After a tsunami struck Japan in 2011, we heard a great deal about storm surges and tsunamis. While one is similar to the other, it is important to know the differences between each and how to best prepare for them.

A storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm over and above the predicted astronomical tides.” A storm tide is the combination of a storm surge and high tide. The rise in water can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas with storm tides reaching up to 20 feet. For more information on Storm Surge, visit the NOAA site here (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/)

CLICK HERE (http://floridadisaster.org/publicmapping/Evac/EVAC_BREVARD.pdf) to see where you are on the Brevard County Storm Surge Map.

“A tsunami is a series of waves of extremely long wave length and long period generated in a body of water by an impulsive disturbance that displaces the water…primarily associated with earthquakes.” The term “tsunami” is comprised of two words in the Japanese language – “tsu” for harbor and “name” for wave. Depending on the depth of the ocean, tsunamis can travel up to 550 mph! An approaching tsunami can sometimes be detected when waters near the shore recede, exposing the ocean floor. For more information on tsunamis, visit the NOAA site HERE (http://www.tsunami.noaa.gov/)

Remember, damages caused by Storm Surges, Storm Tides, and Tsunamis are NOT covered by standard homeowners or commercial property policies. Please contact us to review your insurance needs and to see if you can get covered for storm surge or tsunamis.