If you are ordered to evacuate, please listen to local authorities and seek shelter elsewhere. This hurricane is going to be a “historic event,” and you do not want to take it lightly.
As Florida braces for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, residents and property owners must take urgent action to safeguard their homes and businesses. Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded his state of emergency declaration to 54 counties ahead of the storm. This category 4 hurricane is predicted to make landfall as a major hurricane, bringing life-threatening conditions to most of Florida.
What conditions is Hurricane Milton expected to bring?
Hurricane Milton is expected to bring sustained winds up to 150 miles per hour (as of the latest advisory), with wind gusts exceeding those figures.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that a deadly storm surge could reach up to 12 feet above ground level in some areas, which could cause catastrophic flooding and widespread damage to homes and commercial properties.
Along with strong winds, torrential rain, and the possibility of tornadoes, property damage is highly likely.
To give you an idea of what Florida may face, it’s important to look back at history. When Hurricane Ian made landfall in 2022, it caused over $112 billion in damage, claimed over 100 lives, and spawned multiple tornadoes across the state. Hurricane Milton has the potential to be just as devastating, if not more so.
“Do not ignore Hurricane Milton. Please, no matter how you feel or what you have at home, please put your life and the lives of your loved ones as a top priority. If ordered to leave, then please evacuate and seek shelter in a safe area.” ~ Attorney John Tolley, JT Law Firm’s founder.
Hurricane Milton Storm Highlights:
- Milton has already gone through rapid intensification and reached category 4 status as of Early Monday, October 7, 2024. The day prior, it was a category 1.
- Sustained winds are 150 MPH
- Predicted landfall appears to be somewhere along the Tampa Bay area.
- Rainfall flooding is possible across cities in Florida, with cities like Fort Lauderdale already receiving 4 inches of rainfall the weekend before Hurricane Milton’s arrival.
Hurricane Milton Property Damage Claims expected to soar.
Common Types of Hurricane Property Damage we can expect to see with a category 4 hurricane.
- Broken windows and doors
- Damaged to the siding of your house
- Doors being blown in by extreme winds
- Fence damage
- Fallen trees
- Extensive roof damage
- Tornado damage
- Coastal regions flooded due to storm surge
- Some in-land regions encountering rainfall flooding
If Hurricane Milton meets the expectations of meteorologists, we can expect significant destruction throughout Florida’s coastal regions and beyond. Here are some of the common types of damage homeowners and business owners might encounter:
- Roof damage: Expect widespread roof damage as wind gusts lift shingles and sections of roofs. Older or improperly secured roofs could suffer even more significant damage, leaving homes exposed to further harm from rain and wind.
- Flying debris: During hurricanes, powerful winds turn everyday objects like branches and outdoor furniture into projectiles. These can cause substantial damage to windows, doors, siding, and even walls.
- Flood damage: Storm surge and heavy rainfall will likely cause significant flooding. Even homes not directly in the storm’s path could suffer from water damage caused by rain accumulation or rising floodwaters.
- Wind damage: The high winds can tear off exterior elements of a home, such as siding, doors, and shutters. In extreme cases, windows and doors can be blown in, leading to further structural damage.
- Tree damage: Strong winds can uproot trees or break large branches, causing them to fall onto homes, cars, and power lines. This can result in roof and structural damage, as well as power outages.
- Tornadoes: Hurricanes can often spawn tornadoes, which cause concentrated areas of destruction with their incredibly strong winds and flying debris.
Preparing for a Hurricane Milton Property Damage Claim
Now is the time to prepare your property and strengthen any future hurricane damage claims you may need to file. Documenting the current condition of your property is crucial to ensuring that your insurance claim is processed smoothly. Here are a few tips on how to do this:
- Take photos and videos: Before the storm arrives, capture as many clear photos and videos of your property as possible. Focus on areas that could be vulnerable to damage, such as the roof, windows, doors, and exterior walls. Also, document the interior of your home or business, paying close attention to any high-value items like electronics or furniture.
- Review your insurance policy: Ensure you know what your homeowners or commercial property insurance covers. Does it include wind damage, flooding, and storm surge? Make sure you understand the terms of your policy and any deductibles you may be responsible for.
- Secure your property: While there is still time, take steps to minimize damage. Board up windows and doors, secure outdoor furniture, and trim large trees or remove loose branches. These preventive measures can help reduce the overall damage to your property.
- Follow evacuation orders: If local authorities issue evacuation orders, do not hesitate. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones come first.
Stay safe. Prioritize your safety. Listen to local authorities.
Prepare now, stay safe, and remember that your property can be repaired – your safety is the top priority.
