Hurricane season is the time of year when tropical storms and hurricanes are most likely to form and hit the U.S. It typically runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from August to October.
Hurricanes can cause wind and flooding damage hundreds of miles inland.
Hurricanes form when warm ocean water, moist air, and low wind shear combine to create a rotating storm system that strengthens over time.
A tropical storm has winds between 39–73 mph, while a hurricane has winds of 74 mph or higher.
It’s a classification system (Category 1–5) based on wind speed used to estimate potential damage.
The eye is the calm center of the storm, surrounded by the most dangerous winds in the eyewall.
Most common shortages include: non-perishable food, water, batteries, generators, shutters, plywood, screws, and fuel.
The single most important step is protecting your windows and doors. Hurricane winds entering the house may destroy the structure of the house.
11.What are hurricane shutters and how do they work?
Hurricane shutters are protective panels installed over windows and doors to: block debris impact, withstand high wind pressure, and prevent glass breakage.
12.What types of hurricane shutters are available?
DIY Hurricane Supply offers three main types: Aluminum Panels, Lexan (Polycarbonate) Panels, and Combination Panels.
13.What are the main differences between the three hurricane shutters?
Aluminum Panels are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, cost-effective, and offer strong protection up to 150 mph. Lexan Panels are transparent (lets light in during outages), impact-resistant (stronger than plywood). Lastly, Combination Panels are a blend of aluminum strength and Lexan visibility. All options are DIY friendly, designed for durability, and ease of installation.
14.Are hurricane shutters better than plywood?
Yes. Hurricane shutters are significantly better because: they don’t warp or weaken like plywood, are engineered for impact resistance, can be reused for many seasons, and they meet building codes (in many cases). While shutters are quickly and easily installed, they are also more durable and reliable than plywood alternatives.
15.Can I install hurricane shutters myself?
Yes. DIY Hurricane Supply products are designed for DIY installation, meaning one person can install them. No contractor is required and Installation can be completed in advance or quickly before a storm. This reduces overall cost and gives homeowners full control over preparation
16.How long does it take to install hurricane shutters?
Initial installation takes about 20–40 minutes per window. Reinstallation (after setup) takes about 3–10 minutes per window. Mounting systems are designed so hardware stays in place, making future installs quick and easy.
17. Where should hurricane shutters be installed?
Shutters should be installed on all windows, doors, and any vulnerable openings. Full-home protection is recommended to prevent weak points during a storm.
18.How long does it take to receive hurricane shutters?
The typical timeline is less than 1 week for standard items and 1–2 weeks for stamped products.
19.Can hurricane shutters be reused?
Yes. Our hurricane shutters are durable, removable, and easy to store. They can be reused for the life of the structure, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
20.Do hurricane shutters block light?
Aluminum panels block light completely, while Lexan panels allow natural light to pass through, which is helpful during power outages.
21.Can hurricane shutters be installed on any home type?
Shutters can be mounted on concrete, wood, and siding. Different mounting systems accommodate various structures.
22. Do hurricane shutters guarantee safety?
No. While shutters significantly reduce risk, they do not guarantee safety. Homeowners should always follow evacuation orders, monitor local authorities, and use shutters as part of a broader safety plan.
23.Do hurricane shutters meet building codes?
Many hurricane shutters meet Florida Building Code (FBC) and can comply with Miami-Dade impact standards. However, requirements vary by location, so homeowners must confirm local compliance before installation
24.What makes DIY hurricane protection cost-effective?
DIY Hurricane Supply reduces cost by shipping directly from manufacturers, custom-sizing panels to avoid waste. Eliminating contractor labor, this approach provides high-quality protection at a lower overall cost.
25.What is the biggest mistake homeowners make during hurricane season?
The biggest mistake is waiting too long to prepare. Late preparation can lead to: limited product availability, shipping delays, and insufficient time for installation. Early planning is critical for effective protection.
26.How early should I install shutters?
24–48 hours before landfall.
27.How long do shutters last?
Often 20+ years with proper care.
28.What is the best overall hurricane protection?
Shutters, proper installation, early preparation, and evacuation.
29.When should I start preparing hurricane panel?
Start now—don’t wait for a storm. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from August to October. The biggest mistake people make is waiting until a storm is already on the radar—by then, supplies are limited, and shipping delays are common.
30.What supplies sell out fastest before a hurricane?
Common shortages include:
Water
Batteries
Generators
Shutters
Fuel
31.What’s the most important thing to prepare before a hurricane?
The single most important step is protecting your windows and doors. Hurricane winds turn debris into high-speed projectiles that can shatter glass and cause catastrophic internal damage. That’s why our custom-fit hurricane shutters are designed to withstand winds up to 150 mph and protect your home’s weakest points.
32.What’s the difference between a hurricane, tropical storm, and tropical depression?
Tropical depression: winds < 39 mph
Tropical storm: 39–73 mph
Hurricane: 74+ mph
33.What does Category 1–5 mean?
Hurricanes are ranked using the Saffir-Simpson scale:
Cat 1: 74–95 mph (minor damage)
Cat 3: 111–129 mph (major damage)
Cat 5: 157+ mph (catastrophic)
34.What should be in a hurricane emergency kit?
Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days)
Non-perishable food
Flashlights + batteries
First aid kit
Medications
Portable phone charger
Important documents (waterproofed)
35.How much water and food do I need?
Plan for at least 3 days, but ideally up to a week.
36.What is the safest room in a house during a hurricane?
An interior room without windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
37.How do I protect my home?
Board up or shutter windows;
Bring in outdoor furniture;
Clear gutters and drains;
Trim trees;
Secure doors and garage;
Use sandbags if flooding is possible.
38.How do sandbags help during a hurricane?
Sandbags help redirect water and reduce flooding, especially around doors and low entry points.
39.When should I evacuate?
Follow local officials. If you’re in an evacuation zone, leave early—don’t wait for conditions to worsen.
40.Where do I go if I evacuate?
Friends/family inland;
Hotels outside evacuation zones;
Public shelters (last resort but safe;
41.What should I do while the storm is happening?
Stay indoors in a small, windowless interior room;
Avoid windows and glass doors;
Keep monitoring weather updates;
Don’t go outside—even if it suddenly gets calm (the eye);
42.Is it safe to go outside during the eye?
No. The calm “eye” is temporary. Winds will return just as strong or stronger from the opposite direction.
43.When is it safe to go outside?
Only after authorities say it’s safe. Watch for:
Downed power lines
Floodwater (can be contaminated or electrically charged)
Structural damage
44.What should I do if my home is damaged?
Document damage with photos
Contact insurance ASAP
Avoid entering unsafe structures
Watch for mold and electrical hazards
45.How long do hurricanes last?
Typically hours to a few days, but impacts (power outages, flooding) can last weeks.
46.Do I need flood insurance?
Probably, yes. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
Flood insurance typically comes from the National Flood Insurance Program.
47.What’s the safest place in my house?
Interior room
Lowest level (but not flood-prone)
No windows
A closet or bathroom often works
48.How dangerous is flooding compared to wind?
Flooding is often more deadly:
Fast-moving water
Hidden debris
Contaminated water
49.Why do inland areas flood so badly?
Because hurricanes dump huge amounts of rain, even far from the coast.
50. How early should I finalize preparations?
Start prepping at the beginning of hurricane season;
Be fully ready before any storm is named.
51.What are the best foods for a hurricane kit?
Choose foods that:
Don’t require refrigeration
Are easy to prepare
Have long shelf lives
Examples include canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, and dried foods.