Tips To Keep Your Home Safe During A Hurricane
Hurricane season occurs between June and November each year, making it crucial for those in impacted areas to ensure that their home is ready to withstand the powerful winds and torrential rains that come with these storms.
One of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane is your windows. Properly preparing your windows can help your property and your family stay safe. In this blog, our team at Window World TX will help you explore the best ways to prepare your windows for hurricane season.
Understanding The Risks: Why Is Window Protection Important?
Hurricanes can cause severe damage to windows through high winds, flying debris and intense pressure changes. Broken windows can lead to water damage inside your home, compromise the structural integrity of your house and create dangerous flying glass. By taking steps to protect your windows, you can minimize these risks and safeguard your home.
Window World TX will do everything we can to make sure you and your home on the coast stay safe this season. We offer products that are meant to withstand hurricanes and other extreme conditions, such as our hurricane impact windows. Our products are tested and approved for use in coastal regions for extreme weather because our customers deserve top-of-the-line quality.
How To Prepare Your Windows For A Hurricane
If you’re looking for ways to protect your windows during a hurricane, you have options. Our team is here to help you explore these methods so you can take steps to safeguard your home.
1. Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are among the most effective ways to protect your windows during a hurricane. They come in various styles, each with its own benefits. No matter which option you choose, these shutters are designed to shield your windows from flying debris and high winds.
2. Plywood Boards
For homeowners seeking a cost-effective method to protect their windows, plywood boards are a popular choice. To use plywood boards effectively, start by measuring your windows accurately and cutting the plywood to fit these dimensions. Typically, 5/8-inch thick plywood is recommended for optimal protection.
Once cut, secure the boards over your windows using screws or special clips designed for hurricane protection. Pre-cutting and labeling the boards for each window can save valuable time during an emergency.
While not as convenient as permanent solutions, plywood boards can provide substantial protection against windborne debris and high winds when installed correctly and promptly.
3. Impact-Resistant Windows
Impact-resistant windows are a permanent solution designed to withstand the powerful forces of a hurricane. These windows have two panes of glass with a layer of shatter-resistant film between them, providing robust protection against flying debris and high winds.
The primary benefit of impact-resistant windows is that they offer continuous protection without the need for additional installations before each storm. Additionally, these windows also enhance home security and can reduce noise levels.
4. Window Films
Window films offer additional protection for your windows by holding glass fragments together if the window breaks during a storm. These films can be added to the interior surface of your windows.
While window films may not provide the same level of protection as shutters or impact-resistant windows, they can help prevent injury from flying glass shards.
Stay Safe During Severe Weather
There are things other than strong windows that will be needed to ensure you and your family are safe during hurricane season. Below are helpful tips you can use to prepare for any upcoming storms:
- Don’t leave items outside as they could be picked up by the wind.
- Keep enough food and water for about three days.
- Fill a bathtub with water to act as your emergency water supply.
- Learn the locations of nearby shelters.
- Store helpful items like flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries and first aid supplies in an easily accessible area.
- Evacuate if you are told to evacuate.
- Put important items and documents in waterproof packaging.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water as a hurricane approaches.
Your safety is important, so make sure you know what steps to take to keep both you and your property protected!
Count On Our Team For Window Expertise
Preparing your windows for hurricane season is a crucial step in protecting your coastal home and family. Don’t wait until the last minute — start your preparations now and ensure peace of mind throughout the hurricane season.
For professional window inspections or installations, contact our Window World TX team today. We offer a range of services to help you prepare for hurricane season and keep your home safe.
