Mitigating Property Damage during a Hurricane Season Predicted to be Extremely Active this Year

Hurricane season in the Atlantic and Caribbean officially runs from June 1^st through November 30^th. This year, scientists at Colorado State University are predicting the highest number of hurricanes since their forecasts began in 1995. For 2024, 23 named storms are predicted, including 11 hurricanes. Five of those hurricanes are forecast to be major hurricanes.

Every year, hurricane season causes billions of dollars in property damage, much of which is due to storm surge, wind damage and flooding. To mitigate hurricane damage, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reminds people that live in hurricane-prone areas to be ready and prepared. NOAA encourages people to determine their personal hurricane risk, find out if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies.

“For property owners and tenants that do sustain storm damage in their home or business, it’s important to be aware of a number of indoor hazards that building occupants could encounter,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Floodwaters often introduce far more than just water into a property. The water often contains sewage and chemicals. Even water damage from relatively clean water can allow for mold growth in as short as 48 hours. For the many properties that still contain lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials, these too can become an exposure hazard during cleanup, demolition, and rebuilding if they are aerosolized without the proper safety precautions in place.”

With laboratories across North America, EMSL Analytical is positioned to help after a hurricane or other natural disaster. Their laboratories identify exposure risks to mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals, and many other potential dangers. EMSL also offers sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about preparing a home for a hurricane that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/wxoW5DbMwcE

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail