Shutter Industry Not Hurting For Storm Smart

jpeak — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:57:03 +0000

News-Press-February 21, 2009- The News-Press recently reported that the shutter industry is hurting due to decrease business and the past few years of a slow hurricane season. A year ago, a few property insurance companies were forcing owners of upscale homes to put in hurricane protection, but that has started to decline thus hurting such companies as American Shutter Products and New Code Windows and Doors. Storm Smart Industries chief executive officer, Brian Rist said, “our sales are actually up 5% in 2009 and we are building a structure on Plantation Road next to our exisiting facility. Rist said he’s been able to keep going by focusing on customer service. “We really work hard to have satisfied customers, if you take care of your customers, your business will take care of you.”

While others are filing for Chapter 11- Storm Smart stays strong by making customer service number one and is still the leader in the hurricane protection business.

Storm Surge

Parker — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:25:32 +0000

It’s important to understand how storm surge can affect your hurricane preparedness plan. This short article will help you find the facts if you live in South West Florida.

Surges are generally a very quick occurrence; flowing in and then out with destructive force. The speed at which they happen is part of the danger. The surge is caused, in part, by winds putting pressure on the surface of the water in the central area of the hurricane. This causes the water to “bulge” around the edges of the hurricane. This edge is the surge. If the hurricane is fast moving, this surge can come ashore at incredible speeds and literally rip apart anything in it’s path. When the surge recedes, an equal amount of force can pull objects and people out to sea.

Be aware of your flood zones. The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council has posted flood zones by category.

How bad is the storm surge going to be? This is difficult to predict. Some regions have more tidal difference between high and low tide than others. The worst case scenario is that the hurricane makes land fall during high tide. NOAA has a useful tool to help determine tide levels.

Hurricane Charley passed directly over Captiva Island near Cayo Costa with peak winds of 150 mph (240 km/h). The Category 4 hurricane produced an estimated storm surge of up to 6.5 ft.

Pinellas County has also posted some good information about the dangers of flood zones.

Have more questions about storm surge? I’m ready for your comments!

Be Storm Smart!

Storm Smart Industries - The leader in hurricane protection » Southwest Florida

Shutter Industry Not Hurting For Storm Smart

Storm Surge