Hurricanes

• The National Hurricane Center (NHC) classifies hurricanes into five categories identified by wind speed and damage. Wind speeds are defined as 74-156 mph or higher, and damage is delineated as minimal to complete building failure, flooding and massive evacuation. The NHC reports that between the years of 1971-2004, there were 17 major hurricanes (Categories, 3, 4, 5) that hit the U.S. mainland
  
  

Structural Vulnerability

• Windows and doors are not strong enough to protect a home from the force, strength and power of a hurricane. Susceptible to severe wind and flying debris, when glass breaks during a hurricane, the house quickly becomes pressurized. The increase in pressure and the wind outside the home begins to create a suction that can tear the roof off the house, causing further damage that very often results in structural collapse.
  
  

Impact-Resistant Shutters

• The NHC recommends installing impact-resistant shutters over all large windows and glass doors. Providing protection from windborne objects, they can also reduce damage caused by sudden pressure changes when a window or door is broken. Hurricane shutters are considered an economic preventive measure to protect the home from wind, rain and debris.
  
  

Effectiveness of Shutters

• Having hurricane shutters installed on a house could mean the difference between life and death. If one lives in the areas prone to hurricanes, shutters are an important safety feature that could help minimize damage to the home and prevent personal injury or death.
  
  

Codes

• To help ensure the safety and well-being of residents during a hurricane, many municipalities require window shutters be installed on all new construction. The Florida Building Code requires new buildings constructed in hurricane-prone regions to be designed and constructed to resist the impact of flying debris. Any exterior glass windows and doors must be made of shatter-resistant glass or protected by shutters. These requirements help emphasize the effectiveness of shutters.