To Shutter or Not to Shutter

As a hurricane approaches, the question is when to put up the storm shutters, which can be a Herculean task if not done with ample time and with a team.

 

Hurricanes pack major winds, reaching upwards of 175 mph. A direct hit is not needed for property damage to occur.  Strong winds can be felt well before landfall.

Putting up shutters, whether accordion, metal or plywood, is a chore often performed by residents that are not accustomed to hauling around large pieces of metal or plywood and can easily result in injuries. Often the injuries that occur are not life-threatening — cuts to hands, arms and legs — but still require a visit to the doctor for stitches and a tetanus shot nonetheless. Also, injuries to the back can occur, so it is imperative to use proper lifting techniques while installing and removing shutters.
 

The more serious injuries that occur during preparation involve ladders. In some cases people fall from second stories while trying to close accordion shutters when suddenly the ladder kicks out from under them. When you see workers on ladders they typically work in teams and work at home for something like shutter installation should be no different. Reach out to family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors to get the task done and done safely. 

Here are some tips to safely install hurricane shutters:

·  Put your shutter panels up before wind speeds start to increase.
·  Get yourself a buddy. A spouse, a friend, a neighbor to help install them.
·  Allow yourself two days to complete the job.
·  Use heavy work gloves. Shutter slats are sharp.
·  Make sure your ladder is safe.
·  Always bend at the knees when you pick up heavy panels.
·  Don’t move more than one panel at a time.
·  Don’t panic. Stress reduces common sense.