Understanding High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) and Protecting Your Patios and Lanais

“No one knows where the wind started. But it's easy to see the path it carves amongst the foolish.” - Kip HudaKoz

Introduction:

We are blessed to live in Florida; we have the best of all worlds. From sub-tropical climates to stunning beaches. With bright sunlit days and luscious green palm trees comes another truth in warm weather – hurricanes! If you live in a high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) or along the 1350 miles of Florida's Coastline, it's essential to understand how upcoming hurricanes may impact your home. More importantly, we need a simple understanding that it is our responsibility to preserve our outdoor spaces before and after the high winds come and go, taking proactive steps to ensure their safety.

With that said, here why you should pay attentions to HVHZ in Florida! 🌀🌩️🌞🪶

Understanding High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ)

HVHZ in Florida includes Miami-Dade and Broward Counties that are under the state’s toughest building codes. These codes specify the materials and type of structure so that buildings can survive the destructive forces of hurricanes and the ordeals of life and property are minimized. These codes provide the guidelines on the material, design and construction methodology to withstand the hurricane impact. Learn more on Engineering Express HVHZ page.

The Impact of Windstorms

Unlike other weather systems, hurricanes come in different levels of wind speeds that cause varying levels of damage. The United States National Weather Service categorizes these impacts into five categories: extreme, high, moderate, elevated and little to none. Overall, the categories allow people to plan and reduce the risk according to the severity of the hurricanes.

Extreme winds (110+ mph) produce devastating wind damage including total roof failures and some complete structural failures. High winds (74-110 mph) produce a great deal of structural damage. Moderate winds (39-73 mph) may cause some structural damage. Elevated winds (25-38 mph) may be the cause of loose debris, while winds below 25 mph typically produce only minor damage. For a more detailed explanation of these threat levels, visit the NWS Wind Threats and Impacts page.

Mathematical Calculations for Wind Speed and Object Movement

Understanding the wind speed necessary to move objects is essential for hurricane preparation. The formula for calculating this is:

For example, it takes only 3 mph to move a maple leaf due to its lightweight and large surface area. A 37-pound trash can can be moved by 28 mph wind. An average person (150 pounds) can be moved by a 67 mph wind, and a car (3000 pounds) can be moved by a 90 mph wind. This mathematical understanding showcases the practical application of math in real-life situations.

Hurricane Protection for Patios

Patios and lanais, though beautiful, are vulnerable during hurricanes. Proper protection involves securing these areas to prevent damage from high winds and flying debris. One of the most effective solutions is the MagnaTrack Motorized Screen System, especially when installed by Florida Living Outdoors. These screens are designed for hurricane-prone areas and offer several benefits. They absorb impacts, withstand category five hurricane winds, and use patented magnetic technology to remain flat and functional even in high winds. For more information on these screens, visit the Progressive Screens website.

Practical Steps for Hurricane Preparedness

To prepare for hurricanes effectively, secure loose items from patios and lanais to prevent them from becoming projectiles. Install protective systems like the MagnaTrack Motorized Screen, reinforce windows and doors, and create an emergency plan for evacuation and communication. Regularly check and maintain all protective measures to ensure they are in good working condition before hurricane season.

Beyond basic steps, advanced measures can further enhance safety. Installing hurricane shutters, upgrading to impact-resistant windows and doors, reinforcing roofs, and using storm panels provide additional layers of protection. Bracing garage doors prevents them from being blown inward, which can lead to significant structural damage.

The Role of Technology in Hurricane Preparedness

Technology plays a crucial role in hurricane preparedness and response. Advanced weather monitoring systems provide real-time updates and forecasts, helping homeowners stay informed and take timely actions. Smart home devices, such as automated shutters and alarm systems, can be programmed to activate in response to hurricane warnings, providing additional security. Mobile apps offering hurricane tracking, emergency alerts, and safety tips ensure that you have all the necessary information at your fingertips..

Community and Government

People can also begin to understand some basic best practices and how to prepare for hurricanes through examining what went right or wrong in real-world examples of hurricanes. For instance, after Hurricane Andrew carved through South Florida in 1992, the state of Florida created a building code to be used in HVHZs – one that has been updated and revised over the years – which made buildings in it much safer, and was in large part why Hurricane Irma, one of the most intense current cyclones in 2017, wreaked relatively contained damage in areas within HVHZs.

Conclusion

Therefore if you are fortunate enough to own a property in or around the extremely HVHZ of Florida, the logical thing to do is take precautionary measures, estimating the wind speeds, adopting a metrical approach and protecting your home and outdoor spaces by using the advanced protection system – MagnaTrack. As a homeowner, you could migrate to a safer zone for minimal hurricane seasons, but the smart choice would be to have an efficient disaster recovery plan. By applying science to deal with hurricanes, the devastation could be at the finest point. While this essay is mostly informative, it also helps drive the point that despite the destabilizing nature of hurricanes, you can still enjoy the scenic beauty of Florida and have a good quality of life if you follow the suggested solution. 368 words. There is detailed information available on hurricane zones and solutions. To learn more, visit the recommended resources and products for HVHZ.