We’re nearing the end of the severe weather blog series. To recap: part one was about the dangers of lightning. In part two, we detailed rip currents, tide cycles and the relationship to beach goers from all over the state. Part three focused on thunderstorms and tornadoes. Thunderstorms are Florida’s second language and somewhere today there is probably one happening. Today we will be looking at extreme temperatures and wildfires!
The sunshine state is considered a “hot state” in America. Our Florida sun not only provides a nice heat to contrast with the cool beach water but things can get intense. Every summer, many tourists come from all over the world for our signature warm weather and sunny beaches, but most people don’t understand how hot it gets. The state, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, is always affecting the weather with tropical humidity. At high temperatures, coupled with high humidity, our bodies feel hotter than they really are. This is why we’re always sweating the minute we walk outside even though the higher humidity actually limits our bodies to cool off in a more efficient way.
The Florida summer months experience high heat indexes.
This is called the heat index. Let’s drop some science knowledge. The heat index is defined as “The temperature’s feeling to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature”
When the heat index reaches 105F degrees or higher, the condition can be dangerous to both humans and animals. With extreme heat, one can experience fever, convulsions (related to seizures), and heat exhaustion. If these conditions are met, it can be fatal. When the combination of heat and humidity reaches a high heat index or expands to dangerous levels, the National Weather Service issues thermal warnings. If this happens, be prepared:
Clothing:
Keep cool with light, bright and breathable clothing.
Know the hot parts of the day:
Usually from 10:00am -4:00pm. The hottest timeframe of the day is 12:00 noon to 3:00pm
Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic and caffeine-free drinks.
Please check:
Elderly people, toddlers and animals during prolonged heat waves. Apply sunscreen in advance if you know you will have long exposure to the sun.
Did you know?
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Florida was 109 degrees Fahrenheit on June 29, 1931. Hopefully we won’t see that number again anytime soon.
We looked at our most-known climate, but how about in the off months? Florida citizens very rarely get to experience the “real” harsh winters like the Northeast and Midwest. Surprisingly, central and north Florida do experience colder temperatures which can be a bit unique. We still want to go over the “five Ps” of cold weather safety (from Floridadisaster.org)
Protecting people:
Layering and wearing a hat, even gloves. Keep clothing dry to help protect from the wind. Wind makes everything extra chilly and will make your body’s temperature lower. Check on children and elderly who are the most sensitive to cold weather and make sure they will be warm enough to bear any cool or cold fronts that head our way.
Protecting Plants:
Bring in potted plants and drape a blanket, sheet, or tarp over plants in the ground. We have had freeze warnings before for plants. Even after a hurricane when old air is blown out and new air comes in from the north, the sudden temperature shift will have us cover our plants!
Protecting Pets:
Bring all domesticated pets indoors or at least provide shelter for animals with a closed door to keep out the wind. Make sure your pet’s shelter is clean, dry, and well insulated. Some farmers protect their livestock with straw, wood shavings, or moving blankets. If you have a free-range animal, make sure you have extra food as the free-roaming, cold bearing animals need more calories to produce energy.
Protect exposed pipes:
Cover the pipes and keep them outside. Drain slowly so that the faucet does not freeze or break down. Metal pipes may freeze during extreme cold spikes, but many Florida homes have PVC piping to prevent breaking or freezing. If you are unsure what pipes your house has, a four point inspection will give you that information!
Practice Fire Safety:
Use safe-heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. Make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames. Not only should practicing fire safety be considered when trying to heat your home during the winter, but residents and visitors should practice fire safety outdoors since wildfire season in Florida is considered to be 12 months long.
While wildfires can start at any time of the year, the state sees a peak of activity during the early part of the year – beginning in January and continuing until the onset of more frequent rain, usually in early to mid-June.
Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service to alert people and land managers to potentially hazardous burning conditions that may add to wildfire danger and lead to the loss of control of a fire.
Did you know?
A typical year in Florida will see over 3,000 fires burn nearly 163,500 acres of land.
While Florida sees natural ways a wildfire can be ignited, such as lightning striking forest areas or brush fires in a dry environment, most wildfires are started by humans. The most common causes of human-started fires are arson and yard waste burns that get out of control. Fires can also be caused by discarding a cigarette that has not been fully extinguished. Other causes of wildfires include campfires and bonfires not being properly extinguished or windy conditions that may take hot embers from the fire to another location. The stronger the wind and the drier the ground, the faster fires will spread.
Whether you are a resident of Florida or a visitor, it is nice to get acclimated with both heat and cold periods. We are here to help answer any questions you may have when it comes to all things insurance and weather! Drop us a line at service@harrisinsurance.com or call us at 850.244.2111
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
