Should I Move to Southwest Florida After Hurricane Irma?

Florida has known its share of intense weather, with hurricanes and tropical storms being amongst its most significant challenges. The Sunshine State has consistently shown remarkable resilience, with government and private sector efforts working together to ensure minimal disruption after storms.

Florida’s Preparedness and Proactive Measures

The state's resilience is evident from Governor Rick Scott's swift emergency preparations and the well-organized mobilization by power companies to restore services quickly. Such actions demonstrate Florida’s commitment to minimizing the impact of hurricanes and ensuring a swift return to normalcy following these natural disasters.

Lessons and Improvements from Hurricane Irma

Hurricanes like Irma, despite being rare, bring valuable learning experiences and improvements for the state. According to the New York Times, Hurricane Andrew marked a turning point in Florida's disaster preparedness:

The Florida Legislature implemented stringent building codes to secure structures against high winds and other storm conditions. Hospitals, supermarkets, and gas stations were required to have generators to ensure continued operations during and after storms.

These measures include:

Hurricane-impact windows Hurricane shutters Hurricane-resistant roofs

The introduction of these safety measures has significantly enhanced the resilience of both residential and commercial structures, providing businesses in Southwest Florida with a more secure environment to operate in during and after these storms.

Continued Growth and Recovery in Southwest Florida

Despite the impact of Hurricane Irma, the majority of businesses in Southwest Florida are operational and life is returning to normal at a remarkable pace. Eric Berglund, President of the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance, emphasized the area's resilience:

"There is a reason why Southwest Florida continues to grow year after year. Hurricane season is nothing new to our area and on the rare occasion we experience extreme weather, we are well prepared before, during, and after.”

Businesses have continued to thrive in Southwest Florida and this success is expected to continue, even in the aftermath of Irma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hurricane Irma should not deter you from considering a move to Southwest Florida. The state’s robust preparedness and resilience offset any potential concerns associated with hurricane season. For more information on the continued growth and resilience of Southwest Florida, visit: Southwest Florida Stands Resilient Post Hurricane SWFLEDA.