StormFitters' Storm Protection for your Project

Windows, Doors, and Storm Protection Products

As we have discussed in other articles, living in Florida has many benefits such as fantastic weather, plenty of recreational opportunities, some great tax benefits, wonderful food and entertainment, and a popular place for those looking to retire, and many new initiatives to attract high-tech business with excellent paying jobs.

There are a few challenges, and FEMA's "Ready" slogan is noteworthy "Prepare, Plan, Stay Informed!" With that in mind, if you found this article while looking for info on the latest tropical storms, check out StormFitters' free Storm Tracker (click/touch here to visit the Storm Tracker page on this web site.) As explained by FMEA, a hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone or severe tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms (learn more about thunderstorms and lightning here), and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface. All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes. Florida is prone to thunderstorms and hurricanes.  Moreover, parts of the Southwest United States and the Pacific Coast also experience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes.  The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.  The following is from FEMA:

Before a Hurricane

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• To begin preparing, you should
  • build an emergency kit, and
  • make a family communications plan
• Know your surroundings.
• Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
• Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
• Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
• Make plans to secure your property:
• Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Install a generator for emergencies.
• If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.
• Consider building a safe room.

Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site,www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419. For more detailed information on how you can protect your property, view NFIP’s printer-friendly handout Avoiding Hurricane Damage.

To learn more about hurricane preparedness and what to do in the event of a hurricane, or even after a hurricane, check out the FMEA Ready site here: http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes/

The following video by the folks at MythBusters might interest you - it helps dispell a myth about opening your windows during a storm.  The fact is that windows need to be "ready" for a hurricane, either by the fact they are "impact rated" or by having storm shutters cover them. Check out the video on YouTube:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=GTBsQSbl18Y

All the best as you consider how to protect your property with storm protection!

PS: See the information on a Door Update by clicking or touching here - or Click or Touch here to learn about saving money with Replacement Windows.  Oh, one more thing, if you are in the St. Pete FL area (Clearwater, Gulfport, St Petersburg, Seminole, Pinellas Park, Largo, Clearwater Beach, etc.), stop in and see us about your window replacement project.

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