• HURRICANE GUIDE - HURRICANES AND HOME PROTECTION

Roofs
The more pitched a roof is, the more susceptible it is to damage. Installing truss bracings can make them much stronger. They can be as simple as 2X4s that run the length of the roof, the center and near the base. 2X4s can also be attached in an "X" fashion from where the roof meets the outside wall, to the fourth roof truss.

Hurricane straps are galvanized metal strips to hold your roof on top of the walls. Check to see if your roof has them, and if not, get them. This may require a professional.

Exterior Doors
Extra strong bolts and latches for all doors and garage doors are available at building supply stores. Horizontal 2X4 bracings across each panel of a garage door or a retro-fitting kit from the manufacturer will greatly strengthen the door. Heavier hinges and stronger supports are also a good idea, especially on double wide garage doors.

Windows
Storm shutters provide the best protection for windows. A less expensive alternative is do-it-yourself plywood protection. If covering windows with plywood:

  • Make sure wood is at least 5/8 inch think, exterior grade
  • Drill four small holes in the center of the panel to allow for pressure relief.
  • Overlap the plywood by about 4 inches around the window.
  • Use lag bolts, anchors and large washers.
  • Bolts should penetrate wall by at least 1 3/4 inches (use drill and wood or masonry anchors)
  • Bolts should be secured 2 1/2 inches from the outside edge of the plywood, at 12- inch intervals
  • Make each plywood panel so it will be easy next time to match it to each window.
  • If a window is bigger than a 4' X 8' sheet of plywood, use 2 X 4 bracing across the middle and bottom of two or more sheets.

Special tape or film can also strengthen window glass, but is not nearly as protective as plywood or shutters.

Emergency Management Agencies

Escambia Co. Emerg. Mgmt.
Mobile Co. Emerg. Mgmt. Agency
Okaloosa Co. Emerg. Mgmt.
Santa Rosa Co. Emerg. Mgmt.
Walton Co. Emerg. Mgmt.
FloridaDisaster.org
American Red Cross of NW. FL
Links to Florida County Websites
Baldwin Co. Emerg. Mgmt.

Gulf Coast Power Companies

Gulf Power: 1-800-487-6937
EREC: 1-800-235-3848
CHELCO: 1-800-342-0990
Baldwin EMC: 1-800-287-5809
Alabama Power: 1-800-888-2726

Esc. Windstomr Damage Mitigation Center

2009 Hurricane Season

Storm Names
Dr Gray's Hurricane Forecast
Hurricane Tracking Chart Distribution Sites
Hurricane Weather Network Radio Patners
Hurricanes and Home Protection

Hurricane Preparations

(Click Titles For Video Segment)
Medical Preparations
Mobile Home Preparations
Shelter Tips
Radio Simulcasts
How Hurricane Strength Is Rated
The Hurricane Hunters
How a Hurricane Is Named
Boat & Watercraft Preparations
Preparations For Your Pet
Insurance Preparations
How The Storms are Fueled
The Eye of The Hurricane
What is Storm Surge?
Cleaning Up Safely After The Storm

Hurricane Preparations

Start Of Hurricane Season
Hurricanes and Senior Needs
Family Preparations
Hurricane Shopping List
Generators and Hurricanes
Hurricane Medical Safety
Hurricane First Aid Kit
Your Pets And Hurricanes
Preparing For A Hurricane
Hurricane Dangers
Hurricane Evacuations
Watch/Warning

During A Hurricane

Hurricane Satellite/Radar Images
Hurricane Storm Surge Maps
WeatherNet 3 Sites
Hurricane Weather Network
Hurricane Shelters
Florida Severe Weather
Hurricane Terms

After A Hurricane

Generators and Hurricanes
Phone Numbers For Agencies
After The Storm
FEMA
Red Cross
Salvation Army
Hurricane Radio Partners

Other Related Hurricane Sites

National Hurricane Center
Mobile National Weather Service Office
Landfall Probability Project
Escambia County Extension Service
Preparing For Hurricane Season
Federal Alliance For Safe Homes (FLASH)
Institute For Business And Home Safety
Shop for Insurance
Citizens Property Insurance
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
Small Business Dev. Ctr. Disaster Information

• PENSACOLA WEATHER

57°

Local Weather:

Overnight:  Clouds roll in. Low of 52.

Saturday:  Off and on rain. High of 67.

Sunday:  Rain clears out early. Partly cloudy afternoon, high 65.

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