Why Preparation for This Hurricane Season is Important for Your Community

Is your community prepared to weather a storm? June 1st marks the beginning of the 2016 hurricane season which runs until November 30th. The National Weather Service reports that, of an average of 12 tropical storms that form over the Atlantic Ocean each year, six become hurricanes. In the Central Pacific, an average of three tropical storms form, with two escalating to full-blown hurricane status. Figures like these make hurricanes a very real threat for many communities and homeowners.
 
In fact, 2016 promises to be anything but your average year. Let’s take a look at why you may want to approach this year in a way that’s as unique as the weather conditions themselves.
 

What’s different about this hurricane season?

There are a few key differences with the 2016 hurricane season. First of all, a phenomenon called the “Cold Blob” is making things a little bit unpredictable. This "Cold Blob" is a mass of colder water that is found between Newfoundland and Greenland that has been growing in size over the past couple of years and could affect our weather patterns this hurricane season.
 
If this cold water gets caught up in currents that take it southward, it could limit the formation of tropical storms, making its impact favorable. On the other hand, if the cold blob waters stay where they are, then the warmer temperatures will most likely result in a season that’s the most active it’s been in three years, according to AccuWeather.
 
Adding to this, the transition from an El Niño year to a La Niña year will also play a major role in creating unstable conditions.
 

What do these differences mean for my community?

Simply put, more unpredictability – and volatility – is the only sure thing this hurricane season. On average, a typical two-year period involves three hurricanes striking the U.S. coastline, one of which is usually classified as a major hurricane with winds of 111 mph or more. But remember that a hurricane doesn’t have to be major to cause devastating damage. Hurricane Sandy was not in the most severe category, yet it caused incredible destruction. This means that all hurricane susceptible communities, even the ones that are far inland, must be prepared for the severe weather that accompanies these storms.
 

What should I do now to prepare for a hurricane?

Readiness is now more important than ever. And while you can’t predict if you’ll be affected by hurricanes this season, you can get ready for one. The best way to prepare is to tailor a disaster response plan to your community. A great property management company with decades of experience will customize a plan that is unique to your needs and those of your residents. Associations need to be prepared to manage digital assets, provide escape routes for residents, have vendor contracts in place to help with prep or cleanup, manage insurance considerations and much, much more.

Use the resources below for more educational materials designed to help you prepare:
 
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/hurricane_preparedness.html
http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/hrrcns-en.aspx
 
2016 could be a hurricane season unlike any we’ve seen in a number of years. While we all hope it won’t be, being prepared will make a true difference in minimizing impact for your community and residents. 
 
You don’t have to weather hurricane season alone. Sign up to download our complimentary hurricane preparedness guide and learn more about the benefits of partnering with a property management company.