Hurricane Andrew, one of the most powerful and destructive storms in U.S. history, struck South Florida in August 1992. As a Category 5 hurricane, Andrew caused widespread devastation, leading to significant changes in building codes and construction practices. Among the many areas affected, HVAC systems saw notable improvements in resilience and safety standards. Let’s delve into how Hurricane Andrew reshaped the way we think about and secure our HVAC systems.
The Impact of Hurricane Andrew
Before Hurricane Andrew, many HVAC systems in South Florida were not designed to withstand the extreme winds and flying debris associated with such powerful storms. The hurricane’s 175 mph winds ripped air conditioning units from their mounts and severely damaged ductwork, leaving many homes and buildings without functional cooling systems in the sweltering aftermath.
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