As we enter the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season, alarming and dangerous myths about hurricane preparation still persist. The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – FLASH®, Inc., exposes five myths that pose serious danger to both individuals and their homes.

#1 MYTH:  Placing masking tape or window film over windows will prevent window damage and protect families during windstorms.

REALITY: Masking tape or window film will not protect windows from windborne debris from hurricanes or severe storms. Some believe that tape or film may help keep the glass from dispersing after it breaks, but even this is questionable. For effective family and home protection, all windows and openings (entry doors, garage doors, gable end vents) should be covered with tested and approved hurricane shutters or should be constructed of impact-resistant materials.

#2 MYTH:  To avoid home damage, crack or open windows to allow wind pressure inside the house to equal pressure outside. 

REALITY: Opening windows to relieve pressure is a myth that has perpetuated for some time because of the way buildings appear to fail from high winds. Today, experts and wind scientists agree that the most important thing to do in a windstorm is to keep all windows and doors closed to prevent wind from entering and causing a syndrome called internal pressurization. For optimal protection, windows, doors and garage doors should be covered with an approved hurricane shutter system or be constructed of impact-resistant material.

#3 MYTH:  Protect only the windows and doors facing the ocean. 

REALITY: Wind can come from any direction or angle and may change direction quickly. Covering windows, entry doors, and garage doors with tested and approved systems is the best way to prevent damage from flying debris or wind pressure. If no system is in place, use 5/8-inch thickness plywood as an emergency board-up measure, but be sure to use appropriate attachment methods or the plywood will become windborne debris and increase damage potential.

#4 MYTH:  Sandbags can prevent water from entering a home. 

REALITY: Sandbags are effective when used to channel or direct water away from a home, provided they are properly filled and maintained. Fill sandbags only half full, tamp into place and limit placement to three layers, unless a building is used as a backing or sandbags are placed in a pyramid. 

#5 MYTH: Light candles if power goes out. 

REALITY:   NEVER use candles or gas or oil lanterns during a storm as they increase risk of fire or ignition of damaged, leaking gas lines. If a fire is started in your home, emergency responders may not be able to respond due to the weather conditions. Use only flashlights or battery powered lanterns during and after a storm until power is safely restored and all gas lines are checked. Protect from carbon monoxide poisoning by properly ventilating equipment used during power outages, including generators and cooking grills.