Storm shutters

What It Means

Storm shutters are covers for windows and glass doors that go up before a hurricane or high winds. FEMA explains that they stop glass from breaking under wind pressure and debris strikes, which matters because a broken opening lets wind and water into the house. Some are mounted permanently and closed when a storm comes, others are panels stored away and fastened on, and plywood cut to fit is the emergency version.

How It Sounds at Home

• "Help me get the shutters down before the wind picks up."
• "The panels are labeled by window in the garage."
• "We boarded up with plywood last time."

The Breakdown

How to get ready

1. Pick the type. FEMA describes tested and approved permanent shutters and temporary panels, of metal or other materials, as good protection. Plywood covers carry no testing or approval, so treat them as a fallback when nothing else is possible.
2. Get them made or bought early. Ready.gov suggests buying plywood, steel or aluminum panels before a storm is on the way, and FEMA suggests having a contractor or handyman make temporary covers well before any storm threatens.
3. Make sure they fasten to the framing. FEMA says shutters need a secure connection to the wall framing to do their job.
4. Label and store panels by opening, with the fasteners and tools in one place.
5. Practice once. Putting shutters up is manual work, and FEMA points out there has to be enough time before the storm to finish it.
6. Put them up during a hurricane watch. The National Weather Service says a watch is the time to prepare your home.

Try it today. Count your windows and glass doors, note which ones have a way to fasten a cover, and write down which still need one.

Good to Know

Permanent shutters are a change to the building, and FEMA notes that many parts of a home, including walls and siding, may need a permit. Check with your local building department before installing, and hire a licensed contractorLicensed contractorA contractor who holds the license your state or local government requires for the kind of work being done, which you can check before you hire. See more for the work. Upper windows mean a ladder: OSHA's ladder guidance is to inspect it first, set it on firm, level ground and keep three points of contact, and Buhata's own suggestion is to hire a pro for anything above the first floor. In an emergency, get out and call 911, and follow evacuation orders from local officials.

Related Terms and Categories

• Hurricane prep

  Getting a home and household ready for a hurricane: knowing your evacuation zone, stocking supplies, protecting windows and acting on watches and warnings.

• Emergency kit

  A packed set of water, food, light, first aid and other basics that lets a household get through several days on its own after a disaster.

• Licensed contractor

  A contractor who holds the license your state or local government requires for the kind of work being done, which you can check before you hire.

• Building permit

  Written approval from your city or county to build, repair or tear down part of a building, followed by inspections to check the work meets local codes.

• Homeowners insurance claim

  A request to your homeowners insurer to pay for damage or loss the policy covers, backed by photos, a list of what was lost and your receipts.

• Insurance deductible

  The part of a covered loss you pay yourself before your home, renters or auto insurance pays the rest, set as a dollar amount or a percentage.

Home maintenance and repairs