Having a home on any of the USA’s beautiful coasts is a luxury that many people wish for. Residents can use idyllic ocean views and miles of beautiful coastline for recreational activities like walking, running, fishing, and snorkeling. 30A on Florida’s Emerald Coast is a blissful seaside area comprising just over a dozen neighborhoods. 30A has large family homes, home sites, and gulf front condos for sale, offering potential buyers plenty of options when planning their dream purchase. There is also an abundance of outdoor activities, restaurants, cafes, and other venues for residents to enjoy in 30A Gulf front condos and homes capitalize on stunning ocean views, while more inland developments can enjoy some of the dozens of trails and walkways available.
Living in coastal areas may come with an added risk of damage due to natural disasters such as flooding, storm surges, and hurricanes. This article will explore some things that should be considered before purchasing property in coastal areas and precautions that can be taken in case of natural disasters.
Considerations when purchasing a coastal home
The potential occurrence of natural disasters cannot be avoided entirely – different regions may be more susceptible to certain environmental events than others. For example, mountainous regions such as Colorado may be vulnerable to landslides, while the positioning of the San Andreas Fault through California makes earthquakes in that region more common than in other areas. Low-lying coastal areas may be more vulnerable to flooding than higher inland areas; however, with the right planning and build quality, flooding issues will be far less of a worry.
Know whether your property is in a flood zone:
Before purchasing a property, it is crucial that you find out if the property is in a flood zone. This may be the case for many Gulf front condos for sale in an area such as 30A Gulf front condos and other beachfront properties may be at higher risk of flooding due to storm surges. Finding out if your home is in a flood zone will help you to understand building or renovation regulations that may be in place as a result and will give you peace of mind when buying property in that area. Being in a flood zone might also make you liable for mandatory flood insurance and other floodplain management standards. Being aware of this is important before making a purchase.
Insurance:
As well as mandatory flood insurance (if required), you may want to consider additional insurance for your home or other personal belongings. While this may be an additional cost, it could save you millions of dollars in a worst-case scenario. Ensure that your insurance policies are updated and adjusted in case any changes are made to your home.
Precautions to take:
Once you have understood any possible risks of natural disasters and the effects that may result, there are measures you can put in place to make yourself and your property safer from damage.
Ensure you have an emergency plan in place:
You must have a plan in place should a natural disaster occur. This will save you valuable time and could lessen the chances of damage to property, injury, or loss of life. The most important part of your emergency plan will be knowing the evacuation routes in your area. If an evacuation is ordered, you need to be able to follow it immediately. If applicable, have a safe central meeting point for family and friends – it is worth finding out where the nearest shelters or designated safe zones are. If the disaster is predicted to be significant, having an emergency pack prepared will be helpful. This might include non-perishable food items, battery-operated flashlights and headlamps, a first aid kit, and perhaps your family’s most important documents (though it is important to keep the pack as light as possible in case it must be carried long distances).
Precautions at home:
Simple adjustments to your home set-up could make it safer during a natural disaster.
Outdoor items like furniture or décor items could become dangerous during heavy winds. If a strong storm is predicted, ensure items are properly secured or brought inside.
Storm shutters can protect your home’s windows from being smashed during a storm. This can save money and prevent serious injury.
Electrical appliances should be elevated above potential floodwater margins if flooding is predicted.
