Although any excess weight will affect the fuel economy.

Which isn't to say don't do it, just be aware that it isn't "free".

PS in England we may not get hurricanes, but we do get tornadoes - serious ones that tear the roofs off houses. Although they only affect a few score houses at a time, so you could "bug out" to a nearby hotel.

We get earthquakes, too, but mostly little ones. That we get any at all shows the ground is geologically active.