Global warming and hurricanes – both detrimental to humanity

Posted on May 16, 2013 by admin

The moment, the entire world began witnessing hurricanes and other natural calamities on a frequent basis, everyone seems to ask this question or ponder upon this question that is there any co-relation between global warming and rise in natural calamities. The experts are indulged in the research that tries to find out the existence of co-relation between hurricanes and global warming, but before the final verdict comes out, don’t we all know deep within our hearts that there is certainly a strong co-relation between the two? Probably, we all humans know within our hearts that we are responsible for the hurricanes that have become more frequent than ever. It is really a shuddering thought that till what extent the frequency and intensity of hurricanes is going to increase during late 21st century. According to a research, few points were concluded. This research concluded that it is still too early to affirm that human activities and green house emission are the sole cause of global warming.

It has been observed that not just in North Atlantic, but on a global level, the frequency of tropical storms has increased. The same can be verified from a statistical report that indicates that from the year1850 to 1990, the average number of tropical storms accounted for 10, while from the year1998 to 2007, the average number of tropical storms increased to 15. However, the debate is still on whether global warming is the real cause behind increasing hurricanes or no, but the reports and statistical data are indicating the strong possibility that it is none other than global warming that is causing the surface temperature of North Atlantic to rise and becoming responsible for those climate changes that is increasing the frequency of hurricanes.

It is not only frequency of tropical storms that is increasing, but even in the context of intensity, hurricanes are turning more destructive in comparison to the earlier hurricanes. The 2007 Fourth Assessment Report of IPCC-AR4concluded that most likely, it is human contribution that is the reason behind the increasing intensity of the hurricanes. This report also warned that the future tropical storms are likely to be more intense along with featuring peak wind speeds and they would cause heavy rainfall. Anthropogenic warming will increase the intensity of a hurricane by 2 to 11% by the end of 21st century. Thus, there is no doubt anymore that future hurricanes are likely to be more destructive.

There is no doubt that due to global warming, temperature of the earth has increased than before and even precipitation patterns have been changed over the 20th century. Due to the ongoing global warming, factors like extreme weather, heavy rainfall, and rise in surface of sea temperature are going to witness an increment and a day would come, when experts will confirm a strong relation between global warming and rising number of hurricanes. However, in that scenario, people will resort to hurricane shutters because they are emerging as one of the most effective solutions to minimize the damages caused by hurricanes. Hurricane shutters are certainly going to be among the most popular trends, in coming time.

Hurricane shutters – types, uses and how these prevent damage

Posted on May 9, 2013 by admin

Hurricane shutters have truly emerged as one of the most effective ways to minimize the damages of hurricanes and other destructive storms. These shutters are used for providing protection to the houses and other buildings, in order to lessen the devastation. Doors and windows are the most vulnerable areas of any structure that can let a storm ruin the entire structure. Shutters offer necessary protection to the windows and the doors, since the flying objects, debris, etc cannot enter inside, during the storm. However, the pressure caused by high-intensity wind can lead to a roof-failure and the chances of the collapse of building increases more when the air pressure is increased due to the broken windows.

Generally, these are made out of steel or aluminum, but those who face budget constraints, don’t mind in investing in low-cost shutters like plywood. These shutters are fixed at the outer portion of a building or a house, with the help of screws, nut-bolts, hurricane clips, etc. There is also a category of shutters that is controlled by motor, including motorized and manual. Let’s have a glance on the different categories of the hurricane shutters:

Panel system shutter: These kinds of shutters are either constructed out of steel or aluminum. When they are not required, they can be stored in any convenient location. Recently constructed homes feature an exclusive area for storing the storm panels.

Accordion shutter: It is made up of interlocking vertical blades that slip into place in a horizontal manner. They operate through pulling each curtain towards the middle side of the track by latching the curtains together and by locking the handle.

Rolling shutter: They are also knows as roll-up shutter. This kind of shutter is comprised of a series of too many slats that build up a curtain, featuring both the sides inserted into guide rails. The curtain is rolled onto a hinge that is covered by housing. It can either be operated manually with a help of a gear, by pulling a strap or can be operated through the help of an independent motor. Motorized shutters can either be operated with a help of a switch or a remote or they can be controlled either in groups or individually. However, while investing in a motorized operation, one should ensure that it is equipped with an option of operating through a gear.

Bahamas shutters: Such kind of shutter is mounted over the top of the window. It can be used for shading purpose when it is open and while it is required, it can be pulled down to cover the window.

Colonials shutter: Such kind of shutter bears a striking resemblance with a wooden shutter with a different that it is made up of aluminum. It hinge on the side walls of the window and swing shut, in order to protect the opening.

Apart from the above mentioned varieties of storm shutters, there also exist plastic shutters, awning shutters, etc. Hurricane fabric coverings are also emerging as an attractive option to minimize the damages of hurricanes. They are made up of polypropylene fibers, laminated or cast PVC or polyamide fibers. Since, they are low-cost, thoroughly tested and approved, they have begun gaining popularity.

Impact of hurricanes on little kids and elder people

Posted on April 29, 2013 by admin

Recently, one of the most powerful economies of World did experience one of the most devastating hurricanes of the century called Hurricane Sandy. It is extremely difficult to imagine what little kids and elders go through during powerful natural calamities. They have to bear freezing cold. Managing without electricity is the most difficult part, especially for the elders because they find it difficult to move from one place to another and lack of electricity poses the biggest threat of accident. In the absence of any kind of communication facility, it becomes difficult for the kids and elders to contact their near and dear ones and emergency for seeking help. However, by installing hurricane shutters, the damages of natural calamities may be minimized, but even after installing hurricane shutters, kids and elders may experience trauma, due to anxiety. Thus, it is best to seek professional help in their matter.Nevertheless, the life appears to come back to normal in those areas that did witness the fury of the Nature, but the aftermath of such destructive storms never remain restricted to financial losses and loss of human lives. The losses go beyond that and there are too many things that lies beneath the obvious lose. It is mental trauma experienced by the people that are among one of the worst repercussions of the deadly storms. Especially, little kids and old-aged people find it difficult to cope up with the traumatic memories. These two categories go through the worst feelings including panic, anxiety, hopelessness and despair, during witnessing the storm. The intensity of the feelings is too much that even after the storm is over, they sink in the depression, fearing that what if in near future, they witness something similar. It gives birth to various psychological problems. Due to constant worry, their emotional health begins to deteriorate, which in turn, leaves a negative impact on their physical health.

It is even worst for the old-aged people because in advanced countries like U.S. the majority of the elder people live alone without their children. Due to weak physical health, they already find it difficult to do daily chores and during the critical situations like hurricanes, etc, their condition becomes although more pathetic. We all know that old age is such a situation where most of the people are dependent on others, in some or the other way. Either they are emotionally dependent or they are physically dependent. They fall in the most vulnerable category. It has been observed that two kinds of category including little kids and elder require professional help to overcome devastating memories.

It is comparatively much easier for the little kids to take out their feelings of uneasiness by crying or by showing irritation, but elderly find it difficult to express their emotions freely due to their ego. Instead of expressing freely in words, about the trauma, they begin complaining of headache, stomach upset and other kinds of physical ailments. Even factual information corroborates with the same belief that elderly people suffer the worst. It was revealed in a position paper which came out from the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry that after the distressing Katrina storm, elderly people were the one who had highest mortality rates, suicide rates and did witness health decline.Home Improvement

Survival during a hurricane needs more determination & little preparation

Posted on April 17, 2013 by admin

Hurricanes are big monsters. Control on these is nearly impossible. It is really difficult to survive during such a tough time as the only place to be is your house or workplace. Here is an abstract based on the survival stories.

Hurricanes are not less than nightmares that last for a week and life during this time is full of adjustments and struggle for survival. But it is strong determination and a little preparation that makes life easier during such difficult times.

It was the expected time for hurricanes to happen and despite of the necessary arrangements made well on time based on the details available and experience shared with other people, those days are some of the unforgettable ones for all. Experiencing a hurricane starts with heavy dusty winds blowing all the day, these winds are so heavy that even big trees lose their branches and there is a power cut during this time. Roads go empty with the warning and even telephone lines stop to work. People are forced to be all alone and helpless at home. But one thing that saves life of people inside their home are hurricane shutters. The shutters for hurricanes protect the house from strong winds as well as from flying debris. When the shutters take care of dangers outside just like soldiers fighting enemies there are some arrangements that need to be done in order to stay alive until things settle down.

Food arrangement – Arrangement for food is done beforehand with the waring coming in.

Food arrangement

But due to power cut, the same also starts going stale. In such a case, packaged food works fine.

Electricity Supply – The worse time during this disaster is at nights as there is no electricity supply so there are issues with cooking and people have sleepless nights as well as all doors and windows were closed in order to stay protected.

Electricity Supply

Air supply is very less and people could hardly breathe properly.

Drainage Issue – Adding to the misery is heavy rain that blocks the road and water starts entering the house. There is no place that water can be drained out, as water was not only coming from doors but from the drainage sections.

Drainage Issue

Due to heavy rain and strong winds, electricity wires too got damaged and the same could pose danger of current flowing in the water on the road and there were reports that people lose their life due to electric shock.

Another worst thing that happens is that the water supply also stops. There is no water supply for at three-four days as due to heavy rain the pipes break and the following the damages the pipelines cannot not be repaired. As things improve and the hurricane settles, people remove hurricane shutters from doors and windows and step out of the houses to see disaster everywhere.

These were the immediate and after effects that are common to all hurricanes. Only a timely and proper precaution and arrangements help people survive. Though the disaster is very common and very repetitive still the survival during these difficult times requires precautions and a very strong determination. This is not just the experience of a single person but more or less of all those who survived hurricanes. There are as many stories as there are survivors.

A Terrible Day it was – thanks to hurricane shutters

Posted on April 10, 2013 by admin

I remember what a terrible day it was when suddenly huge storm brushed against the windows and corridors of the house, the day began with signs of confinement in the house. God saved me as I had the surplus of all the necessary materials like food items, vegetables, gas, etc and the thought that I had no need to rush for these things was very relieving. As I was complimenting myself for the insight given by God suddenly the electricity went off and there was nothing that I could do. We are so dependent on electricity that without it survival seems to be impossible. But prior to this, I had installed hurricane shutters and so I was sure that everything will be fine as soon as the strong winds subside. hurricanes-photos

All the things of entertainment that are essential for a loner in the house like TV, Music, Computers are all dependent on electricity and with a sigh I lost all hope of entertainment. The only thing that I could do was sleep to do away with loneliness and boredom but that too seemed to be miles away as the noise of hurricanes was too loud.

Thanks to the architectural and pre hurricane guidelines laid by the government about the construction of houses that saved the breakage of window panes and other important material. The hurricane shutters were a big help. The garage of the house also consists of hurricane resistant doors that prevented destruction of important assets. Everything was secure outside but the turmoil that I went through is beyond expression; I tried almost everything to get rid of boredom like reading, cleaning but it surpassed all. The day began with self appreciation but seemed to end in self pity; how much I longed for a company. It is truly said that worth on things is only understood if you are deprived of it, despite of having all the eatables and other things of importance life seemed difficult without electricity. The warnings of weather department were never so alarming and I was constantly praying that the hurricane may end so that the pace of normal life can be resumed.

Hurricanes come suddenly and they have strong impact over the lives of human beings and animals. The weather forecasts have made it easier to detect when these will strike and life and property can be saved. Government constantly issues warning through every medium like newspapers, television, internet, radios and if paid attention to these warnings are life saving. Government has even laid disaster management strategies which can be used at the time of emergencies.

Disaster control campaigns are run throughout the year where layman are taught first aid skills to save their lives if such natural calamity strikes. There are many websites that tell you what kind of materials should be kept in stock and how can these be wisely utilized for long term use.

It is advisable that one should take notice of all these things because one can never predict as to when he can be a victim of such calamities and preparedness would help in making things easier. The nightmare that I went through can be witnessed by anyone so keep your fingers crossed and stay prepared.

Brilliant Design Ideas of Hurricane-Proof Homes

Posted on April 2, 2013 by admin

In the wake of frequent hurricanes, it has become imperative for the people to construct hurricane proof homes and for the architects and home designers to come up with hurricane proof home designs. Thinking of a home design that can withstand the impact of hurricane is certainly no walk in the park but time has come when everyone would have to look for long term solutions in order to minimize the damages of the powerful storms. Various leading architects are working on some truly functional home designs that do appear futuristic as of now but will surely lay the foundation of storm-resistance homes. Let’s have a glance on those designs:

Dome-like structure: Few ancient architectures featuring dome shape, have been able to withstand the nature’s fury and extreme weather condition since ages. Besides that, igloos are another greatest example that how dome-shape structure can provide comfort to its inhabitants in extreme weather condition. By taking into consideration, its capability of repelling the full force of the wind and its intrinsic strength, architects are trying to come up with a fantastic hurricane proof design in which probably concrete and metal would be used.

Mobile Homes

Mobile homes: Generally, there remains at least some time before the storm hits an area. During that time, it becomes possible to shift mobile home easily. Since, the hurricanes are more frequent than ever, it would not be surprising to see if architects dedicate more time in developing a hurricane-proof design related to the mobile homes.

Elevated homes: Flood poses maximum threat to the one’s life and property. Considering the same thing, architects are striving to develop more functional designs related to the elevated homes so that the damages by the flood may be minimized. Though in terms of cost, this kind of house may prove to be more expensive due to the additional cost of the staircase.

Elevated Homes

Metal shipping containers: These have already proved their utility in providing the utmost protection to the various items to be transported and architects are pondering over using the same concept for providing safety to the life of the humans by thinking of some brilliant metal shipping containers as an alternate housing. When it comes to offer the protection against heavy winds then metal proves to be an excellent material.

Metal Shipping Containers

Now here is a million dollar question that when hurricane proof homes have indeed become the need of the hour then why people are still not giving a serious thought to the same? Well, the reasons could be many including additional cost for constructing or ensuring an alternate home, laid-back attitude of the people, lack of foolproof hurricane resistance home designs, scarcity of exceptionally talented architects, lack of governments and private builders’ initiative, etc. Though hurricane shutters have emerged out as an effective solution to minimize the damages of the powerful storms but relying on them completely is not advisable. However, if you haven’t yet given a thought in making your home hurricane proof then do it right now because prevention is better than cure.

Home-keep it maintained for long life

Posted on March 29, 2013 by admin

Home maintenance is something that needs to be done frequently. A change in season changes the requirement of human beings; the need of home also undergoes a change with other things. Winter season calls for covered window panes, thick curtains, etc. on the other hand summer season places almost different requirements and it is advisable that one should attend to these much in advance so as to avoid last moment rush. A checklist could easily be made and all the necessary arrangements could be done.

Take-out-all-outdoor-games

Take out all outdoor games: The kids in winter season are confined to the four walls of their house but as soon as summer arrives they need to go out and play; all their outdoor games stuff should be taken out so that they can enjoy summers with their buddies.

Check AC’s and Fans: It is important that you get your fan and AC’s checked because the need can arise any time and they should be tested before use. Electrical appliances require regular maintenance.

Window Panes: Check the window panes and shutters as these were closed during the winter season but summer seasons calls for open windows and shutters for fresh air. The window panes tend to jam and proper oiling is needed.

Hurricane shutters: These are also necessary in summer season as they will protect window panes from breakage in case of speedy winds.

PestCountrol

Pest Control: insects in hibernation wake up with the arrival of summers and can be easily seen in houses. Mosquitoes are the most dangerous insects and cause of many serious ailments. One should get pest control done in the house so that harmful insects can be avoided.

Summer Cloths: Take out summer cloths and wash and iron them so that you can pick them as and when desired. One can also keep the woolens inside.

Summer Clothes

Curtains: The curtains in summer season needs to be bright and light. They should allow air to pass through them unlike the winter one’s that are comparatively thick.

Curtains

Swimming Pool: Clean the pool as you would require it now; the water should be cleaned and other damages should be checked so as to avoid any hazard.

Swimming Pool

Taps: The taps of kitchen and washrooms should be checked and the geysers’ should be cleaned and disconnected.

Lawns

Lawns: Lawns are the most desirable place to sit in the summers. The grass and plants should be trimmed and proper cleaning should be done in summer season.

All these are important things that one needs to do with change in season. Home maintenance is easy if done carefully and the checklist is important as one would remember all the things that need to be done without much strain on the mind. If things are carefully managed there will be no stress and one can easily escape the last moment rush. The home should be ready to welcome each season with the same warmth and protection that it has been giving earlier. Home is the place where one spends most of the quality time and it needs to be perfect.

How to Maintain Hurricane Shutters!

Posted on March 20, 2013 by admin

Storm shutters have certainly emerged as an effective way to minimize the damages of powerful storms and hurricanes but not much people gain expert knowledge various aspects of the shutters before buying them. As far as maintenance of the shutters is concerned, in this aspect also, very few people try to gain required knowledge. Few shutters require low maintenance while few require high maintenance.

High Maintenance: As the name suggests these kinds of shutters require high maintenance. Generally, pre-planned actions are required that lead to excessive time consummation. These kinds of shutters are being installed by availing the expert technicians who are not only well versed with the knowledge related to the installation but are also well-versed with the knowledge related to the replacement parts of the hurricane shutters. Since, installation and entire maintenance of storm shutters featuring high maintenance demands extensive labor, they are not user friendly.

Low Maintenance: As the name suggests, the storm shutters that neither demand extensive labor and nor they consume excessive time in installation process are basically known as low maintenance shutters. These hurricane shutters can be installed immediately, that too with much ease. Since no assistance of an expert technician is required for installing these shutters, they are considered as extremely user friendly.

Now, if you are wondering that which storm shutters fall in the category of high maintenance and which do fall in the category of low maintenance, you don’t require slogging hard. Majority of the electronic and manual storm shutters need low maintenance. However, most of the people mistake low maintenance as absence of maintenance. These storm shutters at least demand some maintenance that includes ensuring keeping those foreign materials at bay that may have an adverse impact on the quality of the shutter. Those materials include insect, rodent and bird nests, salt and sand buildup. Normally, shutters are being cleansed by using water hose having normal household pressure. One should avoid using harsh chemicals and power washer because they lead to the deterioration of the quality of the shutters. Periodic rinsing will also play an important role in protecting the painted surfaces from the harmful effects of coastal environments.

One should also take care of the fact that water should not be sprayed on any electrical connection. Roller shutters don’t require lubrication, on another side, manual operators require lubrication but that lubrication should be done by using a quality lubricate roller shutter. The lock and handle mechanism of accordion shutters should be properly lubricated. One should ensure that the operating limit switch is kept in the neutral position while operating electronic storm shutters. If the limit switched would be on then the motor would continue to run and it may probably burn the system. Children should not be allowed to roam around when installation of storm shutter is taking place. Maintaining the storm shutters is no rocket science, provided if one knows the basics of it and if one dedicates at least some time on the regular basis for cleaning the storm shutters.

Hurricanes myths and fallacies uncovered

Posted on March 8, 2013 by admin

As hurricanes have become more frequent than earlier, lot of people are quite inquisitive about gaining a deep insight related to the same. Unfortunately, only few people can obtain appropriate knowledge of various facts about powerful storms and rest are in the form of misconceptions that lack any scientific explanation. Let’s have a quick look on those fallacies and the counter truth:

If the wind direction is from south then hurricane is approaching towards the north side of yours. In reality, it is approaching towards the west side of yours. So beware.

Trimming of tress at end moment is one of the biggest misconceptions. If pruned braches are not disposed in a proper manner, they may convert into flying debris and may prove to be more harmful. Thus, it is better to give up the thought of trimming the trees, when hurricane is already on its way.

It is believed that focusing on protecting on the side facing will create a big difference. However, the truth is that it is difficult to predict about the course of the hurricane as it may be changed at any time. All sides require same attention regarding protection.

Taping windows may prove to be helpful up to some extent but later on, removing tapes may turn into a daunting task. Also putting up hurricane shutters after the storm warning is useless so install these in advance. Keep windows and doors covered as soon as the warning is issued.

Opening windows, in order to equalize pressure of the hurricane may prove to be harmful so it is better to keep the windows closed.

It is assumed by majority of people that roof is the most vulnerable area but the truth is that, it is a garage door and not roof. A garage door may be protected by using garage door braces.

A densely populated area, featuring tall buildings and sky scrapper is considered as safe. However, the truth is that nearby buildings may pose more threat as the materials of destroyed buildings may act as like flying debris and pose more threat.

Generally one of the biggest misconceptions is that slower formation of hurricane reduces its force, but in reality, the slower the formation of a hurricane, the more it turns dangerous.

Few people begin panicking and rush to outdoor areas when hurricane arrives, that is among one of the biggest blunders. It is not at all considered safe to step outside during hurricane.

It is presumed that one of the two trailing side of a quadrant is most risky but in reality it is right-hand leading quadrant.

It is believed that Florida is the least risky area because a hurricane loses its strength before reaching to that area. However, there is no scientific explanation of the same belief.

Surprisingly, few people mistake monsoon as some kind of weaker form of hurricane but in reality, it can’t be considered as a storm even.

Another major fallacy about a hurricane is that majority of deaths are caused by flying debris or structural failures. However, the truth is that majority of the deaths are caused by drowning in floods or rock slides. People can save themselves and their home with the help of hurricane shutters but if there is flood, then the situation gets worse.

Most of the people assume that insurance is the safest way to minimize hurricane damages but it is better to ensure using all ways and means to protect house and other precious assets.

Stay Safe During Storm

Posted on March 1, 2013 by admin

Natural disasters have the capacity to ruin life. These disasters strike with an intensity that is beyond endurance. The ferociousness can be seen in the way everything from human to non human entity is destroyed. The studies and research has given us options that many a times we get to know when the storm can strike and there are several precautions that can be taken to save our lives:

Be Cautious:

The first and foremost step that needs to be taken is to be careful and cautious. Remain alert and vigilant.

Pay heed to Weather Forecast:

Never ignore weather forecasts. Make it a point to listen to the forecast every day. The forecast are accurate and they warn us at the correct time so that one can stay safe.

Prepare:

Once you know that the storm or any other disaster can strike. Be Prepared. Preparedness also signifies mindset. Yes, be strong and make all the necessary arrangements that are needed for the safety.

Emergency Kit:

It is advisable that you keep a safety or emergency kit in your car and at home. One should stay at home when such disasters are supposed to strike but if it is urgent to leave the house, take an emergency kit.

Keep Power Back Up:

It is sure that power supply would fail at such times so try to keep power backup like emergency lights, inverters etc. and try to use minimum electricity in case you need it for 2-3 days.

Keep necessary things at Home:

Keep a stock of all the necessary things so that you can stay indoors for 2-3 days without having to buy the stuff.

Park your vehicles safely:

Try to park your vehicles at a place where they can be safe from storm because their engine tends to seize and it would be difficult for you to start them when required.

Take care of your pets:

One should not ignore his/her pets at this time and try to keep them inside. Make all the necessary arrangements for the pets too.

Use storm shutters:

One should use hurricane shutters because these are very helpful in protecting doors and windows from storm. One can get these replaced and can stay safe. These shutters also help to avoid to breakage of glass panes.

Avoid sending the kids out:

It’s not a good idea to send the kids outside to play not even nearby because the intensity of storm can increase any time. Also the kids may catch cold and can get ill if they play for long durations in the snow.

Inform family and friends:

Try to inform your family and friends about the storms so that they can also plan and can stay safe indoors.

Don’t Drive or Shovel:

Avoid driving or shoveling when the snow is high because the wheels tend to slip and it is impossible to manage the cars. Shoveling is also advisable only to those who are sturdy and healthy as it may have adverse effect on health.