IBHS News Releases

Tampa - The Southeastern United States is keeping close watch on Hurricane Frances.  But while her track is still uncertain, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) says lessons just learned from Hurricane Charley can help home and business owners better prepare for this and potential future storms.

Research engineers at IBHS analyzing the devastating effects left behind by Charley say keeping hurricane force winds out of homes and businesses is critical.  But they also warn, if you’re installing plywood shutters to do the job, it’s important to do so correctly. 

According to IBHS, some hurricane evacuees have returned to find their temporary plywood shutters blew off because they were not adequately fastened, and actually caused damage themselves.

IBHS recommends using plywood panels that are at least 5/8” thick and ring shank nails to secure them to the framing of a wood frame house. The group says to use permanent anchors and bolts to fasten the panels to masonry.  And it says don’t space the fasteners more than 6” apart.  

Also don’t forget to protect your garage door, says IBHS.  The wider it is, the more vulnerable it is to high wind.  Temporary center supports can be bought at home improvement centers and attached when severe weather threatens.

For more information visit the Hurricane section of this site.  For disaster-resistant construction details, click on Is Your Home Protected? or call toll free 1 (866) 657-IBHS (4247).

IBHS is a national nonprofit initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.