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Hurricane-Ready: How the Dominican Republic Outshines Florida in Storm Preparedness

When it comes to hurricanes, both Florida and the Dominican Republic face the annual threat of powerful storms. However, understanding the fundamental differences in how each region is impacted and how properties are built can make all the difference. Here, we’ll explore why properties in the Dominican Republic are not only better suited to handle these storms but also offer more resilience than many of their Florida counterparts.


Construction: Built to Last


One of the key distinctions between properties in the Dominican Republic and Florida is the method of construction. In Florida, many homes are partially built with wooden structures—an unfortunate choice given the risk of hurricanes. Wood simply doesn’t stand up as well to strong winds and heavy rainfall as concrete. Buildings in the Dominican Republic are commonly constructed entirely of steel-reinforced, solid concrete, designed to withstand not just hurricanes but also earthquakes. Dominican building codes are strict, requiring that homes and buildings meet high standards for durability. This includes reinforced concrete walls, roofs, and foundations that provide long-lasting stability and resistance to natural disasters.

 

In the Dominican Republic, homes are constructed almost entirely with concrete—concrete walls, concrete roofs, and tile floors are the standard here. The Dominican Republic’s emphasis on concrete construction, combined with rigorous building codes, ensures that properties are built to endure the elements—an advantage that many Florida homes simply don’t have. Whether it’s high winds, heavy rain, or seismic activity, the Dominican approach to building creates structures that are more resilient and better suited to the challenges of the region.

 

Elevation: Staying Above the Water

 

Another critical issue in Florida is the lack of elevation. Many properties sit just a few feet above sea level, making them highly vulnerable to storm surge and flooding. Despite knowing this, construction continues in these low-lying areas, further exacerbating the risk. In contrast, properties in the Dominican Republic are typically built with more elevation in mind. For example, Santo Domingo is located on the Caribbean Sea, but the core of the city is built nearly 200 feet above sea level and the Malecon, while oceanfront, is nearly 30 feet above sea level. Other coastal areas are often built on higher ground, providing an additional layer of protection from storm surge and flooding.

 

Natural Defenses: Mountains that Shield Us

 

The Dominican Republic benefits from unique natural defenses against hurricanes. We’re shielded by two major mountain ranges, including Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean. These mountains can help weaken or redirect storms before they reach highly populated areas. Florida, by comparison, is mostly flat, offering no such natural barriers.

 

Backup Power and Water: Prepared for the Aftermath

 

In the aftermath of a hurricane, having essential services like power and water can make all the difference. In the Dominican Republic, it’s common for homes and buildings to have backup generators or inverters for electricity as well as cisterns to store water. This means that if a storm causes damage, basic needs are often covered. In Florida, while some homes or buildings have generators, it’s far less common as most people rely entirely on the electric grid for power. This makes post-storm recovery much more difficult for residents.

 

Understanding Hurricane Behavior: The Role of Sahara Dust and Ocean Conditions

 

The intensity and frequency of hurricanes are influenced by many factors, and the Dominican Republic benefits from natural conditions that can reduce the strength of storms. One of these is Sahara dust, which is a layer of dry, dusty air from the Sahara Desert that can inhibit the formation of hurricanes. When the dust blows across the Atlantic, it can help weaken or prevent storm development. This dust often reaches the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, providing an additional buffer against severe hurricanes.

 

Another factor is the difference between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The water in the Gulf tends to be warmer and shallower, creating a more favorable environment for hurricanes to strengthen quickly. In contrast, the deeper waters of the Caribbean, while still warm, do not promote the same rapid intensification of storms. This means that hurricanes that pass through the Dominican Republic often don’t reach the same level of intensity as those in Florida.

 

Conclusion: The Dominican Advantage

 

While hurricanes are an undeniable part of life in the Caribbean, homeowners in the Dominican Republic can rest easy knowing their properties are well-prepared. Under standing that storms are a fact of life in the Caribbean, Calisto includes free post-storm inspections with every property management plan, ensuring our property owners are informed about their property promptly after any storm.


To learn more about Calisto property management services that include post-storm inspections and other services, visit Calisto Manage.


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