Before the storm it is essential to fortify your property to increase the liklihood it will withstand wind and water damage. Hurricanes cut paths of destruction from which it can take years to recover. Available materials make reinforcing structures easy and affordable.
The Institute for Business & Home Safety’s and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are just two sources owners of homes and businesses can use to lessen the impact a hurricane will have on their property.
When protecting your property:
Select permanent window and door protection or install permanent fasteners so panels can be put in place quickly. Storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. When boarding up windows, use five-eighth inch marine plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Use products with the proper approval rating for impact-resistance. Just because a product is labeled “hurricane tested” does not mean it has passed the large-missile impact tests.
Strengthen solid metal and wood entry doors. If a door is in good condition, inspect the hinges. Three hinges are recommended. Make sure the screws in the hinges are long enough to penetrate the permanent structure by at least one (1) inch. Doors should have dead-bolt locks with a minimum one-inch bolt throw length.
For double entry doors, install heavy-duty barrel bolt sliding latches at the top and bottom. Connect the barrel bolt through the door header and threshold and into the subfloor.
Fasteners can be added to improve the anchorage of door frames walls. The length of fasteners must be at least three (3) inches. Use No. 12 wood screws and 10 or 12 penny nails. Install fasteners within six inches of the end of the frames with one fastener at the top and one at the bottom of each side. They should be placed no farther apart than 16 inches.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten roofs to the frame of structures.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Determine how and where to secure your boat.
Consider building a safe room.
Protect important records and papers.
Consider installing a generator for emergency power.
Learn more about the variety of shutter materials available at IBHS Shutter Selection Guide.