If you live near the Atlantic Ocean or close to the Gulf of Mexico, you have likely experienced hurricanes. Some states, such as Florida, see massive storms several times a year.
Because hurricanes are unpredictable, some people choose to leave their hurricane protection in place throughout the year. However, doing so can make your hurricane protection wear out quicker, so you may wonder when is the best time to put up your shutters.
What is a Hurricane?
Hurricanes are violent storms that generate high winds and flying debris that can damage buildings and endanger lives. The storm is powerful enough to disrupt the atmosphere, causing significant changes in air pressure that can cause roofs and walls to collapse.
The risk of property damage is higher if you leave your building’s windows exposed to hurricane winds or flying debris. Installing hurricane shutters can protect your windows.
What are Hurricane Shutters?
Various types of hurricane shutters are available, but they all serve the same purpose. The shutter goes over the window to protect the fragile glass against flying debris and fierce winds. You can pick a hurricane shutter design that matches your building’s aesthetics without compromising on protection.
Tips to Know When to Put Up Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane season typically lasts between June 1st and November 30th, but you don’t have to leave your hurricane shutters in place throughout those months. Plus, it is possible to experience a violent storm outside of hurricane season.
These tips can help you decide when to put up hurricane shutters.
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Install Shutters Before Hurricane Season Starts
Your shutters, whether they are accordion, roll-down, or Bahama, should be in place at least a month before the start of hurricane season. Storms can happen earlier than expected, so it is best to be prepared.
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Listen to Hurricane Predictions
Current weather prediction technology can provide early hurricane warnings. While the system is not always 100% accurate, it can give you days to prepare before a storm lands. If your area is hurricane-prone, check storm warning updates regularly to know when to put up your hurricane shutters.
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Hurricane Watch
The appropriate agencies announce a hurricane watch when a tropical storm starts forming. Standards for issuing a warning include a storm having sustained winds of 74 miles-per-hour or higher. Hurricane watch announcements begin 48 hours before the expected arrival of the storm.
The National Hurricane Center will issue a hurricane warning when the storm is 36 hours from landing. If you already have shutters installed, deploy them at this time. You need to take the time to make sure each window is secure, so start this process long before the storm’s estimated landfall.
If you do not have shutters, there could be enough time to have them installed. A professional can install roll-down, accordion, or shutter styles over a window within an hour or less. However, demand could be extremely high at this time, so it is best to have your protection installed before hurricane season begins.
Conclusion
Waiting to put up your shutters until a hurricane makes landfall is not ideal. You never know if a tool might be missing or if the storm speed could increase suddenly.
Call Storm Depot today to install hurricane shutters and make your home or business stormproof.
