plastic containers filled with water. If the power goes out, this ice will keep food in the freezer, refrigerator, and coolers from spoiling for longer periods.

When the ice does melt, it becomes water for drinking and washing. Download hurricane safety checklists at hurricanesafety.org/prepare/hurricane-safety-checklists/ for more information.

It has been a rough start to the year for all of us. There’s an old proverb that states, “Diligence is the mother of good luck.” The importance of hoping for the best but preparing for the worst cannot be overstated.

By taking the time now to plan ahead, we can more ably ride out, not only the lurking danger from hurricanes but also COVID-19. Be safe and healthy, everyone.

Mythbusters: Flooding and Flood Insurance Edition

March 8, 2019 by NHSI

There are plenty of misconceptions about flooding, especially when it comes to hurricanes and insurance. Water damage can cause extreme harm to your home and belongings. While it may not be possible to completely ensure that the contents of your home remain safe and dry, there are ways to be prepared for some of the serious consequences of a hurricane. Here are some myths about flooding and flood insurance, along with the facts – so you can arrange the best post-hurricane plan for yourself and your home.

I’m more concerned about the wind, which I’m sure will cause more damage to my home than water.

Though hurricanes can have dangerous high-intensity winds, more damage can actually be caused by the water accompanying these, especially storm surge. This is when large rushes of water get pushed on shore by the hurricane, wiping out whatever stands in its way.

A 2014 study by Edward Rappaport, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, gathered data on hundreds of Atlantic tropical cyclones between 1963 and 2012. Over the span of those 50 years, half the fatalities (49%) were directly attributed to storm surges. This includes 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, in which storm surge was the primary cause of death. The Insurance Information Institute ranks Florida as the #1 state at risk from storm surge, for both the number of homes and the reconstruction value. Storm surge poses a threat to both lives and bank accounts, so in order to be fully prepared, you need to be aware of its damage potential.

NOAA Storm Surge PSA from Jim Edds on Vimeo.

My home isn’t near the coast or in a flood zone, so there’s no threat of flooding.

Heavy rain from a hurricane can cause major flooding, regardless of where flood zones appear on a map. The Weather Channel notes that rainfall depends on the storm’s speed and size, and heavy rain bands can reach far beyond the coast. According to FEMA, 20% of all flood insurance claims come from areas outside the high-risk flood zones – and over half the claims from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 came from outside of flood zones.

Since I already have homeowners’ insurance, I don’t need flood insurance.

Contrary to unfortunately popular belief, most homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage. The same goes for renters, who must also purchase flood protection separately. Of the 10 most costly hurricanes in the United States, Florida was affected by seven. According to FEMA, a single inch of flood water in an average home can cost over $20,000 – the same as the average yearly cost of out-of-state public universities. And that doesn’t even factor in personal property losses that are sure to boost the number up.

If a hurricane is heading my way, I can just purchase a policy before the storm hits so that I’m still covered.

Your purchase of flood insurance doesn’t mean coverage will start right away, as most policies have a 30-day waiting period. This is one of many aspects of hurricane planning that is only effective if prepared well in advance of hurricane season. Be sure to leave yourself sufficient time to communicate with your insurance provider and pick a policy that works best for you. Don’t put it off, or you’ll find yourself deeply regretting the delay when you’re forced to pay for water damage out of pocket.

My house has flooded, so to file a claim I’ll have to leave my home the way it is until an assessment is done.

FedNat, which has been providing Floridians with various types of insurance for 25 years, says otherwise. Once the storm has passed, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FedNat will send a contractor at no charge or obligation if emergency services are required, including water extraction. Additional crucial actions include drying out your home and photographing damaged property, which should not be discarded until the adjuster is able to examine it. FedNat also provides resources on hurricane preparation and encourages using an inventory worksheet and checklist.

10 Unusual Hurricane Preparation Tips

March 7, 2019 by NHSI

It’s a familiar feeling for Floridians. A hurricane warning has been issued across all news and radio stations – and masses of people are rushing to gas stations, supermarket aisles have been cleared of canned goods, and there isn’t a fresh battery to be found at the home supply store. You’re so focused on getting the absolute essentials, like three days’ worth of food and water, that some things inevitably slip your mind. In the hectic preparations, try not to forget these less common items for your hurricane emergency kit:

1. Battery-operated or handheld fan
The last thing you want is to ride out a hurricane in Florida in the middle of July with no air conditioning. Use a battery-operated or handheld fan to keep air flowing and have plenty of extra batteries on hand. Conversely, if the weather has already turned chilly, make sure you have some hand warmers ready.

2. Ready-to-use hygienic supplies
With the power and water supply out, it’s easy to feel unclean. Gone are the days of plentiful hot water and long, relaxing showers. Stock up on dry shampoo, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and feminine products, among others – things that will help restore a much-needed sense of cleanliness. And if you wear contact lenses, don’t forget a supply of contact solution – you don’t want to sleep with your contacts in, as it can lead to infections or dry eyes, or find yourself forced to dig up an old pair of glasses with the wrong prescription.

3. Bug spray
Hurricanes bring a torrent – not only of water, but of bugs as well. Mosquitoes can carry diseases, and they especially thrive in the dampness and humidity of a storm’s aftermath. The CDC recommends that you choose an EPA-registered insect repellent to fight off the little critters.

4. Bleach
Pure, unscented bleach can serve a multitude of helpful purposes after a hurricane. Not only can it disinfect a variety of items, it can also sanitize water when boiling isn’t an option. The FDA advises 1/8 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water, and then waiting 30 minutes until the water is safe to drink.

5. Disposable camera
To be ready in case your home suffers from flooding or other damage, you’ll want to take “before” photos of your belongings, especially valuables. If damage actually occurs, take “after” photos for your insurance provider. If you are unable to access the camera on your phone, a disposable camera will be helpful for quick snapshots. It will also show that your photos have not been altered and your description of the damage is true and accurate.

6. Cooler
Food and drinks aren’t the only things you’ll want to keep chilled – some medications require cool storage places to remain effective. A small cooler will do the trick, but make sure to wrap the medications in a plastic bag to avoid water damage as ice melts.

Florida’s unique geography places it squarely in the crosshairs of hurricane season ever year, yet a survey by the National Hurricane Survival Initiative showed that Floridians still do not sufficiently prepare. Take this Hurricane IQ quiz and don’t forget these incredibly helpful actions!

7. Waterproof important documents
It’s crucial that you safely store your important documents, but also that they stay safe. Consider using waterproof bags that won’t allow moisture to seep inside and keep the storage container away from areas of your home that are likely to flood. Make copies and have them laminated, and keep a printed contact information sheet. Additionally, don’t forget identification information for all members of your household, and store it with the important documents in an easily accessible place in case you must evacuate.

8. Make sure your fridge keeps its cool
Don’t forget to set your refrigerator and freezer to their lowest temperatures. Freeze containers of water or have ice packs to ensure that your food doesn’t spoil as quickly. By making a list of the contents in your fridge, you’ll know exactly what’s inside so you can minimize the time the door is open.

9. Don’t forget your pets
Make an emergency supply kit for your pets. Include three days of food and water, as well as any medications that your pet needs. Don’t forget to keep copies of your pet’s vaccinations and medical records in a waterproof container.

10. Educate yourself
Knowledge is power, and you’ll want to be armed with as much of it as possible before a hurricane hits. The FAIR Foundation aims to educate the public about natural disaster risks through Get Ready, Florida! The National Hurricane Survival Initiative promotes wind and flood mitigation in hopes of reducing uninsured risk and helping families stay protected throughout the hurricane season.

Learn more at fairfound.org and hurricanesafety.org.

Stay Powered Up Despite the Storm

March 7, 2019 by NHSI

An essential part of living in Florida is preparing for hurricane season. The state leads the nation in tropical landfalls with more than 200 direct hurricane and tropical storm strikes since records began in the mid-19th century. While the state’s energy companies have invested billions of dollars to strengthen the energy grid to help speed restoration following one of those strikes, it’s inevitable that a major storm will cause power outages. Preparing for power outages is key to ensuring you and your family are ready for when, not if, the next hurricane to blow your way.

Know Your Home

Losing power can make it difficult to enter or leave your home if you have an electronic door lock. Make sure you have another safe way into your home, or a key that doesn’t require power. Learn how to open your garage door manually (many will have a bypass or emergency cord).

Hire a Professional

Tree limbs and branches, as well as other windblown debris, are among the leading causes of outages during a storm. Many homeowners attempt to trim these themselves. However, both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) – Florida’s largest energy provider – advise against this. FEMA suggests you should hire a licensed tree-clearing professional to trim any vegetation near lines, and FPL warns that even non-metal ladders and equipment can still conduct electricity. This is why it’s important to look up and identify any overhead power lines before prepping your home, and to stay at least 10 feet away from those lines, including any tools or scaffolds you’re using. Always make sure to clean up any stray branches or yard clippings before a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued. Once the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues a warning, trash pickup is suspended, and anything left out may become airborne during the storm and interfere with power restoration.

Hurricane force winds can cause major damage. Retrofitting, or securing, your home is an important precaution to take in order to minimize damage. For more information on how to strengthen the exterior of your home, visit: https://t.co/35idQ13rKR #FLSERT pic.twitter.com/62R48UP70U

— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) January 24, 2019

The Ultimate Backup

If all else fails, having a generator in place will ensure that you have power during an outage. In order for generators to work properly, however, they must be stored safely and correctly. In a recent survey by the National Hurricane Survival Initiative, only 73% of people recognized that none of the options listed – including balconies, garages, and attics – were viable locations for generators. With over a quarter of those surveyed believing in wrong information, former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate warns that a mistake can be potentially fatal. FPL recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions before operating a generator, which should be done outside and away from windows. The company also urges Florida residents to never wire a portable generator directly into a breaker or fuse box, as the power you generate could flow back into power lines and cause severe injuries or death to utility crews working to restore power.

Learn more about FPL at fpl.com, and be further prepared with this comprehensive checklist.

How to Hurricane-Proof Your Home… Affordably

March 6, 2019 by NHSI

Hurricanes can cause tremendous stress to homeowners, even before they hit. From grocery stores jam-packed with frantic shoppers to gas stations lined up with thirsty cars, preparing for an upcoming storm causes stress for just about everyone around town. And even after the storm has passed, it often may leave countless obstacles scattered in its wake. One of the most daunting post-hurricane challenges is assessing the damage to your home (and figuring out how to pay large, unexpected bills to repair the damage).

Now imagine a different way. Instead of the usual stress and frustration associated with such an ordeal, you can be calm and collected while assessing the storm’s aftermath. You’re able to do this because you were fully prepared to face the storm before it hit. Your home was already armed with a backup generator, storm shutters, and wind- and water-resistant measures securely in place. The best part is, you were able to do it all through 100% financing with no money down.

A unique and efficient program called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) makes this possible. Scientific American has proclaimed the PACE program as one of its top 20 “world-changing” ideas; PACE is an affordable program that allows homeowners to make energy efficient and hurricane protection improvements to their homes that will continue to benefit them long after hurricane season has passed.

According to a survey by the National Hurricane Survival Initiative, 66% of Floridians identified installation of impact-resistant windows as one of their top three home-hardening preferences. With wind and water damage contributing significantly to a hurricane’s disastrous after-effects, PACE eligible storm protection improvements can greatly reduce the potential damage of a hurricane, including high-impact doors and basement membrane waterproofing.

“Everyone wants their home to be able to withstand the worst of a hurricane, but not every family’s budget has the means to make home hardening possible,” says David Kelly, Senior Vice President of Sales with Ygrene, a PACE provider and national leader in clean energy financing for storm home improvements. “Floridians are fortunate that the state is one of just three in the nation that allow residential PACE, so they should take advantage by investing in their future while increasing their property’s value now.”

The process for getting PACE financing approval is simple, taking just three easy steps:

Get qualified
Select a project
Choose a contractor.

Homeowners can get prequalified in less than thirty minutes with an online application, and their entire project is 100% financed with no money down. Even repaying the financing is easy; payments are added onto and made with the owner’s property tax bill and can be delayed up to a year or more, with the cost spread out over the lifetime of the financing agreement (sometimes up to 30 years). Eligibility is primarily based on factors other than credit score, such as home equity.

PACE projects aren’t just proactive ways to start preparing for the inevitable challenges of hurricane season. PACE home improvement solutions can also result in a more sustainable home for you and your family. Options such as solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and wind turbines may help lower your utility bills.

In the end, the greatest value of PACE-financed improvement is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is properly hardened against the forces of nature, before they happen. The more prepared you are before the hurricane, the less you’ll need to worry once it arrives.

Ygrene PACE Financing How it Works from Ygrene Energy Fund on Vimeo.

For more information regarding Ygrene and how you can begin the PACE process today, visit Ygrene.com.