IBHS News Releases

Tampa – Hurricane Emily is making her way west through the Gulf of Mexico and will soon affect the southeast coast of Texas. 

Whether or not this hurricane is a threat to your home or business, take steps to prepare for Emily and you will be ahead of the game should there be future storms.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) says the three steps to take are:

1. Clean your yard.  Remove anything that will become flying debris, including dead tree limbs and lawn furniture.

2. Protect your windows.  Use plywood panels no less than 5/8” thick.  Make sure they’re properly fastened, with ring shank nails for wood frame houses or permanent stainless steel anchors and bolts in masonry.

3. Reinforce your garage door.  This is your home’s largest single opening, next to your roof, making it vulnerable to high wind.  Temporary center supports or bracing can be bought at home improvement centers.

Wind-driven rain can also be a problem, so be sure to close and lock all windows, doors, skylights and vents in your home to prevent water intrusion.  Seal off low openings.  If you’re in a flood prone area or near roads that are expected to flood, seal off the base of doors with sand bags or plastic sheeting and tape.

For more detailed information on protecting homes and business, visit the High Wind section of this web site.

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.