Nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® Advises Americans to Board Up the Right Way

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is reminding those in the path of Hurricane Irma that masking tape, duct tape, window film, and specially marketed "hurricane tape" are insufficient and potentially dangerous substitutions for tested and approved hurricane shutters, impact-resistant windows or properly installed temporary, emergency plywood shutters. Tape and film used to prevent glass from shattering can create larger, deadlier shards of glass and heighten dangerous conditions. Preparation time and dollars are much better spent on tested and proven products and techniques.

#1 Hurricane Protection Myth:

Placing masking tape, duct tape, and/or window film on windows or glass doors will increase personal safety by reducing shatter and makes clean-up easier when hurricane force winds and debris cause damage. After all, using tape as a prevention measure is better than doing nothing at all.

#1 Hurricane Protection Reality:

Placing masking tape, duct tape, and/or window film on windows or glass doors often heightens dangerous conditions because it can create larger and deadlier shards of glass with little to no positive effect on clean-up. The reality is that using tape as hurricane protection is worse than doing nothing at all because it can create a false sense of security and wastes valuable preparation time.

Learn the Facts About Tape

• It will not keep dangerous debris from coming into the home or prevent all glass from shattering.
• It can give families a false sense of security. Even worse, tape can create larger shards of glass that can heighten danger.
• Applying tape wastes precious preparedness time and money that is better spent on tested and approved emergency or permanent hurricane protection.
• Tape creates a sticky mess for families to clean up after the storm.

Go Tapeless: A Model for Good Behavior

Ideal family and home protection follows when all windows and openings (entry doors, garage doors, gable end vents, etc.) are covered with tested and approved impact-resistant coverings or constructed of impact-resistant materials.

Even installing plywood shutters can be a reliable temporary option in an emergency. But make no mistake -- taping is not adequate to provide hurricane protection.

That is why FLASH is encouraging Americans to Go Tapeless before Hurricane Irma strikes. 

Protect Your Home in a FLASH – Installing Temporary Emergency Plywood Shutters (Video)

Hurricane Irma Emergency Board Up Checklists – English

Hurricane Irma Emergency Board Up Checklists – Spanish

For more information, email [email protected] or call (877) 221-SAFE. 

About FLASH

The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is the country's leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. The FLASH partnership includes more than 100 innovative and diverse organizations that share a vision of making America a more disaster-resilient nation including: BASF Corporation, FEMA, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot, Huber Engineered Woods, International Code Council, Kohler, Generators, National Weather Service, Portland Cement Association, Simpson Strong-Tie, State Farm, and USAA. In 2008, FLASH, and Disney opened the interactive weather experience StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes, in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Learn more about FLASH and access free consumer resources by visiting www.flash.org, calling toll-free (877) 221- SAFE (7233), following @federalalliance on Twitter, Facebook.com/federalalliance, and the FLASH blog – Protect Your Home in a FLASH.

SOURCE Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Related Links

http://www.flash.org