Heeding the lessons of previous monstrous storms, Jamaican officials aren’t testing fate with Hurricane Beryl. In a preemptive move to raise alertness, the country’s Prime Minister declared the island a disaster area before the storm landed. An island curfew is now in place, with capsizing nine-foot storm surges forecasted to swamp the island’s southern shore. Battening down the hatches will offer only token resistance as wind speeds could gust above 130 miles per hour. Living in a Caribbean paradise comes with a few not-so-obvious downfalls. In a natural disaster, stunned residents can be stranded if they don’t plan ahead. Unfortunately, immobile natives can’t simply retreat further inland. Hastened storm planning is the islander’s folly. A long-term storm preparedness plan will be the key to your survival. Vulnerable residents forced to weather brutalizing storms can find refuge in an above-ground storm shelter from U.S. Safe Room.
Hurricane Beryl Has Already Claimed Six Lives
Although Hurricane Beryl will be downgraded as it treks across the Gulf of Mexico, its cred as a killer cyclone is building. The storm has already caused six deaths, including three people in Grenada. Three other fatalities were reported in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and northern Venezuela. While the hurricane showed signs of weakening, the storm had ascended to a Category 5 storm and could strengthen again. Warm water is like jet fuel for hurricanes, and Beryl is slugging the elixir like Happy Hour at the Last Chance Saloon. While gargantuan storms of that magnitude are unprecedented this early in the season, Hurricane Beryl could portend the chaos to come in September – hurricane season’s peak.
Calming Your Nerves for the Storms Ahead
Hurricane Beryl is not a statistical anomaly. There was a time when the weatherman rarely floated the dreaded “Cat 5” lingo when discussing hurricanes. Unfortunately, significant storms have become the norm. Climatologists believe a warming planet is conducive to a growing frequency of violent storms that are here to stay. Hurricanes are never known for their brevity, but they leave a lasting mark on beleaguered areas. Although hurricanes’ ephemeral nature is easy to forget in an accelerated news cycle, recovery efforts can last for years. Many residents cannot recover from storms, as many languish on pitiful government sustenance until the cycle repeats itself the next storm season.
Above-ground Shelters and Astute Planning Saves Lives
While everyone knows the life-saving merits of tornado shelters, few recognize the preeminence of hurricane protection. Advances in steel engineering now afford the same safeguards for hurricanes as killer tornadoes. Although an underground shelter is probably the last place you want to be in a storm-prone area, our above-ground safe rooms are the ideal alternative for those unable to evacuate ahead of cyclones. Reinforced with solid plate welding and quarter-inch steel paneling, our above-ground models can withstand wind speeds of 250 miles per hour and wind-driven debris. Our hurricane-safe rooms can be easily placed in any area of your property without disturbing your busy life. Safe rooms can also protect your family during home invasions and your valuables while away should a burglary occur. While meteorologists do their best to forecast the upcoming hurricane season, no one can comprehend Mother Nature’s agenda. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation!
