Aluminum Storm Panels

Hurricane storm panels also come in aluminum and the panels can be stored inside or outside until needed. Aluminum storm panels do not rust so it is ok to store them outdoors. When you feel a need to put them up you put them into the tracks that you have already mounted on the outside of your house...this way you can easily slide them into place. Some people don't like the look of those aluminum tracks but they can be painted to match the house. I prefer the permanently mounted hurricane shutters but they do cost more and you have to have room for them so you can slide them aside when not in use. Hurricane shutters that mount permanently are used alot on condos facing the ocean in Florida.

Hurricane Season is Approaching

This looks like it is going to be an early storm season as down here in the mexican caribbean tropics we have already gotten a large tropical storm on the east and west coast. I have a feeling that in Florida we will be seeing tropical storms in July and a very active hurricane season. Even though it was rather cool up until the end of May the oceans are still heating up and promise to send a few whoppers our way. This means preparing for hurricane season now is very important...don't wait until the last minute to have the tracks put on the outside of your windows for installing the hurricane storm panels. If you don't like having to store panels and put them up each year you may want to opt for something more permanent and easier to use like hurricane shutters. Hurricane Shutters do cost more and in some cases are not the right type of hurricane protection for some types of windows. On the condos facing the ocean they are required by your insurance company. If you live on a house facing the ocean they may also be required. Further inland they are not required but you should get some kind of shutter or put on fixed frames to slide storm panels onto.

Storm Panels for Hurricane Protection

Even though it has been awhile since I wrote about fiberglass storm panels I would like to clarify that the polycarbonate storm panels are the same thing...it is just hard for people to remember that word "polycarbonate" so that is why we call them fiberglass instead. Hurricane shutters that are permanently mounted to slide over to the side are the best because you don't have to think about putting them up before a hurricane but they are also more expensive. The fiber glass kind have tracks that you slide the panels into that you mount on the outside of your windows permanently. Then you store the polycarbonate panels away until you expect a storm and put them up well enough ahead of the storm. Fiberglass and polycarbonate both store equally well in your garage but it is best to set them up on end and not lean other things against them so they don't lose their shape or get bent. I live about 15 miles inland from the ocean so don't feel I need permanently mounted hurricane shutters but I do feel that I need some type of protection on my windows from time to time. We wait until a hurricane is for sure going to come our way before we start getting the storm panels out. Storm panels will not protect you from tornadoes but will offer protection from high winds throwing something thru your windows which can happen in the case of a tornado.

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.

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.

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.

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