Most people have heard of Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it caused. But they may know very little about preparing for hurricanes, and how to prepare your home for a hurricane. They may not even know what are storm shutters used for, or that they should watch out for the storm surges that accompany hurricanes.
How to prepare for a hurricane
Hurricanes are one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena. And if you happen in live in a hurricane-prone area, you don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to witness this spectacle, it comes right to you home! To your doors and windows, in fact, and that is where you must focus your efforts in preparing your home for a hurricane
You should be aware of the strength of the natural forces your windows will be facing. Hurricanes are the deadliest type of storms and kill more people than any other type. When winds reach a speed of more than 74 miles per hour, tropical storms are classed as hurricanes. Most hurricane winds are often much faster. The World Meteorological Organization creates a list of names for hurricanes each year and hurricanes are named from A through Z in the chronological order in which they occur.
The average hurricane is about 2,000 times bigger across than tornadoes. In an average three-year period, about five hurricanes hit the U.S. coastline. Two of these are major hurricanes with wind speeds of over 110 miles per hour. Of the 10 costliest hurricanes in the U.S., five have occurred since 1990.
What are storm shutters?
Storm shutters are one element of storm protection for your house. They will keep the glass windows from exploding when gale force winds arrive. There are many different kinds of storm shutters, made of wood, aluminum or vinyl. They can be installed on the exterior of windows, colonial style or they can be rolled up or down.
One thing they all have in common is the strength to resist hurricane winds and to protect your home and its inhabitants.
