Hurricane Michael hit the American state of Florida five years ago. The major storm came with wind speed of 250 kilometers per hour. It damaged many homes, boats, cars and trucks. But Bonny Paulson’s home in the coastal community of Mexico Beach only suffered minor damage to its roof. That is because it was built to resist high winds and heavy rain. While others left the area ahead of the storm, Paulson stayed behind. “I wasn’t nervous at all,” she said. Almost all the nearby homes were badly damaged. Many were completely destroyed. Now, home builders in hurricane-prone areas are building more homes like the one Paulson owns. The new homes are built with recycled or advanced materials that reduce energy use. Solar panels are fitted closely on the roof to prevent high winds from getting under. And they are easier to heat and cool. Deltec is the homebuilder that built Paulson’s home. The company says only one of nearly 1,400 homes it built has been badly damaged by a hurricane. The homes, Deltec says, also use better material and equipment to reduce energy use.
