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Hurricane Irma continues to strengthen much faster than pretty much any computer model predicted as of yesterday or even this morning. Per the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) latest update, Irma is currently a Cat-3 storm with sustained winds of 115 mph but is expected to strengthen to a devastating Cat-5 with winds that could top out at 180 mph or more. Here is the latest from the NHC as of 5PM EST
originally posted by: TrueBrit
a reply to: WeRpeons
What I cannot understand for the life of me, is why houses in at risk areas are STILL being built as if they were in a totally weather safe area.
Its pretty simple. In a flood plain? Build houses to totally mitigate the flood threat, with pressure seal capable entrances and windows, with the ability to totally lock the place down like a submarine in extremis. In a tornado prone area? Build the majority of the dwelling underground, hardened like a bunker, and bolted to the damned bedrock if necessary. In a hurricane area? Again, flood protection must be built in so that no flood could move the home from its foundations, nor penetrate its outer shell during high water, AND the building must be shaped so that the wind moves around it, rather than pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving it or any component thereof, AND so that any debris hitting it deflects, rather than penetrates it.
Insuring THAT kind of property against the things it has been built to withstand perfectly well, would be a damned sight cheaper, and be more responsible on the part of house builders and local governance.
originally posted by: onehuman
I grew up in Florida and have been through my share of storms. I must admit this one is making me a little nervous. One reason being that my news station has been pointing it out now for 4 days. Even day one of their reporting they couldn't hide the concern on their face either.
I do know I'm going to start now getting some things though. Either way Ill have stuff and not have to fight the crazies for it
originally posted by: TrueBrit
a reply to: WeRpeons
What I cannot understand for the life of me, is why houses in at risk areas are STILL being built as if they were in a totally weather safe area.
Its pretty simple. In a flood plain? Build houses to totally mitigate the flood threat, with pressure seal capable entrances and windows, with the ability to totally lock the place down like a submarine in extremis. In a tornado prone area? Build the majority of the dwelling underground, hardened like a bunker, and bolted to the damned bedrock if necessary. In a hurricane area? Again, flood protection must be built in so that no flood could move the home from its foundations, nor penetrate its outer shell during high water, AND the building must be shaped so that the wind moves around it, rather than pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving it or any component thereof, AND so that any debris hitting it deflects, rather than penetrates it.
Insuring THAT kind of property against the things it has been built to withstand perfectly well, would be a damned sight cheaper, and be more responsible on the part of house builders and local governance.
This storm is still some days away from USA shores. Sad to think that another terrible storm will likely strike so soon after the disaster in Texas region...
Thought provoking post! If people are going to live along the eastern seaboard and the gulf, then there needs to be a radical rethinking of building specs and architecture, in those areas, for new construction.
For the flood insurance that We the People underwrit
originally posted by: WeRpeons
One hurricane would be enough for me to move away from the gulf coast. I couldn't bare the stress of worrying about hurricanes destroying my home every year. I feel bad for these people. I'm sure many are now worried about Irma.
They say only 1 in 6 have flood insurance.