“Just another summer day in Key West.” This was a quote from a resident in Key West as he was taking his dog out for a walk during Hurricane Isaac. Across the Keys and into Florida, residents had pretty much the same attitude. I guess it’s just like living in California and saying that that earthquake was only a 5.0, just barely a rumble.
But, residents in both states do take these natural disasters seriously; mostly, they have just learned to live with the conditions Mother Nature has given them. Plus, new innovations in building have given Key Westers the ability for their homes to ride out the storm.
Many builders will tell you that the most hurricane-proofed building is a round home. There are many reasons for this, but one is the design of the building. With the wall being round, the wind has less surface area to press against and thus moves around the home instead of against it. Deltec Homes is one of the premier builders in round homes, and they will tell you that there is no hurricane-proof home, but their buildings have a history of “surviving” the storms.
Surviving the storm can be done in a conventional home also; the key is to protect the home from high wind, flying debris, and water. The most common entry points in a home are windows, doors, and garage doors. Technology has been developed to help protect these critical points. Some of these are new puncture-resistant glass, foundations with foam insulation that is left in place, and anchoring the roof to the house and foundation. Also, building the house on an elevated foundation can help with storm surges and flooding.
All of these precautions can help save home and property, but it is essential to heed storm warnings and take necessary measures to keep friends, family, and pets safe in any storm situation. But, if you would like to enjoy “just another summer day in Key West,” come down, and rain or shine we’ll show you a good time, and whether you’re a tourist, looking to move permanently to the Keys, or just someone who likes the beauty of nature, the great variety of amenities in the homes in our area are just more reason to want to live in beautiful Key West. If you’re interested in real estate in this attractive area contact me, Jimmy Lane, at Key West Real Estate: 305-766-0585.