Hurricanes in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful city on the southeastern coast of Florida – directly in the path of many Atlantic hurricanes. Every summer to fall, residents in this beachside city brace themselves for a season of powerful storms.

Hurricanes come with high winds, flooding, storm surges, and power outages, which cause a lot of damage to local homes and buildings. All Dry USA is here to help. Our team of experts specializes in interior restoration; there’s no job too big or too small for us to handle!

Does Fort Lauderdale Have Hurricanes?

Floridians are well used to hurricanes, and the people of Fort Lauderdale are no exception. Florida is bordered by the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, which can generate massive hurricanes. Most of the state also lies at or below sea level, so most cities risk moderate to significant hurricane damage. The southeastern coast, which includes Miami and Fort Lauderdale, often gets the brunt of Atlantic hurricanes.

What Are the Hazards Associated With Hurricanes in Fort Lauderdale?

Hurricanes are extremely dangerous and can cause long-term property damage beyond the initial storm impact. Here are some of the most significant hazards to look out for:

Storm Surge

Storm surge is when the tide rises above its expected level during a storm. These surges can be several feet above standard high tide lines and cause massive flooding in coastal and low-lying areas. Storm surges are especially hazardous because they can happen suddenly and catch people off guard. Surges can also take a long time to recede, leaving people stranded for days or weeks.

High Winds

Hurricanes are synonymous with high winds; in fact, they’re categorized by their wind speeds. High winds drive this storm type and can cause catastrophic damage to people and property. Wind may directly damage structures, blow away cars, and knock down trees and power lines.

Additionally, winds blow objects or debris at high speeds, often resulting in broken windows. Many people board their windows with plywood ahead of a storm to prevent them from being hit by flying objects.

Flooding

Flash flooding and long-term flooding are two of the deadliest threats associated with hurricanes. Flash flooding can happen after a storm surge or when there is heavy rainfall, and the ground is too saturated with water to absorb anymore.

The saturated ground also contributes to long-term flooding, which happens when standing water has nowhere else to go. Flooding can carry away people, cars, and even homes and buildings. It can also cause dangerous water and mold damage to existing structures.

Damaged Infrastructure

Severe storms often result in structural damage to buildings, downed utility lines, and impassable roads. Damaged infrastructure usually takes a long time to repair, making it hard for people to live safely in their homes and access emergency services.

Damage to infrastructure comes with many associated risks, such as contaminated water, unstable buildings, and exposure to electricity from downed power lines. It’s best to avoid these areas until officials have declared it safe to return.

What Should You Do Before a Hurricane?

Weathering a hurricane is all about preparation. Stock up on supplies early; if you wait until the storm approaches, you may have difficulty finding what you need in stores or on your own property. Follow these tips to ensure you’re ready for the next storm season:

• Get emergency supplies – Gather enough nonperishable food, water, batteries, and medicine to last you and your family for several days. Additionally, prepare to lose power, so get plenty of flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and something to cook on, like a camp stove.
• Consider a generator – Backup generators can power certain electronics in your home if the main power goes out. A typical generator could power a refrigerator and stove, but consider using backup power for medical devices, such as a CPAP machine.
• Board up doors and windows – Hurricane winds blow so violently that small objects become projectiles. Before the storm, cover any windows and glass doors with plywood or install hurricane shutters.
• Clean up the yard – Bring in anything that can blow around. Plant pots, lawn furniture, toys, grills, and decorative garden statues; if you don’t want them flying at or in your house, they should come inside.
• Decide where you’ll be – Make the decision to stay or evacuate early. Don’t wait until the storm bands have reached you to relocate! If you evacuate, prepare an evacuation kit with essential supplies and critical documents like birth certificates, passports, and property deeds. And importantly, board your property to lessen the damage.
• Stay informed – Monitor weather warnings and evacuation orders. Know your evacuation zone. If you are ordered to evacuate and choose to stay, understand that emergency services will not respond to your location.

What Should You Do During a Hurricane?

If you decide to stay and ride out the storm, follow these guidelines to help you stay safe:

• Stay inside – Stay indoors and away from doors and windows. Move to a central room in your home.
• Avoid flood water – If flooding is expected, be prepared to move to higher ground, like the upper floors of your home or property. Do not try to swim or play in flood water, as they may carry dangerous contaminants.
• Have a backup plan – Expect the unexpected. Have an escape plan ready in case you need to leave. For example, plan what to do if flood waters rise too high, a tree falls on the house, or you run out of supplies.
• Be mindful of equipment – Do not use fuel-burning devices like grills or generators in a closed space. They generate carbon monoxide, which may be fatal and hard to detect.
• Stay away from open flames – Open flames like candles can easily cause fires. Instead, use battery or solar-powered flashlights, spotlights, and lanterns.
• Monitor the situation – continue to watch for storm updates and evacuation orders. Storms can shift quickly, and you may receive an evacuation order with little notice.

What Should You Do After a Hurricane?

Be prepared to deal with a lot of cleanup and recovery after the storm has passed. Keep yourself safe with these tips:

• Keep watching the news – Don’t make the mistake of trying to return too early. If you evacuated, wait until local authorities have given an “all clear” before attempting to return home. Safety first!
• Avoid live wires – Stay away from any downed powerlines or electrical equipment. They may still be live and can be dangerous.
• Stay out of the water – Do not swim in or attempt to cross flood waters. If you encounter a washed-out road, turn around before you get to standing water.
• No open flames – Continue to use battery-powered light sources if the power has not been restored. Gas leaks are common after hurricanes. An open flame can lead to an explosion.
• Have an inspection – Soon after you return home, you should schedule a professional property inspection, even if everything looks fine. Hurricanes often cause damage that can be hard to see until it’s a big problem, such as roof leaks.

Types of Property Damage Caused by Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes

Hurricanes can cause severe damage to your property. Roads, buildings, beaches, and anything in their way can take a hit. Here are some of the most common things to look out for:

Roof Damage

Roof damage and leaks can lead to significant water and mold damage inside your home. It’s essential to address any roof damage promptly to prevent further structural issues and protect your home.

Structural Damage

The high winds, heavy rains, storm surges, and prolonged flooding caused by hurricanes cause significant structural damage.

Structural damage requires immediate attention to ensure the building is safe to enter and may require significant repairs to walls, roofs, and foundations.

Interior Damage

Interior damage is typical after hurricanes. Damage to walls and roofs can cause leaks and water damage. Flooding also causes potentially debilitating water and mold issues which you need to address before it’s safe to re-inhabit the space.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Hurricane Season in Fort Lauderdale?

Hurricane season in Fort Lauderdale beings in June and lasts through the end of November. The Sunshine State has had a series of record-breaking storms during the past few hurricane seasons. Preparing in advance is best by stocking up on supplies during the off-season.

Suffering from Hurricane Damage in Fort Lauderdale? ADU Can Help

If you’ve had damage from a hurricane in Fort Lauderdale, contact All Dry USA. Experts in interior restoration, water damage restoration, and mold remediation, we’ve seen it all – and we’ve fixed it all.

Let us do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on rebuilding your life. We’ll ensure your home is safe and clean, so you and your family have one less thing to worry about.