Over the past 110 years, the center of a hurricane has passed within 75 miles of Miami, on average, once every 3.5 years. A major hurricane (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale) once every nine years, and a Category 4 or higher (such as Hurricane Andrew) once every 15 years. These numbers may seem high, but the last 30 of the past 110 years have been a period of low hurricane activity in the Atlantic.

No, it is a waste of effort, time, and tape. It offers little strength to the glass and NO protection against flying debris. After the storm passes you will spend many a hot summer afternoon trying to scrape the old, baked-on tape off your windows (assuming they weren't shattered). Once a Hurricane Warning has been issued you would be better off spending your time putting up shutters over doors and windows.

Obviously sliding glass doors, french doors or any door with considerable glass in it should be protected. Some double doors or garage doors should either be shuttered or reinforced. In Hurricane Andrew many of these type doors gave way.

People who live in coastal counties from Texas to Maine, and those in other hurricane prone areas, such as most of the Florida peninsula, will find shutters an excellent investment for protecting their lives and property. They protect against wind and wind-borne debris. These shutters protect not only the windows or doors they cover, but also possessions and people inside the building. Once a window or door has been breeched by hurricane winds tremendous pressure is brought to bear on interior walls and upward pressure on the building's roof. This can lead to roof failure which exposes the entire contents of the building to the storm. Shutters are a first line of defense against the hurricane. Much of the damage and building failure in Hurricane Andrew could have been prevented by well installed hurricane shutters over windows and doors.

Shutters will protect your house and possessions from wind damage whether you are there or not. If the storm surge should reach your home then the shutters won't protect against the flood of water. But not every place in the evacuation zone will flood. You should take every reasonable precaution to protect your property.

The best kind are those that are affordable, are easy to install, and offer the greatest protection. Which of these properties is most important to you depends on individual circumstances. For a disabled or elderly person it may be ease of installation with either an automatic closing mechanism or accordion type shutters. For those with limited incomes plywood shutters may be the only affordable option. For most people the best compromise would be steel panels, which offer good protection, but are expensive and take effort to install. Aluminum panels are lighter and easier to install, but offer less protection and may not meet the building code for your area.

Which ever type you decide on it is important to remember that shutters are only as good as the quality of their installation. Ensure that the shutters or their anchors are installed by qualified workmen and that quality materials that meet the building code for your area are used.

Although these are remarkable products that are being improved every year, they are no substitute for shutters. If you have windows that for some reason, such as access, can't be shuttered then you may wish to consider using the film or installing the shatter resistant glass.
Remember that the film only protects the glass, and the frame is still under pressure and the whole window could fail. Windows with these treatments will still suffer damage from the impact of debris and may have to be replaced after a storm, whereas a shutter would take most or all of the energy of such an impact. Films and special glasses also might not meet the building code for your area.

The same way you go about choosing any company that performs a service. Make sure they are licensed, get references, and then check the references. Ask your neighbors and friends about who installed their shutters and if they had any complaints or recommendations. Check out a company with the Better Buisness Bureau, your local licensing authority, or contractor accociation.

The best time to have shutters installed is when the house is built so they can be a part of the design. If you own a house without shutters have them installed as soon as is pracitcal. Keep in mind that the beginning of hurricane season may be a busy time for most installation companies. Do NOT wait until a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area.

At the start of each hurricane season you should test out your shutters. For permanently installed shutters try closing each one to make sure they work smoothly and lock tight. For panels and plywood shutters try a couple of windows and doors to ensure the hardware works and check the time you need to complete the job. Repair any problems at this time so that everything is ready when a storm threatens.

When a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area check all mechanisms and hardware again, and maybe install the more difficult shutters. If you live in an evacuation zone and it will take 2 or 3 hours to complete your shutter installation, you may want to start during the Watch phase. If you are not in an evacuation zone you should time your installation early in the Warning phase so that you are not struggling with panels during high winds.

The short answer in Florida is NO. Chapter 718 of Florida Statutes of the Comdominium Act (1991) permits each board of administration to adopt specifications as to color, style, etc., but all specifications "shall comply with the applicable building code". The Florida statutes further state "... a board shall not refuse to approve the installation or replacement of hurricane shutters conforming to the specifications adopted by the board."

Q. We live in a small condominium association. I cannot find anything in our documents or the rules that we are not allowed to use plywood on our windows during a hurricane. We have put them up in the past years, but now the board says we cannot use plywood. To purchase shutters is an expense we do not feel we need. We put the plywood up before the storm and remove it the next morning or whenever the winds died down.

N.G. Madeira Beach

A. Florida Statute 718.113 says boards shall adopt hurricane shutter specifications. They should include color, style and other factors deemed relevant by each board to comply with building codes and building design. A board may be required to comply with insurance requirements and local building codes to obtain insurance coverage. In that case, the board can approve a provision in the condominium documents that normally requires the members to approve such changes. A board shall not refuse to approve the installation or replacement of hurricane shutters conforming to the specifications adopted by the board and complying with the building codes. Regarding plywood: Unless it is properly installed, it may not provide sufficient protection during a storm and can be blown off and become a flying missile, causing additional damage.

Q. My understanding is that as long as the board consists of a quorum and unless a member resigns, is recalled or dies, a board cannot just appoint another member. We must wait for the annual election and hope that members run for the board positions.

P.T. Miami

A. Most associations are formed under Florida statute 617. Section 617.0809 says remaining directors must fill any vacancy. That means the directors vote on appointing a new director. The action must be taken at the next board meeting or as soon as possible. It is not in the best interest of the association or the board to neglect to fill a vacancy.

Q. The association’s master insurance policy was recently canceled, and we are having a very difficult time finding new insurance. I am wondering if there is a way to remove the condominium requirements so each unit can provide its own insurance.

N.M. Clearwater

A. In almost all situations, the answer is no. You must seek information from an insurance agent and your attorney. If any owner has a mortgage, you would need to have his approval, and that is almost impossible. Continue to search for an agent who will help locate coverage. If you call an agent, and he says he does not have any policy that would help, ask for the names of other agents.

Richard White is a licensed community association manager. He does not offer legal opinions; any other questions and comments concerning association operations can be sent to Richard White, 6039 Cypress Gardens Blvd., No. 201, Winter Haven, Florida 33874-4115;
or e-mail camquestion@cfl.rr.com.