As storm season approaches your area, you'll need to make sure that you're ready for everything the weather has to throw at you--sometimes literally--from high-powered winds and flying debris, to torrential waters. Caving doors, broken windows, and flooding can threaten lives and damage property to unrecoverable heights, but with a bit of emergency planning and home preparedness, you can reduce the damage and keep yourself agile enough to begin recovering as soon as the skies clear.
Boarding, Not Taping For Windows
Some urban legends persist more than others, with taping windows for hurricanes being a strong survivor amongst many storm rumors.
The idea is that placing tape across a window can keep the glass from shattering into tiny, dangerous pieces. To a certain extent, the tape may be able to keep the glass in place, even if it's shattered. However, it's a bad idea for storm prep, and experts agree that the taping legend needs to come to an end.
One video demonstration shows a piece of wood flying directly through the glass, tape ignored. It doesn't matter if you cross the window with tape, create an intricate webbing of tape, or look up optimal taping designs; storm winds and debris can fly through such defenses. The tape has a chance against low speed projectiles, but you shouldn't be planning for a low, unpredictable threat.
Defend against the maximum force of a storm and board your windows instead. Nailing strong boards across your windows against the frame or walls of your building can work, or you could get storm shutters that can close neatly over your windows.
Repairs After The Storm Passes
Once the storm has left the area and the skies are more peaceful, it's time to rebuild. Broken windows and damaged doors can be difficult to work with, but there are a few things you can do until replacement arrives.
First, treat everything as a cut or tearing hazard. Wear boots and protective gloves when examining the damage and keep an eye out for any dangers overhead. Not everyone has access to hardhats or other head protection after a storm, but if you have it, use it.
Clear the area of any debris or block entry if any children are in the area, and be sure to post warnings of damage. Sweep up any excess glass, hammer down nails that may be sticking out, and try to cover exposed openings to the home with plastic, boarding or other covers.
When you get the chance, contact a window specialist, like Griggs & Son Glass & Mirror, to replace your damaged windows. Consider choosing hurricane-resistant glass and designs that can support storm-protective shutters.
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