Directions for Window Preparation Before a Hurricane

Take action before hurricane season. To truly protect your home from hurricane damage, you should plan well in advance of an impending storm. Tools and supplies can be in short supply when bad weather is looming.

Measure all exposed glass surfaces, including windows, skylights and glass doors. For similarly sized doors or windows, a single measurement may be taken.

Order and purchase sheets of 5/8-inch plywood in enough quantity to fulfill your measured requirements for all glass surfaces. Plywood sheets usually measure 4 by 8 feet. Consult with the lumber department if you're unsure as to how many sheets you will need to cover all openings.

Use the measurements from step 2 to draw cutting lines on the plywood. Use a tape measure as guide and a pencil to outline your cut marks. Add 8 inches to the height and width of each piece.

Place a plywood sheet on the sawhorses. Cut with a circular saw along penciled lines. For windows that are the same size, use this first board as a template. Repeat sawing procedure for each opening.

Drill four air holes in the plywood's center. This alleviates air pressure from the storm once the plywood is installed.

Drill holes 12-inches apart along the edges of the plywood. Hold the panel against the house and draw pencil marks through the newly drilled holes onto the home's exterior, positioning each panel so that there is a 4-inch overlap beyond window and door openings.

Drill starter holes into the wood of your home, at markings.

Hold panels in place and screw the plywood panels to the house with 3-inch lag bolts. Bolts should penetrate through the plywood and into the house to a depth of at least 1 3/4 inches.

Remove and store panels appropriately for use before each storm. Mark each panel with an identifier to its window.