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Is Your Seawall Ready for Hurricane Season?

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Most of the time, living on the Florida waterfront is a dream delivering amazing weather, beautiful views, and enviable access to the water just outside your door. But it can also leave you vulnerable to some of mother nature’s fury, often arriving in the form of a hurricane.

With the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season already underway, and experts predicting another above-average season, it’s essential to ensure your seawall is ready. And since we don’t know what this season may bring, being prepared for the worst is the best line of defense. Plus, knowing that your seawall could play a key role defending your property and (more importantly) your loved ones, you need to ensure it is in excellent condition.

How to Prepare Your Seawall So It’s Ready for Hurricane Season

There are a few simple steps you can take to get your seawall prepared to face hurricanes this season.

Inspect Your Seawall for Damage

Your seawall is only as strong as its weakest part. Start preparing your seawall for hurricane season by assessing its current condition. When inspecting your seawall for damage, look for:

  • Visible rust stains and where the stains are coming from.
  • Corrosion from being exposed to natural elements, such as wind and water, especially saltwater.
  • Signs of damage caused by the normal wear and tear of everyday use.
  • Space between slabs that appears to be widening or becoming misaligned.
  • Cracked, bowing, or leaning slabs.
  • Cracks in the seawall cap or any small chunks broken off of it.
  • Soil settling or any holes along the seawall.

Assess Changing Environmental Conditions Impacting Seawall Stability

Not all elements impacting the stability of a seawall are visible to the naked eye. Changes to the environment near a seawall can lead to a pressure imbalance, which could cause your seawall to fail. Some of the most common causes of seawall pressure imbalances include:

  • Changes to water flow patterns
  • Changes to your living space
  • Landscaping modifications

For more information on these common causes of seawall pressure imbalances, visit Part IV of our Seawall Failure Series.

Expand or Extend Your Seawall

With hurricanes staying stronger for longer, they have the potential to bring greater danger and destruction. Stronger for longer hurricanes can deliver more powerful storm surges where an unusual rise in water during a storm is pushed toward the shoreline by powerful, forceful winds. It can cause water to rise well above normal levels and bring more water further inland.

Storm surges can be one of the greatest threats to human life – even more so than the powerful hurricane winds. Surges can push a huge volume of water inland for many miles. The speed and force at which a storm surge arrives leaves little warning time for people to get to higher ground. Surges can cause lots of damage, demolish buildings, flood homes, wash away roads, etc. Within minutes, people can become stranded on rooftops or in vehicles, or worse – be injured or killed.

Stronger, longer, and taller seawalls provide better protection against storm surges. Expanding and/or extending your seawall helps better protect your loved ones and your property.

Seawall Inspection and Repair Services in Tampa Bay

If you are unsure of what to look for when assessing your seawall, or would just like some assistance, call the seawall experts at Gibson Marine Construction. We offer seawall inspection and repair services to help you get your seawall ready for hurricane season. Contact us to learn more.

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season

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2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predictions

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season officially kicks off on June 1, 2021 and will run through the end of November. Learn what the experts are predicting for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.

The Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project, a respected authority on hurricanes is predicting an above-average 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Here are the numbers:

The average number of hurricanes each season (averaged out over 30 years):

• 12 named storms
• 6 hurricanes
• 2 major hurricanes

The Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project is predicting the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season to have:

• 17 named storms
• 8 hurricanes
• 4 major hurricanes

Comparing the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predictions to the Previous Year (2020)

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season blew past predictions, with a record breaking hurricane season and the highest number of named storms (23) ever recorded in a season throughout the end of summer. That was 6 more named storms than the previous record of 17 in 2005. In 2020, we also saw 14 hurricanes (second highest on record) and 7 major hurricanes (tied highest on record). Plus, it was also only the second time in recorded history, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) ran out of names, then had to switch to Greek letters to continue naming storms.

And although experts are predicting another above average hurricane season for 2021, they do not believe it will be another record breaking hurricane season, like 2020.

Is Your Waterfront Property Ready for Hurricane Season?

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was also the fifth costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record, with total damage estimates of $51.146 billion USD.

So, if you haven’t had your waterfront property seawall inspected and/or repaired after the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, now is the time to do it. The experts at Gibson Marine Construction have 30+ years of experience inspecting and repairing seawalls. They can ensure that your seawall is in the best condition to protect your home and family, giving you peace of mind going into the hurricane season.

Contact Gibson Marine Construction for a free seawall inspection or repair quote today.

Facing Stronger for Longer Hurricanes

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In a recent study conducted by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, researchers have concluded that hurricanes are staying “stronger for longer after hitting land.” Coastal property owners should take notice, as this can equate to more danger and property damage. Damage from a hurricane can happen a few different ways.

Hurricane Damage from Stronger Storm Surges

The rising water pushed toward the shore by forceful hurricane winds is called a storm surge. It can be a greater threat to human life – even more so than the powerful winds. And the crashing waves can cause severe damage to property, damaging boats, docks, and even buildings. With hurricanes staying stronger for longer, storm surges have the potential to become more violent, may cause water levels to rise and cause more damage.

Land Erosion and Land Loss Caused by Hurricanes

Hurricanes also cause damage via delivering torrential rains to an area. These severe rainstorms can cause rivers to flood, eroding the soil from the riverbanks. And torrential rains can create mudslides, leading to land loss and property damage. For example, scientists estimate that the amount of land lost due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita was approximately 73 square miles.

Seawalls and Retaining Walls Can Help Protect from Stronger for Longer Hurricanes

As of yet there is no way to stop a hurricane, but property owners can take steps to protect their land by investing in a seawall or retaining wall. They can serve as the first line of defense to protect property and help curb some of the damage caused by hurricanes. As hurricanes get stronger for longer, even property owners who have never considered a seawall or retaining may want to revisit the topic.

If you’re thinking about investing in a seawall or retaining wall, talk to our marine construction experts at Gibson Marine Construction. We’d be happy to discuss the benefits and how to best protect your property from hurricane damage caused by stronger for longer hurricanes. Contact Gibson Marine Construction today to learn more.

Hurricane Dorian

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Residents of Florida: Prepare for Hurricane Dorian.

Forecasters are warning that the storm is already “a dangerous Category 3 hurricane, defined as sustained winds of at least 111 mph.” And it will be near or even possibly make landfall over the Florida peninsula just in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 26 counties in the possible path of the hurricane.

You can view the State of Florida Executive Order #19-189 here. It only takes one hurricane or tropical storm to cause damage, destruction, and/or devastation. The team at Gibson Marine Construction hopes that everyone properly prepares for the hurricane, as best possible, and urges people to follow the government’s safety, preparedness, and/or evacuation recommendations. For tips on establishing an emergency plan for your family or how to prepare your property for a hurricane, please check out our 2019 Hurricane Season article here.

The 2019 Hurricane Season

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2019 Hurricane Season Predictions

The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season officially kicked off on June 1, 2019 and will run through the end of November.

Forecastors at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project (CSU), a leading authority on the topic are predicting the 2019 hurricane season to be slightly below historical averages. Here are the numbers:

The average number of hurricanes each season (averaged out over 30 years):

  • 12 named storms
  • 6 hurricanes
  • 2 major hurricanes.

CSU is predicting the 2019 hurricane season to have:

  • 13 named storms
  • 5 hurricanes
  • 2 major hurricanes.

How the upcoming (2019) Hurricane Season Compares to the previous season (2018):

CSU is predicting less activity than the previous year.

Here are the numbers from 2018:

  • 15 named storms
  • 8 hurricanes
  • 3 major hurricanes

Tips for Preparing for the 2019 Hurricane Season

Even though the 2019 hurricane season is predicted to be slightly below historical averages, it only takes one hurricane or tropical storm to cause damage, destruction, and/or devastation. Proper preparedness upfront can be the difference between minimal damage and outright devastation.

The following tips can help you prepare:

Establish an Emergency Plan for Your Family

Family members may not all be in the same location when a tropical storm or hurricane threatens your community. Create an emergency plan and discuss it with all family members to ensure they know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.

Key components of your family/household emergency plan should include:

  • Determine how to stay updated on the latest emergency alerts and warnings.
  • Prepare a shelter plan – Create an in-home shelter plan and an off-site shelter plan.
  • Map out the best evacuation route so you can leave quickly should you need to.
  • Make a family/household communication plan.

    • Prepare Your Home and Property for Hurricane Season

    Earlier this month, Senator Rick Scott urged Florida residents to “prepare for the worst.”

    “I cannot stress this enough: preparedness saves lives,” he said. “Hurricane season begins June 1, and I am asking every family and business in Florida to get a plan and a disaster preparedness kit today.”

    In addition to a plan and a kit, here are a few more things you can do to prepare:

    • Review and/or update your Florida Homeowners Insurance Policy
    • Check to see if your policy covers flood insurance. If not, you may want to invest in a flood insurance policy, sooner rather than later, as many policies take 30 days to go into effect.
    • Create a checklist of all the things you should do as the storm approaches. The list should include everything from what to bring inside, to what to tie down, to tasks to be completed, such as filling your vehicle(s) fuel tank.
    • Make a plan for your pets as many shelters do not allow them.
    • Have a plan for and the materials needed to board up your home.
    • Have a plan and/or storage place to keep larger, valuable purchases, such as vehicles and boats protected.
    • If you have an existing seawall, have it professionally inspected and/or repaired to ensure it is in the best condition to hold up against a hurricane and better protect your property. And if you live on the waterfront and don’t have a seawall, you may want to consider having one installed.

    Gibson Marine Construction Can Help You Be Better Prepared for Hurricane Season

    If you have an existing seawall or are interested in learning more about adding a seawall to your waterfront property, Gibson Marine Construction can help you check that last bullet point off of your list. The experts at Gibson Marine Construction have over 30 years of experience building, inspecting, and repairing seawalls. They use high quality materials and advanced technology in order to prevent erosion and to withstand strong winds and high waves.

    2018 Hurricane Season: Make an Emergency Plan

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    Preparing for the 2018 Hurricane Season: How to Make an Emergency Plan

    Forecastors at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project (CSU), a leading authority on the topic are predicting another busy hurricane season – slightly above historical averages. Prepare for the 2018 hurricane season by making an emergency plan.

    There are four key components to an emergency plan. These include:

    • Determine how to stay updated on the latest emergency alerts and warnings.
    • Prepare a shelter plan – Create an in-home shelter plan and an off-site shelter plan.
    • Map out the best evacuation route so you can leave quickly should you need to.
    • Make a family/household communication plan.

    Stay Updated on the Latest Emergency Alerts and Warnings

    Hurricane-related Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are sent by state and local public safety officials, the National Weather Service, or even the President of the United States. WEAs look similar to text messages on your cell phone but usually have a unique sound and vibration, repeated twice. They are usually short messages and will include: the type and time of the alert, instructions on any action you should take, and which agency issued the alert.

    The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system. During an emergency it broadcasts alerts via satellite providers, cable television systems, etc. to communicate emergency information to the public. You can find additional information about the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) on the FEMA website at: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-system.

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. Visit www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/ to learn more about the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards network and to find a network station in your area.

    Create an Emergency Shelter Plan

    Communicating during an emergency can often be difficult if not impossible. To help keep your loved ones safe, you should put at least two emergency shelter plans in place: a plan for sheltering in place in your home, and a plan for evacuating to a nearby shelter.

    Sheltering in Place

    Often the best option for finding shelter is staying right where you are. Designate an area in your home where all family members should gather in case of emergency. A basement or storm shelter is usually best but if that’s not an option, and interior room (with no windows) or hallway is best. Preparing a disaster kit and storing it in there is also highly recommended.

    Finding a Shelter

    When sheltering in your home is not the best option, such as when the local authorities recommend or mandate an evacuation, you should put an alternative shelter plan in place.

    Here are a few options:

    • Talk to friends and relatives to see if you can stay with them in case of an emergency.
    • Or create a list of hotels/motels to contact and make a reservation should evacuation seem likely.
    • Research mass care shelter options in your area. (Keep in mind pets are often not welcome at these facilities.)
    • Search for open shelters by texting SHELTER + a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA). Standard rates apply.

    Map Out Your Best Evacuation Route

    Plan how you will leave and where you will go in case of an emergency evacuation. Plan ahead by mapping out and documenting a primary and backup evacuation route. Keep in mind storms can often knock out services such as cell phone service and/or GPS – so keep an old school, paper map handy with your evacuation plans.

    If you have a car, and an evacuation seems likely, keep your gas tank full. Fuel can sometimes be difficult to find during an emergency as stores can run out or close down in the area. A full tank can get you further out of the evacuation area faster and further away from the evacuation area where more fueling options are more readily available.

    Put a Family/Household Communication Plan in Place

    We can’t emphasize this enough: communicating during an emergency can often be difficult if not impossible. Put a family or household communication plan in place before an emergency to help get your loved ones reunited as quickly as possible.

    Here are a few communication guidelines to follow:

    • Choose an out of town friend or relative to use as a point of contact. Send all messages through that designated person.
    • Designate a predetermined meeting place for all family members to go if you/they are unable to return home.
    • Keep important phone numbers and emergency contacts with you at all times. Make sure all members of the family, especially children have this information.
    • Don’t forget about social media. You can communicate a message to loved ones via a social channel and can even mark yourself as safe on Facebook to let friends and family know about your status.

    Stay Safe this Hurricane Season

    As a Florida area business and seawall builder, we have seen first hand the damage a hurricane can do. We hope these tips are helpful and that all our friends, neighbors, customers, etc., – everyone – stays safe this 2018 hurricane season.

    And if you are interested in learning more about our services, and how a seawall could help protect you and your property this hurricane season, give us a call.

    The 2018 Hurricane Season

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    The 2018 Hurricane Season: When is it? What should I expect?

    The 2018 hurricane season is upon us. Arm yourself with information in preparation for the 2018 hurricane season.

    When is the 2018 Hurricane Season in Florida?

    Hurricane season in Florida officially begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th. But most storms typically hit during peak season, between August and October.

    Alberto attempted to kick the hurricane season off early, making landfall over the Florida Panhandle on Memorial Day weekend, but luckily Alberto didn’t gain enough strength and only made it into the subtropical storm category.

    2018 Hurricane Season Predictions

    Forecastors at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project (CSU), a leading authority on the topic are predicting another busy hurricane season. They predict the 2018 hurricane season to be slightly above historical averages. Here are the numbers:

    The average number of hurricanes each season (averaged out over 30 years):

    • 12 named storms
    • 6 hurricanes
    • 2 major hurricanes.

    CSU is predicting the 2018 hurricane season to have:

    • 14 named storms
    • 7 hurricanes
    • 3 major hurricanes.

     

    How the 2018 Hurricane Season Compares to 2017

    Although CSU predicts an above average hurricane season, they are predicting less activity than the previous year.

    Here are the numbers from 2017:

      • 18 named storms
      • 10 hurricanes
      • 6 major hurricanes

    How to Prepare for the 2018 Hurricane Season

    Being prepared for the 2018 hurricane season can make a big impact on how you spend your summer in Florida. Proper preparedness upfront can make clean up and repairs a lot easier down the line.

    Review Your Florida Homeowners Insurance Policy

    Take some time to sit down and review the details of your Florida Homeowners Insurance Policy. You may need to consider increasing your level of coverage if:

        • You made any improvements to your home or property since you last reviewed the policy.
        • You’ve made any expensive purchases, such as jewelry, antiques or art. Make sure all documents have been submitted to ensure these items are specifically listed and covered.

    Also keep in mind that certain types of flood damage is often not covered by your homeowners insurance policy. If you live on or near a body of water, you may want to consider adding a flood insurance policy to make sure you have protection from all the types of water damage hurricanes can cause.

    If You Have an Existing Seawall, Have it Inspected

    Seawalls are a great way to help protect your property from some of the damage a hurricane can cause. But a seawall is only as strong as its weakest part.

    Regular seawall inspections by seawall service professionals, such as the experts at Gibson Marine Construction, can identify areas in need of repair. Having these areas repaired and/or replaced will help stave off the misfortune of the more costly damage a busy hurricane season could bring.

    Install a Seawall to Protect from Hurricane Damage

    If you live on the waterfront and don’t have a seawall, you may want to consider having one installed to help protect your property from hurricane or other water damage. Call Gibson Marine Construction to learn how a seawall can help protect you and your property this hurricane season.

    The Repair BEFORE the Storm

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    Before your weather app begins sending out lightning and water spout alerts is the time to conduct inspections of your dock, deck, boatlift, and seawall. Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast makes for singularly beautiful scenery, but in this case, with great scenery comes great responsibility. You never want to find out after the storm that the integrity of any of your property’s marine structures are breached. The effects of storm winds and tide surges only aggravate the condition. The way to find out that your Florida dock is under stress is not when your foot plunges through one of the boards. It is before.

    Hurricane Preparedness details are everywhere:  in offices, schools, and free online guides. There are many cautionary tales about repairs in storm aftermath. So with the clock having already started on June 1 for Florida’s official hurricane season, we’ve got a good six months of mild and severe storm systems ahead of us.

    With Tropical Storm Colin safely behind us, and with months to go until the season officially ends on November 30, there’s still time to prepare your waterfront property for the season.

    Getting Ready for Hurricane Season in Florida

    We recommend having all your marine structures, particularly Florida seawalls, professionally inspected.

    • If you live in a multi-family building like a condo or townhome development, make sure to attend board meetings to gain assurance that the structures common to the residents are appropriately inspected and repaired.
    • If a private home, it may appear that common sense rules the day and dock issues are apparent. But they aren’t. Most Florida docks are built using wood piles and decking. Pile caps are typically connected with stainless or galvanized bolts. In addition to the eventual eroding of these connections, it is most certainly “what lies beneath” that impacts your dock’s integrity. Whether or not your dock is moored in salt water, water itself wears at structures. Add in the ubiquitous marine-boring organisms (whose home you are sharing) and you have a recipe for destruction.

    This is why we reiterate that a professional marine inspection is your best bet – your dock’s surface may appear innocent enough, but a complete in- and below-water inspection is key.

    Preparing Your Boat Lift

    Storing your boat during certain times of the season is standard operation, it is also a good time to make certain the lift is in good repair. Once the boat is off the lift, your storm preparation can entail lowering the cradle on the lift all the way to the bottom. With the cradle in the water it will be more protected from winds and storm surge waves. This effort will support the protection of the lift itself and the dock.

    For low-profile installations: protect your boat lift motors, switches, and covers by removing them and storing in a safe, dry place.

    For lifts with sealed direct-drive systems: remove the gear unit after lowering the cable down to its lowest point as the cable will free spool back down regardless.

    For all lift types: tighten all the nuts and bolts on the lift so you don’t lose any small parts during the storm.

    Contact us at (727) 942-3111 for questions about the care and maintenance of these essential structures. It only takes one storm to make a difference.

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    2131 Range Rd.
    Clearwater, FL 33765
    727-942-3111 | gibson-marine.com Florida Certified General Contractor: CGC1514396