Thursday, July 27, 2006

Why is Fiberglass Better Than Plywood for Storm Protection

Fiberglass panels are better than plywood for storm protection because it does not rot, warp or attract termites and other wood eating bugs.
Even bees like to drill holes into wood to make nests.
Storing wood in your shed or garage that can get infested can cause other wood surrounding it to have the same problem. Over time while your plywood is stored bugs can creep from your garage and into your home.
Be sure to spray for bugs before storing wood and every 6 months after as it is like a meal waiting to happen without proper pest control.
Fiberglass on the other hand is no bugs idea of a meal and even though it may get dirty sitting in your garage or even outdoors it will always be there ready for the next hurricane.
Of course if you can find the room to store them inside all the better but they do store outdoors just as well. Some people worry that the sun beating on them will melt them but that is just not true.
We do recommend however storing them flat to prevent warping, although it is much harder to warp fiberglass by leaning it up against a wall with other stuff piled up against it.
If you do have to lean it up against a wall lay it horizontally against an even surface.
Better still don't pile things on top of your fiberglass storm panels that you will have to move should you need to pull them out in a hurry.
I can't begin to tell you how important it is to protect your windows during a hurricane but if you read the paragraphs below you may get some ideas.
Window protection is a must during severe hurricanes and is expected to be done by you according to some insurance companies.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Storm Panels for Hurricane Protection

Storm panels are a far supperior, more effective and affordable type of hurricane protection.
Fiberglass storm panels do not have the sharp edges that aluminum panels have so they are safer to install when a hurricane is approaching.
Fiberglass storm panels are also now stronger yet lighter than before and in the long run much more economical than using plywood.
Plywood that is cut and used for hurricane protection when stored can warp, rot and become infested by termites as well as many other type of wood eating bugs.
Also you put alot of holes into your houses exterior when screwing and nailing plywood onto your home.
Tracks that are pre-installed for fiberglass storm panels cover up the holes and are left on thus will not let bugs or weather in even after the panels are taken down.

Monday, July 24, 2006

What to do After A Hurricane is Over

Things to do after a hurricane is over.
Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
-Inspect your home for damage.
-Use flashlights in the dark instead of candles if possible.
-In the case of a power outage bring out the generator if you have one and make sure it is running properly and that you have plenty of gas set aside before plugging appliances into it.
-Prioritize what needs to be done first...so you don't get overwhelmed make a list of repairs needed to make living more comfortable indoors and do those things first.
If you have hurricane storm panels remove them to let light in and if electricity is out open the windows to let air in.
-Put your storm panels away but in a place that is easily accessible because during hurricane season you may need to use them again sooner than you think.
-Throw out spoiled food in the refrigerator.
-Make a grocery list of the most essential items you will need to get by.
Assess any water damage and if there is any take a picture of it before cleaning it up.
-Call your insurance agent to report any covered damages.
-Put damp furniture outside to dry, throw rugs, curtains, etc - these things can get mildewed if left inside which makes cleaning them more difficult.
-After making the inside of your home more liveable then you can tackle outdoor cleanup projects using a chainsaw, hand saws, tree pruners, dump trailer, utility cart, etc.,.
-If there are alot of broken tree limbs you may want to create a debris pile first to put them in...
then cut them up later when they have dried out.
-Water treatment-you may have to boil your water before using it for cooking and drinking and if possible use bottled water for drinking and washing vegetables.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

What do you do when a Hurricane Warning is Issued

In the case of a Hurricane Warning pay attention and "Listen" to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
Complete preparation activities.
If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
If you have hurricane storm panels you may want to put them up if you haven't already.
Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over.
Fiberglass storm panels can also protect your window from flying debris caused by tornadoes.
Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Next I will discuss What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over

Friday, July 21, 2006

What to Do When a Hurricane Watch is on TV

When you see a hurricane watch on the bottom of your TV screen you should pay attention to it and see if it is telling your to evacuate your area.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If hurricane storm shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above.
Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
Of course it would make alot more sense to setup a way to protect your windows way before a hurricane ever happens by pre-installing the brackets for slide in hurricane panels and preferrably fiberglass storm panels.
Tommorrow I will talk about what to do when a hurricane Warning is issued.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Preparing a Disaster Survival Kit

Here is a list of things you should pack into a waterproof container and have handy in the event of a hurricane or even if you are evacuating from a hurricane you should bring these things with you as part of your hurricane protection plan:
First aid kit and essential medications.
Canned food and can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person.
Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
Prepare for High Winds

Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly. This is alot harder to do and more stressful right before a hurricane.
You would be better off to install hurricane protection using fiberglass storm panels.
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
Next post I will talk about "What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued"

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Preparing a Personal Hurricane Evacuation Plan

Prepare a Personal Hurricane Evacuation Plan
Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Take these items with you when evacuating:
Prescription medications and medical supplies;
Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
Car keys and maps
Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
On the next post I will tell you what to assemble in your Hurricane Disaster Aid Kit.
While you are planning on running from the storm you might want to think about how you can protect your home so there is something to come back to.
Hurricane Storm Panels are a good way to protect your windows from getting broken by flying debris and wind. Cover your windows with low cost hurricane panels and that is one less thing you will have to worry about while away from home.
You will be patting yourself on the back for having the forethought to have the tracks for them already on your home so you can easily slide the storm panels over each window before you leave.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Prepare Now for Hurricane Season

We are well into hurricane season and now is the time to prepare by stocking up on
water, batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food items, gas for your generator, a generator if you don't already have one, gas cans,etc.,.
If you have an RV it's a good idea to store extra canned and dry goods in it and make sure it is full of gas in case you decide to leave ahead of a hurricane.
Start your RV generator and home generator and make sure they are running well, have plenty of gas and put gas treatment in them to make it thru the long hot summer.
Another thing you can do is protect your home by installing fiberglass storm panels.
Fiberglass storm panels are much better than plywood and after you put the tracks up can be easily added before a hurricane gets near.
Then you can leave your home knowing it is well protected and you will hopefully have a better chance of an undamaged home to come home to should you decide to leave.
Also theives are less likely to try to break into a home that is shut down tight with hurricane storm panels. They will go on to the next easier target.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Think about Protecting Your Home Before the Hurricanes Come

Don't wait until it's too late to prepare! Hurricane season is in full swing now! Don't make the costly mistake of thinking your insurance company will take care of you in the event of hurricane damage to your home. In fact, In fact, some insurance companies won't offer wind damage coverage in the coastal states at any price, unless the homeowner provides some protection of their home during storms.
Hurricane Storm Panels made from fiberlgass are cheap and easy to install and are more durable and long lasting than plywood.
Now is the time to install the brackets for your storm panels to slide into.
Because fiberglass storm panels are custom made you need to order them to fit your windows which means you can't wait until the last minute to get them.
Even if you live in New Orleans or anywhere along the Gulf coast we can ship them to you by UPS.
Window and Sliding Door Fiberglass Storm Panels come with all the approved hardware for easy installation.
Visit the hurricane storm panels website today and order them online.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Fiberglass is Better Than Plywood for Hurricane Protection

If you bought plywood during past seasons, you already know it has begun to warp, grossly discolor, and is likely being attacked by insects such as termites. Plywood is generally a one-season solution to protecting your home. Each year you must fight the crowds and spend hard earned money for a temporary solution. Installing plywood requires help with holding up the 50-75 pound plywood sheet while another person drills holes and attaches the sheet. This is difficult, costly, and ineffective!
Our reinforced fiberglass storm panels can withstand the significant pressure variances associated with severe hurricane weather, and are easily attached to your home.

Fiberglass Storm Panels are:
Lightweight: Approximately 1/4 the weight of plywood, one person can mount even the largest panel.
Strong: Fiberglass panels can withstand high impact and high wind velocity. They are stronger than plywood and can be used over and over again. Storage can be indoors or outdoors. They never warp, discolor, and are not a food source for termites and other insects!
Economical: Our panels are less per square foot than most approved alternatives.

Easy to Install: Great Do-It-Yourself project. Our panels readily slide onto Miami-Dade hurricane approved tracks, and are affixed with approved hardware.
Fiberglass panels are cut to your window and sliding door specifications.
Durable: 5 - Year Manufacturers warranty. Hardware is stainless steel - won't rust.
A Smart Investment: Permanent, Re-usable storm panels will greatly add to the resale value of your home.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Aluminum is Better Than Plywood for Window Protection

Why do you need to protect your windows?
Your Home is probably your LARGEST investment! Take steps now to protect it during the upcoming hurricane season!
One broken window during a storm can drench the inside of the room it's in and cause considerable damage.
Don't wait until you have to stand in line at Home Depot to buy plywood for your windows.
Plan ahead and get something that will last and can be used over and over again.
Fiberglass has proven itself!
We have fiberglass boats that can withstand the pressures of ocean sailing.
We have fiberglass cars that can withstand the pressures of 120 MPH speeds
Now you can have fiberglass storm panels which offer the ultimate in hurricane protection for your home!
Let's be honest - you're not REALLY going to install plywood storm panels as a hurricane approaches, are you?
Perhaps you already realize that plywood sheets provide only minimal protection for your home, and it is not approved for use in many counties because it fails the 34 mph missile impact test.
Do yourself a favor and get protected now by going to Hurricane Shutters and Storm Panels Today!