With a loss of life of around 12,000 people, the Great Galveston hurricane on September 8, 1900, was a category four storm that made it the third highest in terms of death. It caused more than $34 million in damages, and portions of the US have experienced sustained speed winds of around 40 to 48 miles per hour.
Once considered to be a thriving hub that’s near the coast, Galveston, Texas was known for its maritime presence. It was also a prosperous city where bustling ports were attracting trade around the world. However, in a single day, everything has changed due to the massive hurricane that struck the area. It left behind damage on a scale that many have seen, where the winds have reached over a hundred miles, and storms swept away entire cities. People were unprepared for the disaster because the warnings were largely ignored.
After the hurricane had passed, thousands had already lost their lives, and everything was in ruins. This is one of the deadliest disasters in American history that has served as a grim reminder that nature is indeed powerful. Nearly all of the damage occurred in Texas, where many lost their homes in Chenango, Pearland, Alvin, and other places.
Galveston was the highest point at that time in the 1900s, but the storm surge flooded the city in the early hours of September 8. The water rose steadily, and the bridges were washed away. Railroad tracks were destroyed, elegant homes were destroyed, thriving commercial districts were wiped out, and schools were demolished. It just showed that you should always be prepared for hurricanes and shouldn’t underestimate how strong they could be.
Preparation for a Hurricane
Since the strong winds and torrential rains of a hurricane are destructive, you need to make sure that you’re reinforcing your home with the right materials. A huge hurricane may damage your home, and what you can do is install impact-resistant doors and windows. They are great defenses against flying debris, and the glass won’t break easily, even when faced with high-speed winds.
Avoiding the destruction of the Galveston Hurricane will mean fortifying your house against the unpredictable forces of nature. Selecting the right additions can help you safeguard your home in the best way possible.
What’s the Importance of Installing Impact-Resistant Doors?
Winds from hurricanes can exceed more than a hundred miles per hour, which can shatter glass from weak doors. When the pressure inside the home changes in a dramatic way, it can result in structural damage, and your best option is to install an engineered door that can prevent the high winds from breaching the home.
Some of the features that they can offer include protection from flying debris. Even if the objects are becoming projectiles in your home, they can still decrease the likelihood of interior damage because they don’t shatter like regular glass. See info about reinforced glass when you go to this webpage.
Prevent too much build-up of wind pressure in your home with their help. Due to them being made up of several layers, they won’t let the elements enter your home, preventing a total collapse. They are also useful all year round because they can enhance security in the home. They are resistant to break-ins, and thieves are often discouraged when they see these installations.
Also, due to their excellent fit and well-sealed installations, the hurricane doors are designed with maximum insulation. They are going to make the temperatures more bearable during certain seasons of the year. With thick reinforced glass, you can also block outside noise and create a more private environment in your home.
Selecting Among the Numerous Options Out There
It’s understandable why so many homeowners would be confused when it comes to choosing the right doors. There are a lot of them out there in the market, but what you need is laminated glass. You need them to have a strong plastic interlayer that holds them together so the glass will remain intact after getting hit by flying debris.
Choose the ones with heavy-duty frames, which often consist of aluminum, so there’s adequate support against strong winds. A high-pressure rating will also be helpful to homes that are always experiencing hurricanes.
A solid core material made with fiberglass will offer you the best protection. However, you can also opt for steel because it’s also considered impact-resistant. Get the ones with multi-locking systems and mechanisms that will keep the door sealed during high winds, and do the same with your garage door to avoid structural failure.
Other Tips to Help You Prepare for a Storm
There are other things that you need to do, such as securing your roof and fixing leaks. Call a roofer to repair any missing shingles and install straps to avoid a sudden surge of wind that can uplift the roof. The shutters can also be added for extra protection in addition to impact-resistant glass for better results. When there are openings, use weather strips to prevent water from flowing in and getting flooded.
You need to prepare your yard by cutting the weak branches because they can be deadly projectiles. Trim trees near you and avoid parking your car near them. Clear the drains so the water will flow freely and reduce the risk of getting a flood in the basement. Also, when the storm arrives, make sure that you have enough food stored in the pantry and have first aid supplies ready in case someone gets sick. Monitor the weather updates from the local news for advisories.
The Enduring Legacy of the Storm
More than a century later, many still remember the impact of the hurricane in Galveston. Fortunately, the city has evolved, and it has strengthened its infrastructure, such as installing a ring barrier system. There were improvements in the seawall, and many homes have been installed with hurricane-resistant materials.
Also, a lot of people are now able to get news about an approaching hurricane. Many are taking their preparations seriously, and they have emergency supplies in case the power gets cut off from the grid. The memory of the tragedy serves as a reminder of what can happen when nature’s power is underestimated.
