What Part of Florida Is Most Hurricane Proof?
The first thing probably that comes to mind when considering Florida is hurricanes. Such is the nature of concern for residents and visitors as far as this state is concerned. Geographical location aside, the state finds itself in the storm path of most. Still, Florida has a few regions better protected than others. Let us look at a number of the safest regions in Florida and why they are safer at the time of the hurricane.
The Safest Regions in Florida
Central Florida (Ocala, Leesburg, Orlando) Central Florida is broad-based as one of the most hurricane-proof areas in the state. Ocala and Leesburg are land-based and tend to be hit less often by hurricanes than coastal areas. Their location away from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico protects them from the worst winds and storm surges. More than that, Orlando is in the middle, so it cannot easily be destroyed by hurricane forces. These cities are among the ones people target for safety during the stormy season.
Leesburg, for instance, appears at the top considering the hurricane, tropical storm, and flood scores. It is landlocked and hence not exposed to the impact of storm surges that cause much of the damage in the coastal areas. Ocala has the same advantages; it is nowhere near the coasts so it does not have to endure the worst impacts of the hurricanes, yet close enough to reap the benefits of dwelling in Florida.
Places like Gainesville, Lake City, and Palatka in northern Florida are less at risk for hurricanes. Moreover, cities like Gainesville inland are relatively among the safest areas regarding hurricane damage, scoring zero on the hurricane impact ratings. Lake City and Palatka are also inland cities, hence far from the coast which minimizes exposure and threat from storm surges and strong winds.
These regions are buffered by natural barriers and cooler waters that tend to demoralize the hurricanes as they move closer to the coast. These towns at a higher elevation, closer inland tend to sidestep common hurricane damage-prone scenarios caused by intense flooding.
Factors Making This Safe Areas
Central and northern Florida have a couple of factors working for them in terms of hurricane safety:
Land Distance from the Coast: Land distance from the coast reduces the threats of hurricane storm surges and the strongest winds that usually affect coastal towns.
Topography and Elevation: Places with higher elevations generally escape the devastating flooding that often accompanies hurricanes
Building Codes: Newer homes in these areas are constructed to be able to withstand the force generated by hurricane-force winds, and many municipalities have strict building codes with provisions to limit storm damage.
How to Stay Prepared
While this area is safer than other areas, no part of Florida is completely hurricane-proof. Even the safest inland cities may suffer during strong winds, heavy rains, and power outages. Thus, residents are expected to prepare themselves during hurricane season through house securing, stock supplies, and storm monitoring.
Beyond preparation, companies like Maids of Miami can help residents get homes ready for any storm. As far as cleaning after a storm or aiding in year-round home maintenance, a clean house is one of the most important keys to reducing storm damage.
Conclusion
Cities within the central and northern parts of the state that a hurricane chaser might want to visit include Leesburg, Ocala, Gainesville, and Palatka. Less risk means probably fewer thrills, but the appeal of Florida is still highly accessible to the hurricane-chasing connoisseur. Better hurricane protection is offered by inland locations, and their location might help save money on insurance costs for the homeowner.
A sparkling home, no matter what hurricane season may have in store for you, is well cared for with Sparkly Maid Miami. Their services, which you can find more about at www.sparklymaidmiami.com will leave your home smelling fresh after the storm has gone through.
Choose wisely and live life to the fullest in Florida.
