Having a family hurricane plan is essential for every South Florida household, and structural protection through impact windows forms the foundation of that plan. While emergency supplies, evacuation routes, and communication strategies are all important components, ensuring your home can withstand a hurricane means you have a safe shelter-in-place option when evacuation is not required or not possible.
Start your hurricane plan by designating safe rooms within your home. These should be interior rooms away from windows and exterior walls. However, when your entire home is fitted with impact windows and doors, every room becomes significantly safer. Impact windows prevent the breach of your home's envelope, which is the primary cause of catastrophic damage during hurricanes. With impact windows installed, your family can shelter in place with confidence during storms when local authorities do not issue evacuation orders for your zone.
Communication is the next critical element of your plan. Ensure every family member knows the plan, including where to meet if separated, which radio stations to monitor for updates, and how to contact each other if cell towers go down. Keep a weather radio with fresh batteries in your hurricane kit, along with at least three days of water and non-perishable food for each family member. Store important documents such as insurance policies, identification, and property deeds in a waterproof container.
Practice your hurricane plan at least once before the season begins. Walk through each step, from the initial storm watch announcement through sheltering in place or evacuating. Make sure everyone knows how to secure any remaining openings and where the main water and electrical shutoffs are located. With impact windows already providing continuous protection, your family can focus on personal safety rather than spending precious hours installing temporary window coverings as a storm approaches.