Seminar Offered on Protecting Home from Wind Damage

Hurricane season is around the corner and now is the time to consider making improvements to your home to lessen the possibility of wind damage.  But what improvements should you make? 

A free seminar featuring experts discussing the latest technology to mitigate wind damage will be held Wednesday, March 21, 2012  9 to 11 a.m. at Payne Park Auditorium, 2100 Laurel Street. 

Experts say most property owners think about storm shutters to strengthen their home, but it’s what you can’t see that can make the difference.  For example, reinforcing vulnerable  areas such as the foundation-to-wall and wall-to-roof connections, sealing the roof deck, and replacing the doors can protect your property from wind damage. 

Not only should these improvements be considered for hurricane season, but also tornado season.  In the State of Florida, there are two tornado seasons:  February-April and June-September.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participated in a study which analyzed the mitigation of hurricanes, floods and earthquakes over a 14-year period.  It was concluded that for every $1 invested to lessen the damage to your home, $4 is saved in response and recovery.

With an eye on minimizing wind damage and ultimately lowering home insurance premiums, the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT) and Florida’s Foundation are hosting the wind mitigation seminar. 

To learn more visit www.floridasfoundation.org.  The free seminar is limited to 200 residents.  Enroll online by clicking here. 

Staff from the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County Emergency Management also will be in attendance to answer questions. 

For more information contact the Sarasota County Call Center:  941-861-5000.