Hurricane Preparedness

STRENGTHENING  YOUR  HOME

After Hurricane Andrew, which caused large- scale destruction in parts of southern Florida in 1992, a team of experts examined homes that failed and ones that survived. They found four areas that  should be checked for vulnerability  to strong winds: the roof, windows, doors and garage doors. Measures can be taken to strengthen each of  these areas of your home.

Roof

The roof of your house is most vulnerable to damage from high winds. Proper roof con-struction is  essential. A small investment made before a storm hits can save thousands in  future damage.

The connection between the roof and walls must be strong enough to resist the "uplift" effect of strong winds. Roof trusses or rafters should be tied properly to exterior walls with metal hurricane connectors or straps.

Have a building professional use specially designed metal connectors to attach the roof  to wall plates, which are already well  connected to wall studs.

You may choose instead to use metal strapping or connectors to tie the roof truss to both the wall top plate and the wall studs special connectors also are available to attach a roof to a masonry wall.

Gable-end roofs are more susceptible to damage from high winds than hip or flat roofs. Bracing for trusses and rafters can add protection to your home. In choosing the appropriate connectors for your walls, check with lumber-supply outlets, a building professional or local building and planning officials.

Windows

Installing storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces is one of the easiest and most  effective ways to protect your home. Cover all windows, French doors, sliding glass doors and skylights.

There are many types of manufactured storm shutters available. Before installing shutters, check with local building officials to find out whether or not a permit is required.

Plywood shutters that you make yourself, if installed properly, can offer a high level of protection from flying debris during a hurricane. Plywood shutters can be installed on all types of homes.

Doors

If you have double-entry doors, one is active and one is inactive. Check to see how the fixed half is secured top and bottom. The bolts or pins that secure most doors are not strong enough to withstand hurricane 
winds.

Check with your local building supplies retailer to find out what kind of bolt system will work for your door. Doors with windows will need additional protection from flying debris.

Garage Doors

Double-wide (two-car) garage doors can pose a problem during hurricanes. Because they are so large, they  wobble as high winds blow and can pull out of their tracks or collapse from wind pressure.  

Certain parts of the country have building codes requiring garage doors that withstand high winds. Some garage doors can be strengthened with retrofit kits. Check with your local building supplies dealer.

More detailed information on protecting your home from wind is available in the FEMA publication Against the Wind:Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Wind Damage. You will find it on the  FEMA web site: www.fema.gov/pdf/hazards/agstwnd.pdf