In a surprising turn of events, Pedro Casares from Orlando, Florida, fortified his family home with massive industrial straps, a bold DIY measure that seems to have saved his property from major damage as Hurricane Milton, a category 3 storm, swept through the area. Casares, originally from Puerto Rico, invested $22,000 into metal hooks embedded in eight feet of concrete and heavy-duty straps, usually used to secure shipping containers, to keep his home intact.
Casares’ efforts caught widespread attention after a viral video, shared by his daughter on TikTok, revealed the home unscathed with not a single roof shingle missing. “The home is intact. Not a single shingle nor tile has lifted from the roof,” she said, emphasizing they plan to leave the straps on until hurricane season ends.
Online reactions ranged from amusement to admiration. Some dubbed Casares a “Florida legend,” while others praised his ingenuity, stating, “He’s thinking outside the box.” Casares’ efforts have not only provided security for his home but have also inspired many with his unique approach to hurricane-proofing.
As Florida continues recovery efforts, Casares’ strapped-down home stands as an innovative example of hurricane resilience in action.
Man who Tied down his house with straps… well we all wondered Did it hold up? To withstand #hurricanemilton
— Ms_Harmony ツ (@Ms_Harmony58) October 11, 2024
Water rises and seems the house is okay but it is costly. #Houseidea #FloridaMan pic.twitter.com/uN9FAyRSVJ
