How to Secure Windows for a Hurricane

Hurricanes are devastating and scary, but they rarely hit without warning. At the first warning of a hurricane, secure your windows to protect yourself and your property. Flying glass is dangerous enough, but broken windows also let in winds that can tear off your roof and cause your house to collapse. Preparing for hurricanes well before any storm warning is even issued is the best way to keep your windows, sliding doors and skylights--and the rest of your home--as safe as you can.

Measuring tape
5/8- to 3/4-inch exterior or marine plywood
Power drill
Bolts
Anchors
Professionally installed storm shutters (optional)
Permanent marker (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Measure all the windows, sliding doors and French doors in your home. Don't forget skylights or fanlights. Add 8 inches to the height and 8 inches to the width of each window so the plywood protectors will overlap the windows enough to be attached securely to your home.
- 2
  Take your measurements to a lumberyard or home improvement store. Workers there will usually cut the wood to fit for free or for a small fee. Ask for marine or exterior plywood that is 5/8 to 3/4 inches thick.
- 3
  Purchase bolts and anchors to attach the plywood to your home. The size and type of bolts and anchors you will need depend on the size of your windows and what material your home is made of. The main consideration is to be sure the bolts penetrate the house at least 1 3/4 inches beside windows that are 3-by-4 feet or smaller and 2½ inches beside larger ones.
- 4
  Drill holes in the plywood that are no more than 18 inches apart. If your window, sliding doors or French doors are larger than 4-by-8 feet--the standard size for most plywood sheets--connect the sheets by placing a 2-by-4 stud at the seam and securing it with wood screws. Make sure the 2-by-4 covers the whole seam, not just the ends or center.
- 5
  Number your windows and the plywood with permanent marker as soon as you figure out what goes where. Place arrows pointing to the plywood's top edge. This will save a lot of time and confusion once the storm warning is issued.
- 6
  Store the numbered plywood, anchors, bolts and drill somewhere where they are protected from weather and are easily accessible. Mount the plywood protectors as soon as your local news station advises you to begin hurricane preparations.

Preparing Roof Vents for a Hurricane

How to Mount Storm Shutters

Hurricane Damage