letter from the editor

New Era for IHPA

The 2006 hurricane season had barely begun when along came Alberto. A tropical storm, Alberto drenched Cuba with heavy rains before heading toward Florida’s Gulf Coast. Floridians didn’t take any chances. Governor Jeb Bush declared a state of emergency and 20,000 people were called to evacuate. The season’s first hurricane warning was issued, although at the time of this writing Alberto’s maximum sustained winds were measured at 65 mph with higher gusts. “But storm surge and flood could still cause loss of life,” warned Max Mayfield, director, National Hurricane Center.
 
  Implicit in the hurricane warning is that preparations to protect life and property should have already been completed. It should be abundantly clear to everyone that we are in cycle of high activity for topical storms and hurricanes. Oceanic and atmospheric conditions are “strongly related to a climate pattern known as a multi-decadal signal,” NOAA reports (see page 16). Nine out of the last 11 hurricane seasons have seen above normal activity—none more so than the 2005 season—and that’s the way we should expect it to be for at least the next several years.
 
  The hurricane protection industry got preparations off to an early start this year. The fourth annual World of Hurricane Protection trade show and conference was held May 19 and 20 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL (see page 22), and it was the biggest event yet. Sixty-five manufacturers, suppliers and industry associations exhibited in the sold-out show floor. From fabrication machinery to fasteners, storm panels, roofing systems, wall systems, windows and doors, screening, hardware, software and motorization it was all there—specifically for hurricane protection dealers and builders constructing homes and businesses to meet updated codes.
  
 As in past years, the conference schedule included sessions on product approval, insurance mitigation, risk management and, new this year, raised floor foundations. Of particular note was the opening panel discussion on Florida’s Building Code. This standing-room-only session featured a panel of experts on the state’s code and showed the number of questions dealers and installers still have about what may or may not be accepted under provisions of the code. Also, IHPA’s code consultant, Joe Belcher, JDB Code Services, Inc., presented a two-part session on the 2004 Florida Residential Code with 2005 Supplement. Belcher’s sessions provided certified Continuing Education Learning Units.
  
 We’re very happy to report that 1,200 visitors took the opportunity to learn what’s new and what’s important at this year’s event. Plans are underway for next year’s World of Hurricane Protection.
Howard Shingle