Property Damage

A hurricane is one of the most disastrous natural events that affect mankind. When a storm is raging, it can produce strong winds that blow at more than 74 miles per hour, storm surges that push large waves of water past the coastline, and massive flooding. The immense power of a hurricane has the ability to cause a tremendous amount of property damage.

Homes and buildings

Hurricanes can produce strong enough winds to literally blow homes and other structures off of their foundations. Buildings can be obliterated in just a short period of time. Heavy winds can also knock over most anything in their path, and fling them through the air at a high rate of speed. The debris that gets caught up in these winds have the potential to come crashing into a home or building, causing even more damage.

Heavy flooding can also destroy a home, especially any home that is close to the shoreline because it can be hit by a storm surge. The surge is a huge wave of water that crashes down over the coastline and demolishes anything in its path.

Vehicles

Not only could heavy winds damage vehicles, flooding can easily sweep them away with the current. It is important to remember to never cross a stream of water while in any vehicle, as the force of the water may cause you to lose control and put you in danger. Every year a large number of automobiles are swept away by floods that originated from hurricanes.

Wind damage

The winds a hurricane produces are so powerful they can shatter glass, knock down cars and uproot trees. These trees are likely to do even more damage as they can crash into buildings, cars or anything nearby.

Wind storms also commonly knock electrical lines down, which can lead to fires and death by electrocution. A downed power line is extremely deadly, and must be completely avoided.

Long-term results

The after math of a hurricane is often a terrifying thing. Property can be damaged for miles, and the job of cleaning up afterwards is often immense.

Aside from the destruction that can be seen immediately, hurricanes can create other problems that may not be noticed until later. Flood waters will contaminate fresh food, so any food item that has been submerged must be thrown away. Canned goods will still be fine, but the cans must be washed and cleaned thoroughly before they are opened. Any structure that has experienced flooding has potential to develop mold over time. Mold can be deadly if it goes unnoticed and is breathed in, so even a home that survives a hurricane can be damaged and dangerous over time.

A hurricane can cause a tremendous amount of destruction, both immediately and long term. If you are anyone you know has suffered property damage following a hurricane, contact charitable organizations like The American Red Cross or The Salvation Army and find out how they can help you.