IBHS: Shut the Doors on Hurricane Michael

Residents of Florida Panhandle Urged to Document and Protect Property; Plan for High Wind, Flooding and Power Loss; and Shut All Interior Doors

TAMPA, October 8, 2018 – Shutting all interior doors of your home, in addition to protecting all exterior openings, is a simple additional precaution that homeowners can take to reduce storm forces on the roof and protect homes from avoidable hurricane damage, according to research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

As Hurricane Michael bears down on the Florida/Alabama coastline as a major Category 3 Hurricane, residents are urged to prepare for the potential for damaging winds, heavy rain and potent storm surge.

High winds, such as those currently expected from Hurricane Michael, place homes under intense pressure and subject them to dangerous flying debris which can puncture a hole in the home’s windows or walls. “Wind entering the home through an opening or broken window, can create strong upward pressure on the roof, much like air can build up in a balloon. Closing all interior doors helps compartmentalize the pressure inside the home into smaller areas reducing the overall force on the roof structure, which gives the roof a better chance of staying intact,” said Roy Wright, IBHS CEO and President.

Home, property and business owners can take many important, valuable steps to protect their property and limit possible damage, and to make any claims easier to file and process.

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