Please dont overlook I need your help.

[Chigger_Lopez]

I live in Jupiter and was basically lulled into not putting up my shutters due to a combination of the forecasted Cat1 over here on the EC. Coupled with my wife's claustraphobia and it was an easy choice. Now I feel I made a huge mistake maybe. Could you all please instruct me on anything that you may know that will help ease the burden on my home. Its block and has nothing on the windows. Our community completeyly surrounded by 6 foot walls and our homes are but a few feet away from eachother. The front of my home faces East. Can I just run from the wind direction? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Scorpion]

Wow, you better act quickly. The NE quad is quite strong. We could get 100 mph sustained here. That is nothing to play with. Try putting furniture or something to block the windows just to be safe.

[jasons2k]

Always prepare for at least 1 Cat. above what is forecasted.

[tronbunny]

if you are unable to block off the windows, have you considered going to a shelter, right now?

You should go to a windowless interior room.

We had no window coverings for Charley and had 95-100mph sustained.
We have no interior, windowless rooms...
So, we huddled in the very center of the house near an interior wall, against a hall, with cushions piled around us.
All exterior room doors were closed securely.

That is my best suggestion for last resort, if you must stay at home

[Radar]

Yes I agree with Scorpian... stay away from the windows and block with something if you can. If you have an interior hallway away from windows that would be the best place to hunker down... It may be too late to board up but it is not too late to stay safe... Also I did not board up during Katrina and my house windows remained intact... Make sure anything in your yard that can be a projectile is secured that will help immensely.

[Ola]

Just stay awa from the windows. There is nothing you can do now so why worry. Anyways, 100 mph winds normally dont blow away windows, but flying debry will, so you will most lilkely wont lose a window but there is a posibility. As long as you stay away from windows, and move stufrf away from them too, in the worst case you will get a very very wet house with a ruined rug if you have one and a lot of wet stuff.

[Brent]

Stay away from windows... a closet or hallway and you'll be fine.

[terpfan]

If you get in the car and head north you should be fine...a couple or six hours drive time should put you out of harm's way....but leave soon, like now!

[Radar]

IF leaving is not an option gather all supplies needed to hunker down in a hallway or interior windowless room like a bathroom... Get your pillows and blankets, a radio and flashlights, you dont want to be running around the house trying to gather things last minute, it is best to prepare so if the going gets rough you can stay in your "Safe place" and protect yourself and family!

[EFrancis]

I think you need to distract the wife somehow and board up the place, then get in a hallway. This is a very dangerous situation, and safety and LIFE need to take presidence over your wifes fear of enclosed areas.

[Chigger_Lopez]

Is it true that if wind breaks windows and gets cruising around at high speeds in my home, that it can destroy the home? Other than projectiles, anything else that can happen (other than tornados).

[Scorpion]

Is it true that if wind breaks windows and gets cruising around at high speeds in my home, that it can destroy the home? Other than projectiles, anything else that can happen (other than tornados).

Yes if you have an older house and a window breaks wind will enter and cause alot of damage, as well as aiding in taking off the roof.

[Radar]

But EFrancis, would he have time to board up now? Especially if the plywood is not pre cut... It may be more dangerous for him to be out in the weather trying to board up in the middle of the night?

[terpfan]

Don't even try to board up at this point....flee northbound in an automobile or find shelter in a well-protected, interior room somewhere close

[tronbunny]

agreed, if the plywood isn't pre-cut and fastners prepped, it's too late.
Don't go driving any distances, either!
The tornadoes are a real threat.
Consider a local shelter.

If your windows are compromised your roof could be, also.

hunker down.. get all your most important items and supplies and huddle in the interior space with cushioning.

[gatorbabe79]

But EFrancis, would he have time to board up now? Especially if the plywood is not pre cut... It may be more dangerous for him to be out in the weather trying to board up in the middle of the night?

How about boarding up from the inside? Couldn't hurt. Just nail them up as is across the windows.

[HurriCat]

Good idea! If you can drag in a panel or two, try to nail or drywall-screw them over windows in maybe the master bedroom. Try to fortify at least one room first, then other openings as you are able. Try to find and hit the studs for maximum strength. Spackle and drywall touchups are cheap!

We also keep those plastic safety goggles in our kits, as if you lose windows, etc, then there can be a lot of stuff in the air. Go for the goggles (w. elastic strap), not the glasses-type.

Stay safe, Prayers are for you folks!

[Chigger_Lopez]

Thanks for the help. Big problem was that I decided this after Depot closed and my drywall bit snapped. Unprepared. I am putting panels against the window and hldoing them with a low lying and extremely heavy dresser. That thing aint going anywhere. My bedroom suite is the safe room. To think that I was joking with my family this week about our safe room drills. You never know. God bless Florida.