Without protection, your home is at risk if a hurricane strikes. All windows and doors should be protected with products that meet the new building code. Shutters, windows and doors that meet strict hurricane resistance standards are classified as "hurricane protection products."

In addition to new shutters, there are also hurricane-resistant windows and doors that provide protection without using shutters. These windows and doors seal against the ram and windblown debris. I f hurricane-force winds happen to get inside the house, your roof will not survive. Roofs are not designed to withstand wind pressure pushing up from the inside. Since hurricane-force winds can come from any direction, it's important to protect the entire house.

When shopping for your hurricane protection products, make sure the products you choose are approved by either Miami-Dade or The State of Florida.

SHUTTER TIPS
Shutters come in different shapes and sizes. Any shutter system certified as "impact-resistant" by Dade County Building Code or Florida Building Code is very strong. The difference between the Two is that Miami-Dade does not allow glass breakage, while the FBC does.

TYPES OF SHUTTERS

• Storm panels: These vertical shutters are stored in a stack and are installed at the time of the storm.
• Accordion shutters: These folding. permanent shutters slide in pre-installed tracks to protect windows and doors. They work well to protect sliding glass doors and condominiums. No storage is required.
• Roll-down shutters: These electric or hand-cranked shutters slide vertically to cover windows and doors. They're quick and easy when securing your home before a storm. Roll-downs work well on windows with no outside access.
• Bahamas/ Colonial: These folding, permanent shutters close Horizontally down (Bahamas) or Vertically (Colonial) to protect the opening. They also provide a nice appearance as well, complimenting the exterior design of the home. No storage is required.

Whichever shutters you choose, make sure they're installed by a licensed contractor and that you get a permit. insist on a "final inspection" from your city or county building department. Beware of companies that want to install shutters without a permit.

PLYWOOD
Most plywood shutters don't meet the new building code or insurance industry standards, nor will they provide your house with the best protection.

WHY NOT PLYWOOD?

• It doesn't meet the new building code. Technically, it's illegal.
• No insurance discounts are offered if you use plywood shutters.
• If not secured properly, they can become dangerous flying objects. Installation is very time-consuming and difficult. It can't be done alone or when a hurricane is approaching.
• Plywood is bulky and deteriorates over time.
• It's ineffective in protecting sliding glass doors and big windows.

"HURRICANE PROOF" WINDOW FILM
Window film shouldn't be considered as a substitute for shutters. Film doesn't protect your home from flying debris. When hurricane-blown debris strikes a window that has film installed, the window frame may not resist the impact and can collapse. No film products are Miami-Dade or FBC approved.

SKYLIGHTS
Since new skylights meet the current building code, it's suggested that you replace the old skylights. There may be cases when a skylight can be protected by shuttering or bracing it from underneath; however, this isn't advisable and may cost as much as a new skylight.

There are currently several different skylights that meet the new building code.

BUSINESS PROTECTION
Businesses should be aware of measures they can take to protect their facilities and employees. The primary objective should be to ensure that the business can continue to function after a hurricane has threatened the area. Without a complete plan to protect the business, a quick recovery from a hurricane will be difficult.

All business-hurricane plans should include: employee responsibilities at work and home, an emergency management team, communication lines, physical facilities and insurance coverage.

Since planning for a hurricane is a year-round task, the plan should be updated annually. The hurricane update plan should include: employee updates, implementation of plan (hurricane drills are advised), and insurance policy updates.

BUSINESS PROTECTION TIPS

• Identify and protect vital records and back up all key files.
• Protect electronic equipment and store back-up files in a safe place.
• Elect a "hurricane staff' that will stay at the company during a hurricane (if it's outside the evacuation zone).
• Make sure a safe room has been identified for these employees, and they know the location.
• A hurricane supply kit should be available to employees.
• Know what hurricane protection products are needed and where they're located.
• Employees should be informed when they'll be released from work and when they should return. Give employees enough time to secure their homes and families.
• Develop a 24-hour Emergency Contact. List with phone numbers of key employees.
• Give each contact person the names, addresses and phone numbers of employees in their group.
• Since many employees will need money immediately after the storm, consider paying them before they leave to prepare their homes.
• Review the company's insurance policy and make sure it provides adequate coverage.
• Practice hurricane drills at least once yearly.
• Have extra cash and blank checks available in case you need extra money after the storm.
• Set up an out-of-town telephone number so employees can all to check in and receive company information.
• Establish a temporary location for business operations in case your facility is damaged.