Hurricane Season

If you are a Gulf Coast resident, you probably already know that hurricane season started on June 1st. Hurricane season extends from the beginning of June through the end of November, and while that doesn’t mean a hurricane will happen, it means we have to be prepared in the event that it does. We’ve shared some of our thoughts on hurricanes and taping windows in the past, but we thought it would be useful to give you a more comprehensive overview of hurricane preparedness and what it means for your home and family.

Hurricanes and your home

Unfortunately taping your windows is not enough to protect them. Plywood offers somewhat better protection, but the process requires the kind of accuracy and time that an approaching hurricane doesn’t always offer; even then you will leave your home in total darkness during a time when the electricity is likely to fail.

The best option for homeowners who live in areas affected by hurricanes is installing products developed to be high-strength and impact-resistant. Hurd Windows and Doors offer just such features: stronger, heavier frames plus glass that is multi-layered, high-strength, shatter-resistant, and laminated. Built to resist debris and rain that is brought in by hurricane-force winds, Hurd Windows and Doors offer nine glazing options which allow you to match your climate and exposure needs; extruded aluminum cladding is at least twice as thick as the roll-form cladding offered by competitors. Plus, Hurd Windows look beautiful, with clad and all-wood options, designer hardware in up to eleven finishes, and optional paint or stain factory finishes for the window; there are decorative glass options, too.

Hurricanes and your family

You can learn more about hurricanes, and track storms, at the National Weather Service National Hurricane Center website. In addition to up-to-the-minute storm forecasts and tracking, the NHC provides a comprehensive collection of Hurricane Preparedness catalogs, FAQs, and other safety resources. Find out more about developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, securing your home, and online vulnerability information through the NHC website. How prepared are you for hurricane season? Here are just a few things to check out and make sure you are ready should a storm approach:

• Designating safe rooms in your home, or in extreme circumstances, in your community where you can go should your home not be safe enough.

• Escape routes and meeting places for family members.

• Pet plans for your furry family members; make sure you have an alternate contact for your vet or boarding facility should a storm hit while your family is on vacation and your pet is being taken care of in your absence.

• A kitchen stocked with non-perishables and fresh water. Don’t forget to have enough for your pets, too!

• Proper insurance coverage—flood damage is often not covered in a general homeowners’ policy.

• Check your first aid kit and replace missing items.

• Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, rain gear, emergency numbers, prescription medications, clothing, cash (ATMs may not be working), and important documents for all family members in an accessible area, stored in a water-tight container. Again, don’t forget pet records (immunizations, identification, and license)!

If you’ve been thinking about increasing your protection against hurricanes by upgrading the windows in your home, please come and visit us at Renaissance Windows and Doors today. Let our experts assist you in creating the safest home possible for you and your family.