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HURRICANES AND FIRE/CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY

Most people are aware of the damage caused by 100-plus mph winds and the danger from storm surge flooding caused by hurricanes, but just as deadly are fires and carbon monoxide, which can pose serious threats after the wind and rain has stopped.

Hurricane-related power outages can significantly increase the chance for a house fire or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Ensuring that homes have working battery-operated CO and smoke alarms as well as fire extinguishers before a hurricane strikes, and taking safety steps during a storm’s aftermath literally can mean the difference between life and death.

The experts at Kidde recommend the following safety tips:

Before a Hurricane Strikes
• Add at least one battery-operated, UL-listed smoke alarm on every floor of a home and in sleeping areas to protect residents from fire during a power outage.

• Check the batteries in hardwired smoke alarms and replace if necessary.

• Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher, such as the Kidde Home & Office Fire Extinguisher, within reach in rooms where fires are most likely to start: the kitchen, garage, bedroom, living room, laundry room and any room with a chimney.

• When choosing a fire extinguisher, bigger is always better. Larger fire extinguishers last longer, giving more time to fight the fire and get to safety.

• Read the instructions and know how to use the fire extinguisher before a hurricane hits and a fire breaks out.

• Install battery-operated CO alarms, such as the Kidde Digital Battery Operated CO Alarm, on every floor and in sleeping areas to protect residents during long-term power outages. The backlit digital display feature clearly shows the CO level in the home, even in low light.

• Ensure that fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and working according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect these appliances and ensure they are properly ventilated.

Safety During and After a Hurricane
• Do not operate a generator in spaces attached to a home such as porches, patios or garages. Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home and protected from direct exposure to rain.

• Follow the manufacturers’ instructions when using generators. Use the appropriate sized and type power cords and never run them under rugs or carpets. Overloaded or covered cords could overheat and cause fires.

• Do not use a charcoal or gas grill inside a home or outside near a window where CO fumes could seep into the home.

• Ensure that storm debris hasn’t blocked or sealed shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances such as chimneys, water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers, or blocked a vehicle’s tailpipe, which could cause CO fumes to build up inside the vehicle.

• During storm cleanup, place the pump and power unit of high-pressure washers outside and away from air intakes to the home. Run only the wash line inside.

• Use battery-powered flashlights or lamps for light whenever possible.

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the house, a room where a candle is burning for a long period of time, or going to sleep.

• Never use gasoline in place of kerosene.

• Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

• Use a fire extinguisher to put out a small, self-contained fire when there is a clear exit behind, or to create a pathway to safety when all exits or escape routes are blocked. Always call the fire department before trying to extinguish a fire.

• Respect all fires, regardless of size. The main objective is safe escape.

PERSONAL FIELD TEST

As co-inventor of the Fabric-Shield Storm Panels by Wayne-Dalton, I delayed installing the product on my own home to allow Wayne-Dalton’s production capacity to concentrate on meeting the immense and increasing demand for the product.

Finally, with only two days before Hurricane Ivan impacted the Pensacola, FL, area with 130 mph winds, I had the Fabric-Shield Storm Panels installed on my home. Due to the quick installation time, the installers were able to install the fasteners into my home and put the units onto the fasteners in only a couple hours.

Although the product is tested to meet the Florida Building Code, product performance is really tested in the field during severe storm conditions. The units on my home protected the openings with no damage to either the Fabric-Shield Storm Panels or the windows. Although my home was located just east of where the eye of Hurricane Ivan made landfall, my home survived the hurricane with minimal damage, which is more than I can say for most of my neighbors.

After quickly removing the units, they are now rolled up and stored in a small space in the corner of my garage. Hopefully, I don’t have to get them out again anytime soon.

Submitted by Mark Hudoba, Wayne-Dalton.

ESSENTIAL FACILITIES PROTECTED

These photos were taken of two projects, both located in Arcadia, FL (Desoto County) and both are municipal facilities owned by the county. The town was hit hard by Hurricane Charley.

The two-story building is the Desoto County Administration Building. It is protected with 14-gauge perforated hurricane barriers manufactured by Exeter Architectural Products and with 18-gauge galvanized steel storm panels manufactured by Metaltech. Both products had Miami-Dade County Product Approval. The wind load design application for the hurricane system was increased as required for Essential Facilities.

Engco, Inc. prepared the site-specific installation and attachment details and Hurricane Protection Industries performed the installation.

The smaller building is the Desoto County Library. It was protected with Exeter’s 14-gauge perforated hurricane barriers and Armor Screen’s flexible wind abatement system. Engco prepared the design and attachment details and Hurricane Protection Industries performed the installation.

Submitted by Hurricane Protection Industries

NO REGRETS

The location of this home is on the beach where the center of the Hurricane Frances came ashore—Ocean Blvd. on Hutchinson Island.

There are 32 openings on the home protected by the new Splat Roll-Up 55 mm Shutters (with 11 facing the ocean). There is approximately 1,400 square feet of windows, doors and other openings. Two large picture windows, one 12 feet wide and the other 10 feet wide, were protected by the Splat Shutters.

Hurricane Francis brought winds of 110 to 120 miles per hour to Jensen Beach. After it went through, this home had little damage and the new Splat roll-up shutters did a great job of helping to protect the home. (Note the house next door had tremendous damage.)

The home’s owner says, “I have no regrets with spending the money to install the Splat Shutters and especially now after the Splats protected my home from both Hurricane Charley and Frances. I installed them primarily for hurricane protection but was pleasantly surprised at how much I use them for other benefits. I am constantly using them for protection from the sun and solar heat build-up, which reduces my air conditioning bills. I also use them for privacy and security at night from burglars. Overall they are a great product.”

Submitted by Innovative Protective Products, LLC

WIND WATER AND SAND

The HV Accordion Shutters from Eastern Metal Supply, Inc. seen in these photographs were installed by Expert Shutter Services (Port St. Lucie, FL) three months ago. This area was the point of contact of Hurricane Frances at Hutchinson Island in St. Lucie County.

The new HV Accordion shutter not only withstood the direct brunt of wind generated by Frances, it also stood tall to the storm surge of water and sand that followed inland. Sand and debris accumulated up to three feet against the face of the shutters to no avail, and the homeowner’s property was protected from extensive damages.

Submitted by Eastern Metal Supply, Inc.