Why:

Keeping wind out of the home during and after a Hurricane is an important step to reducing damage. Wind pressure and wind-borne debris can break windows, doors and garage doors during a hurricane. This allows water and wind to enter the home and can cause significant damage to the structure and contents. Additionally, pressures developed within the home can cause roof failures to occur and result in total loss of the contents and/or structure of the home.

1. Install Pressure/Impact Resistant* protection devices such as shutters, panels, accordion fold shutters, etc. These should cover all EXTERIOR OPENINGS, e.g., windows, doors, sliding glass doors including all garage doors, skylights and large gable end vents. OR
2. Install Pressure/Impact Resistant products that do not require shutters such as exterior doors and windows or window glazing material that, along with structural components, meet the standards indicated below. OR
3. Install a combination of the above. You do not have to use the same type of protection for each opening. In other words, some openings on the home may be best protected with shutters, while others are better suited for panels and still others may be most effectively protected by replacing the item with Pressure/Impact Resistant materials.

How:

Consult the yellow pages for the number of the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, or The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, to locate a Florida Licensed Contractor capable of installing the required products. Some municipalities require a building permit to be issued to cover this type of work. Check with your local Building Department to be sure.