Common Myths About Hurricanes

 The season’s first Atlantic hurricane, Alex, is history. But experts say we could expect as many as 20 more named tropical storms before the hurricane season officially closes on November 1.

While the devastation caused by a hurricane can be horrific, making the wrong decision based on common myths related to tropical storms can also lead to serious damage; it could also put you and your family in danger. Here are a few common hurricane myths to avoid:

• If your home is being struck by a hurricane, open the windows so that air pressure doesn’t explode the house.

This is not a good idea. Opening your windows would allow wind and rain to enter your home and damage your belongings. Air leaking in around doors and windows will tend to balance the differences in air pressure inside and outside of the house.

• Only concern yourself with protecting water-facing openings.

Hurricane winds can come from any direction and can change rapidly, especially if you are located near the eye of the storm. You will be safer if you protect doors and windows on all sides of your home.

• Help support your windows by applying strong tape in an “X” pattern.

What you want is to keep your windows in their frames, attached to the house. Taping the glass won’t help with that. And be sure not to lean or push against a window to hold it in place as the wind howls. The best thing to do is to keep yourself and your family away from all windows throughout the storm.

Hurricanes often cause severe flooding in low-lying areas. That can make flood insurance a wise choice if you live on a barrier island, at the beach or in coastal wetlands or marshes. Here are a few myths about flood insurance.

• My homeowner‘s insurance policy will cover any flooding damage from a hurricane.

Way too many homeowners find out the hard way that their policies don’t cover flooding. Only flood insurance will.

• Flood insurance isn’t available to people living in high-risk areas.

Fortunately, that’s not true. Most communities in flood-prone areas participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, making federal flood insurance available to homeowners – no matter where they live.

• Flood insurance isn’t available immediately before or after a flood.

That’s not true. Flood insurance is available anytime. However, there is typically a 30-day waiting period after paying the premium before the policy takes effect. So if you think you might need flood insurance this hurricane season, the time to act is now.
 

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