5 Things Everyone Misunderstands About Weather - Series Part 1

After centuries of weather forecasting study and research, the human race knows a thing or two about storms.  We know that hurricanes and typhoons will spin out of the oceans every summer and ravage certain coastlines.  We know that tornadoes will strike thousands of times per year, causing significant localized damage, and we generally know where they will appear and why.  We can even predict which years will bring particularly strong weather patterns and what those patterns will mean for farmers, ranchers and others.

But, the truth is, we don't know everything. At least the general population doesn't. In fact, although there is plenty of meteorological research out there for reference, a wide swath of the population clings to a number of weather myths that, although they sound correct, just aren't true. Earlier this month, AccuWeather.com set out to put some of these weather myths to bed by explaining some of the most widespread and misinformed. Click through this week to learn fact from fiction.

Myth #1: Humid air is heavier than dry air

According to AccuWeather.com meteorologist Steve Wistar, dry air is actually heavier than humid air, despite the fact that it seems like you can "feel" humid air more than dry. "There are more molecules of water in humid air which are lighter than molecules of air".

Tips for Hurricane Season - In the Home

Homeowners, in the event of a storm, should close and lock all windows and doors, reinforcing windows with shutters and adding heavy-duty hinges and deadbolts to entry doors. The garage door, in particular needs to be braced, even if it means backing your car up against the interior of the garage door.

In case of flooding or power loss, homeowners should also install a battery backup system for the sump pump to prevent drain backups and a backup generator can be helpful in the event of extended power loss.

When it comes to valuable items in the home, such as rugs or art, homeowners should move them away from any windows, and to upper floors of the house, if possible. Prepare copies of important personal and financial documents, and secure these copies in a safe, alternate location to ensure that these documents survive the storm.

If a storm does threaten to hit, homeowners should keep their emergency contact information on hand and be sure that they have a full tank of gas in their car should they need to evacuate.

Keeping a “go bag,” with a change of clothes, prescription medications, food and water, flashlights, a portable radio and batteries is extremely helpful in the event of an emergency. 

Your family’s safety should always come first. Agree on an evacuation plan, emergency communication procedures and a rendezvous point in case you get separated.

Tips for Hurricane Season - In the Yard

 

Hurricane season has officially begun, and homeowners in Coastal areas such as Long Island can be at a high-risk for storm damage.  In order to protect themselves, homeowners should consider taking action before a hurricane threatens to hit the area, keeping their home and family safe in the event of an emergency.

 

To protect homes and vehicles from potential storm damage, homeowners should begin preparing their homes by making sure that their rain gutters and exterior drains are free of debris to avoid potential water backups.  Roof sheathing should also be checked to make sure that it could withstand heavy winds.

Exterior furniture or art that could act as a dangerous projectile should also be moved inside or secured with cables or netting.

In the yard, homeowners should be sure that trees and other outdoor landscaping are trimmed so that there are no branches hanging over the home or vehicle that could fall and cause severe damage or even personal injury.

Trees or branches that fall can create a great deal of damage to your property, but an inspection by an arborist can help identify unhealthy tree branches and remove them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protecting the Home Inside and Out: Tips for Hurricane Season - Series

Hurricane season has officially begun, and homeowners in Coastal areas such as Long Island can be at a high-risk for storm damage.  In order to protect themselves, homeowners should consider taking action before a hurricane threatens to hit the area, keeping their home and family safe in the event of an emergency. 

During hurricane season, people living in at-risk areas need to protect themselves should a severe storm put them at risk. Taking the proper precautions, collecting emergency supplies and creating a family evacuation plan are just a few ways homeowners can remove a stress from an inherently stressful situation. Once a hurricane is reported, homeowners will be competing for a limited supply of critical materials and resources such as gasoline, generators, tarps and boards and bottled water.

Visit our Blog Page over the next few days to learn a few tips for hurricane season to help keep you and your family safe.