Hurricane Ian - Post Storm Update
Dear Residents,
Hurricane Ian was a historic storm which left a wide and substantial swath of damage across Southwest Florida. We were very fortunate Hurricane Ian did not make a direct hit here in Pinellas County as originally predicted. The Category 4 storm, with sustained windspeeds of over 150mph, came ashore near Cayo Costa leaving a trail of devastation along its northeasterly track across the state before decreasing to a Category 1 storm and turning north toward South Carolina.
As we all work to recover from the ongoing effects of Hurricane Ian, the Villas of Carillon Homeowner’s Association would like to share some information based on observations and reports received prior to, during, and after the storm.
Evacuation Planning
Evacuation orders are issued to move people away from the deadliest part of the hurricane – storm surge.
The Villas of Carillon is located in Evacuation Zone A, with first floor elevations averaging less than 10ft.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Ian generated a storm surge that exceeded 15ft - causing widespread flooding along the coast and inland leading to loss of life as well as damaged and destroyed property. If this storm had made landfall as originally projected, the Villas of Carillon first floors could have been under nearly 5ft of water.
We recommend you follow the link below for additional information about hurricane zones and evacuation planning.
ACTION: The Association strongly encourages Villas of Carillon residents to adhere to all evacuation orders and to have an evacuation plan ready in the event the order is given. If staying in Pinellas County is your ultimate decision, plan ahead to find safe shelter by asking friends, relatives or coworkers if they are willing to become a host home to you and your family during a storm or find a hotel or motel in a non-evacuation zone.
Prepare
Before evacuating your home, all residents are to take steps to protect their home against wind and water intrusion, as well as ensure the safety of their neighbors.
Failure to take these mitigating steps may result in avoidable damage to you or your neighbor’s property as well as an increased risk of injury. This could lead to the denial of insurance claims or worse result in serious injury.
The following topics are discussed in detail below:
Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane Shutters are an integral part of protecting the vulnerable parts of the home such as doors and windows from wind damage and flying debris.
Below are a few observations made prior, during, and after the storm along with some recommendations:
Missing or Damaged Hurricane Panel Hardware
Many residents reported problems with corrugated aluminum hurricane panels and/or hardware (bolts, nuts, anchors etc).
ACTION: Please refer to the Hurricane Panels Page on the Villas of Carillon website for information about how to prepare, install, and remove hurricane panels. Links are provided for purchasing replacement hardware as well as the required tools.
Improperly Installed Panels
Hurricane panels, particularly those installed by individually hired contractors, were not installed properly.
Loose Panels
ACTION: Always inspect panels after installation. Improperly secured panels may easily become (sharp) projectiles in a storm.
Missing Panels
ACTION: Refer to the previous topic and address issues before the 2023 season. Refer to the Hurricane Panels Page on the Villas of Carillon website.
Residents Unable to Install Hurricane Panels
Several residents were not able to install the panels themselves or hire a contractor in time or within their budget.
Some who did successfully install the panels realized the effort, cost, and concern over the risk of potentially not being prepared in time for the storm.
Those who find themselves unable or unwilling to install hurricane panels may consider investing in built-in (accordion style) shutters.
Several homeowners have been in contact with local hurricane shutter manufacturers inquiring about built-in (accordion style) shutters. A small group of homeowners have arranged for one such company to present information about their product(s) to our community in order to help educate and potentially leverage an opportunity for volume discounting should there be enough community interest. Here are the details:
Company | RollShield Hurricane Shutter Manufacturer |
Presenter | Chris Collard (Sales Manager) |
Date | November 1, 2022 |
Time | 6pm - 7pm |
Location | Villas of Carillon Clubhouse (227 Valencia Circle) |
Who May Attend | Villas of Carillon Homeowners |
IMPORTANT: The Villas of Carillon Homeowner's Association, Inc. is not affiliated with nor is it responsible or liable for work performed by or damages resulting from any contractor hired by individual homeowners providing hurricane shutter design/installation services.
IMPORTANT: All residents who wish to install built-in hurricane shutters must submit an Architectural Change Request Form. All requests must be reviewed by the Architectural Controls Committee, and approved, in writing by the Property Manager before hurricane shutter work may commence.
ACTION: Always ensure hurricane panels/shutters are properly installed prior to evacuating. Simplify the process by investing in built-in shutters (Architectural Change Request approval is required).
Bring Items Inside
Loose items outside the home can pose risk to property and safety when carried off by storm surges and wind.
ACTION: Bring in potted plants, empty pots, furniture, signs, flags, flagpoles, grills, hoses, hose reels, and any other loose items. This includes items on your second floor balcony, first floor deck (whether screened in or not) and anywhere else around the home. Clean up tools, debris and extra shutters prior to evacuating.
Sandbags & In-Home Preparation
Sandbags are a cost-effective way to divert minor floodwaters away from your home and reduce the risk of floodwater damage. However, sandbags do not guarantee protection of the home from severe storm surges.
In the days leading up Hurricane Ian, it was reported that sandbag distribution centers in Pinellas County were at capacity with hundreds of vehicles waiting in line. People who were not already in line were advised to go home.
ACTION: It is recommended that residents stock up on enough sandbags and polyethylene plastic sheeting (i.e. Visqueen) to help protect the entries of their home against minor flooding damage. Stock up during the off season.
We recommend you follow the link below for additional information about sandbags.
ACTION: Bring valuables and important documents up to the second floor to reduce the risk of damage from storm surge and floodwater damage.
Insurance
ACTION: All homeowners are strongly encouraged to obtain a flood insurance policy covering the interior contents as flood losses are not covered by homeowner insurance. Renters are encouraged to obtain renter’s insurance for their belongings.
Additional Information
Please refer to the following for additional information:
The 2022 All Hazards Preparedness Guide is developed in partnership between the Pinellas County Department of Emergency Management and the Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education Program (NIE).
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Property Manager if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Villas of Carillon Board of Directors
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