Key Hurricane Season Myths Affecting Insurance and Risk Management

This article addresses common misconceptions about hurricane preparedness that could lead to costly errors for individuals and families. It clarifies that using tape on windows during hurricanes is ineffective and potentially more hazardous than helpful; plywood is recommended instead for protecting windows from wind-blown debris. Opening windows during a storm is also discouraged as it allows rain and wind to enter, increasing damage to property.

The piece highlights that water-related hazards, especially storm surge and inland flooding, represent the leading causes of fatalities in U.S. tropical systems, accounting for nearly 90% of related deaths. This underscores the crucial need for proper flood insurance separate from standard homeowners policies, as wind insurance coverage does not extend to flooding.

The article dispels the misconception that only hurricanes pose serious threats by noting that tropical storms and depressions can also cause significant damage and losses. It explains that the size and speed of the storm's wind field are critical factors influencing its destructive potential, rather than solely the storm category.

Additionally, the article points out that hazards such as damaging winds, flooding, and tornadoes can extend far inland, not just along the coast, which has important implications for risk assessment and insurance coverage beyond immediate coastal regions. Finally, the piece clarifies there is no fixed start date for hurricane season, using Hurricane Andrew’s mid-August emergence in 1992 as an example, indicating preparedness should be maintained throughout the season.