Florida Family’s Hurricane-Resistant Home Survives Hurricane Helene with Minimal Damage

A Florida family remained safe during Hurricane Helene due to their advanced, hurricane-resistant home completed in 2020. Built with strong materials and features designed for storm protection, the home experienced only minor damage despite extensive flooding in the area. The family’s proactive preparations and the house’s engineering minimized risks, allowing them to shelter safely while aiding their community post-storm.

In the face of Hurricane Helene, a Florida family successfully weathered the storm thanks to their purpose-built, hurricane-resistant home. Constructed in 2020, the residence was specifically designed to withstand severe weather conditions, allowing the family to remain sheltered and safe with only minimal damages during the storm. Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 26, 2022, caused widespread devastation, claiming more than 120 lives across several southern states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Jenny Reimold, a media stylist and spokesperson for HomeGoods, resides in Crystal Beach, Florida. She shared insights about her home’s advanced engineering features during an interview with Newsweek. The foundation of their house comprises concrete blocks reinforced with extra concrete for added strength, helping to resist the lateral forces exerted by hurricane winds and surges. Reimold noted, “Our home’s foundation … provides a strong, stable base that helps a structure resist the lateral forces of hurricane winds and storm surges.” The region where Reimold’s family lives, near Tampa Bay, resides in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone. For such areas, local regulations mandate stringent construction codes incorporating high-impact glass and additional protective features. In a TikTok video, Reimold highlighted three critical design elements that protected their home: high-impact windows, hydrostatic vents that balanced internal and external water pressure, and elevated electrical outlets designed to mitigate water contact. “We knew it would flood, but this prevented structural damage,” she explained. Despite the home’s excellent design, Reimold acknowledged that the storm brought unprecedented challenges. Helene’s storm surge coincided with high tide, escalating the situation’s severity. Their first floor experienced flooding of approximately 2.5 feet, causing significant water damage, although their high-impact windows held firm, preventing further intrusion, and none of their electrical equipment sustained damage. This hurricane resulted in losses for the family, including recreational facilities and personal belongings. “The bottom floor flooded … Our safety features significantly minimized what could have been a much worse outcome,” Reimold remarked. Nevertheless, the family remained grateful for their safety and the resources that allowed them to protect their home and loved ones. While the Reimolds faced property damage, they aim to aid their community by organizing post-hurricane donations and providing resources for assistance. Key advice shared by Reimold emphasized the importance of preparing electric vehicles for storms: “What many don’t see is that, no matter how much preparation goes into protecting our homes… people are doing the best they can.”

Hurricane-resistant homes, especially in vulnerable coastal regions, are crucial in protecting families from severe weather events. The devastation hurricanes can inflict highlights the importance of adhering to advanced building codes and employing engineering methods aimed at minimizing damage. The Reimold family exemplifies how strategic construction choices can lead to better survival rates during extreme weather, both in preserving property and ensuring safety.

The Reimold family’s experience during Hurricane Helene underscores the significance of building homes equipped to withstand natural disasters. While they faced challenges, their specialized housing and preparedness measures significantly mitigated potential damage and danger. As the Reimolds extend their relief to their community, their story serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of offering support during such perilous times.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com