• Keeping wind and water out is critical to home survival.
• Protective barriers keep glass from breaking and possibly injuring occupants,
• More importantly, they keep wind-driven rain from soaking the home's interior, and reduces the chance wind pressure will build up inside, looking for a way out.
• Breached windows and doors often = loss of roof.

• Plywood (this should be a last-minute alternative, properly fastened)
• Screens
• Panels
  • Fabric
  • Corrugated plastic
  • Aluminum or shatterproof plastic
  • Roll-down
  • Accordian
  • Colonial/Bahama

What are approval ratings and what should I look for?
Approval ratings are important, because they tell you what a product is designed for and what forces it can withstand. Some products are being marketed as “hurricane tested.”  This does NOT mean they have been approved or passed the large-missile impact test.

How do I decide what to use?
Choose a product that fits your lifestyle. Ask questions such as:

• Should it be permanent, like impact-resistant glass, because I don't live there year-round or can't physically install shutters myself?
• Can I physically handle screens or lightweight corrugated plastic, but not aluminum or other shutters?
• Will I be comfortable with the look of roll-down or accordian on my home (visible storage “boxes” on exterior when not in use)?

Source:©2009 IBHA
Date Posted: October 10, 2009
www.ibhs.org