Hurricane Safety Zone - Securing Windows

Securing Windows

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a hurricane is securing windows. Most people do this by installing some sort of hurricane shutters, but others still think that tape is a good method of securing windows.

Securing Windows in the Event of a Hurricane

Drive around hurricane-prone areas during hurricane season and you might see windows with a big "X" made of tape on them. At first you might be curious as to why people do this. Well, it's becuase they believe that this will prevent their windows from shattering into a million pieces during a hurricane and causing damage beyond that. The glass probably won't shatter, but it will probably still break, and instead of having millions of little pieces of glass everywhere, you'll have great big sharp-edged pieces.

There is a better method for securing windows in the event of a hurricane--install hurricane shutters. Although they can be expensive, the cost is minimal compared to the damage a hurricane can inflict. In addition to blowing your windows out, the wind and rain that accompany a hurricane can wreak havoc on the interior of your home as well. That's why securing windows is one of the most important wind safety rules you can follow.

If you truly can't afford hurricane shutters as a method of securing windows, you can make your own using plywood. Just make sure you know what you're doing. You need to make sure they fit your window properly so wind can't get in under the plywood, and you need to make sure the plywood is tightly secured by using 3" or 4" barrel bolts. If your plywood shutters fit right, you've saved yourself some money and protected your home all at the same time.