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5 Ways to Landscape for Hurricane Preparedness

Pauline Hammerbeck — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:02:39 +0000

It may be difficult to entirely protect your home and yard from the strong winds of a hurricane, but there are certainly steps you can take to help minimize the damage. Here are five storm-wise landscaping tips to better prepare your property for a potential hurricane.

1. Choose salt-tolerant species.

Whether plants survived or died after Sandy last fall depended on their salt tolerance, according to an expert at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, who said inland gardeners normally unaccustomed to hurricanes experienced salt damage when the storm carried salt spray many miles inland. A local agriculture expert or cooperative extension office can help you choose species that are tolerant to salt on their stems, leaves and roots.

2. Plant the right trees, in the right places.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), some trees are prone to more storm damage than others. For example, trees that are shallow-rooted in soft soil have a tendency to topple over in high winds. The roots get pulled out of the ground. Carefully consider the type of tree you plant in your yard, but also where you site it: The South Florida Water Management District says storm-wise planting should consider the mature height of the tree to avoid future interference with fences, buildings or power lines.

3. Prune properly.

Thorough and frequent pruning will make your landscape look nice. But proper pruning is also a good way to prevent property damage in the event of a storm. IBHS suggests trimming dead, damaged or diseased tree limbs, and those that are too close to your home or near power lines. (Consider calling an expert for any work near a power line). Also, look around the yard for any cracked, hollow or decayed trees and have them removed to minimize the possibility of a strong storm uprooting them.

4. Use soft mulch.

If you have rock or pea gravel in your flower beds or along paths around your yard, IBHS suggests you consider replacing the materials with shredded bark or other soft mulch. In high winds, small rocks can become projectiles, often breaking windows or damaging the siding of the house. Shredded bark is softer and less dangerous if caught in the wind.

5. Minimize storm hazards.

If a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching, take care to bring anything that can be a potential wind hazard or projectile (toys, potted plants, lawn furniture, etc) inside. The South Florida Water Management District also suggests running a check of the yard to determine whether any debris in your swales or drainage systems might prevent water from flowing away from your property. Recommended by the editors:

Storm Shelter? Safe Room? Build Your Own Ultimate Secure Shelter [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:30:37 +0000

Safety is a significant issue for every homeowner and eliminating unsafe situations inside the home should be a top priority. Proper installation and usage of electrical and gas lines, carbon dioxide and fire alarms, and window and door locks are all important for day-to-day home safety. But what about extreme conditions? Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and even home invasion are all examples of severe situations in which families may benefit from a safe room. What is a safe room? Simply put, a safe room is a secure, reinforced, well-stocked room where individuals can go to avoid the risks and potential dangers that may arise in other parts of a home. But how do you create a safe room in your house? Our infographic provides some ideas: [infographic]

Lessons From The World’s First Indoor Hailstorm

Pauline Hammerbeck — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:54:45 +0000

Who would take the time to fashion hailstones from a mix of tap water and seltzer water in a special laboratory, and then fire them at a variety of roofs, windows and doors from air cannons? Isn't that painstakingly detailed work? Of course. But the scientists at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Tampa, Fla., decided to do just that as part of a major study to help homeowners, manufacturers of home products and others better cope with this natural disaster.

Orchestrating an indoor hailstorm

The IBHS has a huge indoor facility measuring a half-acre across and 70 feet high at its existing research center in South Carolina. It sent scientists into the field to study hailstorms in six states to gather a variety of data, as hail varies in size, shape and hardness. Then, in February, after creating hailstones that closely mimics those produced by Mother Nature, it orchestrated the first-ever full-scale indoor hailstorm. Within a four-minute time span, the IBHS used ice and air cannons to fire 9,000 pieces of man-made balls of ice (some as large as 2 inches in diameter) at top speeds of 76 mph at a test house featuring different roofing and siding materials, windows, and doors, along with a car and outdoor furniture to replicate a residential setting. IBHS Hailstorm Demonstration Highlights from IBHS on Vimeo. The goal was to achieve conditions present in a typical super-cell thunderstorm known to produce hail. While IBHS has only begun to analyze the results, it has found that the damage was confined mostly to roofs, and particularly to soft areas with less coverage, similar to what researchers found during “real” outdoor hailstorms in the field. This spring, the Institute is collecting more data, and it plans to bring back damaged housing parts to its research center to determine their longevity once hail has wrecked havoc. Spring Means Hail Season Hailstorms are common in the spring, because of the season's frequency of thunderstorms with strong, tilted updrafts, which are known for producing hailstones--some as big as marbles and balls. But they can happen anywhere, and at any time. According to the IBHS, the U.S. experiences more than 3,000 hailstorms a year, resulting in more than $1 billion in damages. "Hail Alley” -- which runs from Texas north through the middle of the country to the Dakotas -- is particularly prone. Hail Preparedness Tips for Homeowners So, what can you do to prepare for the next hailstorm? According to the IBHS, you should consider these precautions:

As soon as a hailstorm starts, if it's safe, move vehicles under cover and move outdoor furnishings indoors.
During a hailstorm, stay indoors and stay clear of windows; they may break.
After a hailstorm, inspect your property for signs of hail damage; snap photos to document the impact.
If you plan on a replacing a roof, the IBHS recommends using materials that are “impact resistant,” specifically those with a Class 4 rating from Underwriters Laboratories' 2218 standard. (Siding, window and door products aren't yet graded this way.)
Be sure to hire a reputable contractor. Before you hire anyone, check references; ask for proof of certification or licensing, and be sure they’re bonded and insured, too. “Some ‘storm chasers’ are not reputable, demanding money up front, then disappearing,” says Julie Rochman, president and CEO of the IBHS.

It can also be a good idea to stay on top of changing weather. Sign up for email or text weather alerts, or get a weather radio, to alert you to emerging weather hazards and reports of hail in your community. Recommended by the editors:

Gandalf Is Coming! Get Ready for Winter Storms

Melissa — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:00:59 +0000

Don’t be surprised if, a month or so from now, you wake up to a foot of snow dumped overnight by … Zeus! That’s right; this year, for the first time, The Weather Channel is naming noteworthy winter storms. A nor'easter that hit parts of New England in early November was dubbed Athena, putting the winter storm naming plan into motion, and since then there have been Brutus, Caesar, Gandalf, Nemo, and, most recently, Q! (The winter storm names are assigned in alphabetical order.) It's apparently a strategy to boost storm preparedness. “Naming winter storms will raise awareness, which will lead to more proactive efforts to plan ahead, resulting in less impact on the public overall,” says The Weather Channel spokesman Tom Niziol. It's important to note that, unlike tropical storms and hurricanes, which are named from a list maintained by the World Meteorological Organization, winter storms are being named only by The Weather Channel, not any governmental or official entity. Names like Gandalf, Q, and Nemo (all on The Weather Channel’s list of named storms for the 2012-13 winter season), will certainly make this year's winter storms memorable. So, are you ready for Q? You can get a head start on the wild weather with these five preparation tips:

Stock up on supplies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says that in case of any disaster, you should prepare a three-day food and water supply for each person in your household. That includes at least one gallon of water per person per day. Keep extra medication in your first aid kit.

Winterize your car. Install snow tires and new wiper blades, check the antifreeze level, keep the gas tank full and check your tire pressure. As the temperature drops, so does the pressure in your tires. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's "Safe Winter Driving" publication says you should keep a tire gauge in your car and check the pressure when your tires have not been driven on for more than three hours, making sure each tire is filled to the manufacturer's suggested number of pounds per square inch.

Prepare for lost power. Stock up on batteries, flashlights, fuel for alternate heating methods (such as fireplaces or wood burning stoves), extra blankets and warm clothing. If your home loses power during periods of extreme cold, be prepared to evacuate to an emergency shelter.

Practice generator safety. Carbon monoxide kills. Never use a generator, camp stove or other gas-burning device inside your home, garage, basement or crawl space.

Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia. Before shoveling off the snow that Gandalf dumped on your driveway, dress for the weather. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing underneath your winter coat. This allows your body to efficiently balance the cold outdoor temperatures with the internal heat created by your exertion.

What do you think about The Weather Channel’s plan to name this winter’s snowstorms? Are you ready for Xerxes or Zeus? Recommended by the Editor:

Stories from Sandy: Renewed Purpose and Hope

Pauline Hammerbeck — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:00:48 +0000

Freehold, New Jersey. Bruce Springsteen’s hometown. And, more recently, the site of great upheaval in the wake of Sandy. The Allstate Blog sat down with Allstate agency owner Andrea Zorzi, whose agency has a long history in Freehold, to learn how the storm has impacted the community, how she’s been lending a helping hand, and her thoughts on what’s next for the city that inspired the small-town America lyrics of Springsteen songs. Allstate Blog: So, how strong is your connection to Freehold? Andrea Zorzi: My dad was a 40-year Allstate agent. He retired in 2008, and I took the business over from there. Our office has been in Freehold for more than 25 years. AB: How prepared were you for the impact Sandy could have? AZ: The forecasters warned that this would be an unprecedented storm … but in our area we have been so fortunate to escape any kind of severe weather that, although they might have made some preparations, I think many doubted it was going to have such a severe impact. AB: How soon did you realize that the impact was, indeed, severe? AZ: I live five blocks from the ocean, and I stayed through the storm. The next morning, I took a walk to the ocean. It was hard to recognize that this was the same place I stood the day before. The entire landscape had changed. There were homes that floated into the street, debris strewn about, things that didn't belong where they were ... sections of the boardwalk three streets over from where it should be. I've never seen anything like it. AB: How soon were you able to communicate with customers? AZ: It was very difficult in the beginning. None of us had power in our homes or offices, no gas and nowhere to get it. Even cell phone service was disrupted … for many, only text messages were getting through. I knew that so many of our customers were in the affected areas and without power, phones or internet in the office or anywhere. It was easy to feel helpless. I posted my cell phone number on our office door and kept showing up, not knowing what else to do; my staff and I wanted to help these people whose lives, we knew, had been torn apart. AB: What could you do to help? AZ: Well, the first few days after the tragedy, the needs were immediate for things like flashlights, batteries, candles, jackets, and blankets. But it was clear that no one knew where to go or what to do. So, we’re sitting in our cold, dark office and my senior producer, Joann came up with the idea that we should be a drop-off point for supplies. AB: Great idea. So, how did you spread the word? AZ: We were able to get Facebook on our phones, so we started by posting requests for supplies on Saturday night. We saw what people close to the affected areas were posting about their needs—we compiled a list and put it out there. On Sunday morning, we came into the office, we barely got the signs up and people just started coming in. Many with their cars and vans full of stuff! AB: That must have really felt good. AZ: It did. It gave us purpose. By the time our power came on a few days later, the office was filled to the brim with donations. As customers started coming in to file or discuss their claims, we had people still streaming in with donations. It motivated many of our customers to come back to the office with donations of their own. We’ve been filling trucks, and calling on our friends to use their trucks, to get everything out to these checkpoints that have been set up near the most affected areas. These hubs have been created because so many people have been coming out with offers to help. We’ve certainly seen that sense of philanthropy. For our own efforts, the volunteers and donations we’ve amassed have been amazing. It just sort of snowballed. AB: Why do you think that is? AZ: I think, for many people, it was empowering to be proactive and actually start doing something. So many people lost so much. Coming in to help those people was a way to turn the helplessness into hope. In fact, a whole movement has formed to help—it’s truly an outpouring of support. AB

All You Need to Know About Solar Storms

The Storm Crew — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:00:19 +0000

Six million Canadians mysteriously found themselves without power for more than nine hours on March 13, 1989. The cause? A surprise storm from outer space. That’s right; a powerful geomagnetic storm disrupted Hydro Quebec’s electric power transmission grid. Effects from the space storm even melted transformers as far south asNew Jersey. In our technology-dependent society, space weather can have a serious and direct impact on our daily lives. While power outages due to space weather are rare events, it’s possible that a widespread outage, like the 1989 Canadian outage, could easily occur again with even more serious consequences. Power and communication disruptions could cripple computer systems, telephone systems, satellite networks and GPS-dependent services. Planes couldn’t fly, phones would stop working, gas stations couldn’t pump fuel, and credit cards and debit cards would be rendered useless. Is extreme space weather a serious threat? Mike Hapgood, a space weather scientist at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory nearOxford,England, says yes. Hapgood says minor geomagnetic storms are a periodic – and insignificant – occurrence. Much of our planet’s electronic equipment and orbiting satellites are built to withstand these storms. But a major coronal mass ejection (a large solar flare) could cause a serious geomagnetic storm that disrupts our power grid and communication system.

There’s a 12 percent chance that a serious space weather storm could happen in the next decade. --Space Weather, online journal published by the American Geophysical Union

Depending on where you live, a hurricane, tornado or earthquake may seem far more likely to impact your daily life than a space storm. After all, a recent flare-up of solar activity in March led to lots of media coverage, but no real problems. According to Hapgood, that’s because March’s solar activity was due to solar flares, rather than a coronal mass ejection. So, what’s the difference? Think of a large solar flare as a heavy rainstorm. Sure, there may be some flash flooding, but any real damage is minimal. A coronal mass ejection, however, is like a Category 5 hurricane bearing straight down on your house. That’s never good news! Coronal mass ejections occur when the sun’s magnetic field disrupts the sun’s atmosphere, sending an ejection of charged particles into space. If this hurricane of particles hits Earth, it can overload the electrical grid and disrupt the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Should you prepare for space weather? Absolutely. Effects of solar storms, including the loss of communication technology and electricity, could cripple our country for several days or even weeks until power is fully restored. Fortunately, preparing for space weather is similar to preparing for other natural disasters. FEMA recommends all families make an emergency kit and a family communications plan. Keep in mind that you may be unable to use your debit card or credit card and that fuel pumps may not work. I always keep a small stash of emergency cash on hand and at least half a tank of fuel in my car. A car phone charger or solar-powered charger can keep your phone powered until electricity is restored.

National Preparedness Month: Be Prepared [SLIDESHOW]

Melissa — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:00:22 +0000

Don’t wait for a natural disaster or other catastrophe before you think about what your family would do in an emergency. September is National Preparedness Month, and it gives you the perfect opportunity to get ready for whatever Mother Nature may have in store. Whether it's a hurricane, a tornado, an earthquake, a wildfire or some other catastrophe, there are specific steps you can take to make sure you’re ready. [slideshow]

Survival Tips: How to Prepare for a Power Outage

Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:00:52 +0000

Hundreds of thousands of people can be without power in the wake of a powerful hurricane. That was the case with Hurricane Isaac, which pounded the Gulf Coast with wind and rain in August 2012. But did you know that, on any given day in America, at least a half million people are without power? Clearly, a power outage in some form is inevitable. So it makes sense to plan for one now instead of scrambling for a flashlight when the lights go out. Consider these four categories when planning and preparing for a power outage emergency:

Sanitation

When the power goes out, some pretty important appliances stop working, and that includes your hot water heater. If the power is out for more than a few hours, you’ll need a way to heat water in order to sanitize dishes, eating utensils, and do laundry (along with purifying water, if necessary). Have at least two ways to heat water and cook food that don’t rely on electric power. A solar oven is a great choice on sunny days, and a fuel-efficient outdoor rocket stove, such as the Stove-Tec Rocket Stove, will get the job done in any type of weather.

Sustenance

Americans have likely lost billions of dollars’ worth of refrigerated and frozen food due to power failures over the past few decades. Once food has warmed to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for two or more hours, it’s no longer safe to consume. But if you fill empty beverage bottles with water and freeze them, you can prolong the cold temperatures in your fridge and freezer. When the power goes out, the bottles will help keep food cool longer; keep several in the freezer, and place several more in the fridge. A thermometer will let you know whether or not the food is in the safe-to-eat zone. You should also store at least a week’s worth of food that doesn’t require refrigeration and is very simple to prepare. Jerky, dried and canned fruit, nuts, granola bars, peanut butter, fruit/applesauce cups, V-8 juice, and tuna packs all pack a nutritious punch without requiring any cooking. You’ll find a comprehensive list of handy no-cook foods here. For food that needs to be cooked, fire up the grill or a stove alternative. Be sure to store enough fuel and/or wood, if necessary.

Survival

This category covers anything and everything that will insure your basic survival in the event of an extended power outage. It will take some time to assemble everything you need, so ask yourself the following: How will you stay cool in the summer without air conditioning? (battery-powered fans are one option) How will you stay warm in the winter without power? Blankets and even bubble wrap can be used to insulate windows. You should also have a plan for living in just one or two rooms during a long-term outage; this will minimize the area that has to be heated. How will you see in the dark? You’ll need several light sources, including flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns. Store extra batteries for anything that is battery-powered. How will you stay in touch with people and get necessary information? Invest in a good quality emergency radio that is battery powered. If it comes with a solar charger, that’s even better. Does a generator make sense in your circumstances? Or could it make you a target for thieves? Other helpful items can be found on this survival basics checklist.

Sanity

When the power goes out, it can really be a test to keep your wits about you because suddenly there is no TV, video games, or computer. Have a supply of board games, jigsaw puzzles, a deck of cards or two, and a few books that haven’t been read yet. A battery-powered dock for your iPod will bring hours of entertainment to the music lovers in your family. Have young kids? Stock up on a few sets of earplugs! Power outages can take us by surprise, and they can be scary to both children and adults alike. Make preparations to keep your family protected in an emergency today to insure peace and readiness tomorrow! Are you prepared for the next big storm? Sign up for Allstate’s weather alerts to stay in-the-know. Celebrate National Preparedness Month throughout September with Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom! New resources, webinars, contests, and giveaways will give you new ideas and motivation to ‘get ready for anything!’ You might also like:

Slideshow: How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Melissa — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 11:00:16 +0000

Most people living in hurricane-prone areas know the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year. Every year, you hear it: "Prepare early. Buy your hurricane supplies now." With a six-month risk window every year and only a rare storm actually coming ashore in the U.S., it’s easy to get complacent – but don’t. We’re lucky that meteorologists can sometimes predict a hurricane days before it strikes, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to get ready. Check out the following slideshow for information on what you can do now to get prepared. [slideshow]

Extreme Protection for Extreme Weather

Brendan — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:00:28 +0000

We’ve all been there – wind and rain (and maybe even hail) are pounding the outside of your house while the family is huddled around the radio or a battery powered TV, no lights and wondering when it will all be over. Seems like we’re powerless against the wrath of Mother Nature, but does it really have to be such a helpless situation for us all? Storm preppers everywhere are using the latest innovations to combat severe weather, no matter what kind of storm you’re facing.

Safety Pod

When the big waves hit, you need to be able to protect yourself… and there’s no better way than to use the Tsunami Pod! This may sound extreme, but if it saves your life, you’ll be glad you went with the newest innovation in storm protection. This pod will keep a family of six upright and afloat in any high water situation and makes even the most seaworthy craft look like a river raft.

Safety Bubble

Even if you’re not out driving in the inclement weather, the thought of storm damage to your car can be frightening enough. Come hail or high water, you need to make sure your transportation survived. If you don’t have a storm-chasing tank, then Carcoon’s Double Skin Outdoor protection bubble is your best bet! It is a bubble of protection for your car that prevents damage from flying debris, extreme weather or even the unwanted animal seeking shelter.

Safety Net

If you’re the type to take safety to the extreme, then why not surround your entire home in a safety net? The Cat-5 Netting System will protect everything from your windows and doors to your roof shingles and landscaping. It’s like wrapping your home in a cozy blanket, except this blanket can survive hurricane force winds, repel flying trees, and protect every man, woman, and child inside! Are you a high roller with a private jet? The Cat-5 Netting System protects planes too! But then again, if you had one of those, you would probably take it and fly somewhere with better weather. This all may be a bit drastic, but preparation and protection are important.