One Simple Rule That Could Save Your Home in a Hurricane

Lantana, FL, June 07, 2013 --(PR.com)-- The Hurricane Season is upon us. Many homeowners are wondering if they are properly protected and others are wondering where to begin. To this, the International Hurricane Protection Association (IHPA) offers this simple rule: “Get The Number.” Frank Browning, IHPA President, explains that the “Number” which the Association encourages is a product approval number issued by a legitimate approving agency such as the Florida Building Commission, Miami-Dade or the Texas Department of Insurance.

Frank Bennardo, IHPA Vice President and Professional Engineer, points out that the primary purpose of hurricane and windstorm protection systems is to prevent internal pressurization. The structure’s openings (windows, doors, garage doors, etc.) are among the most vulnerable points and once compromised, extensive damage and risk to life can occur. He further explains that the engineering and testing process can be very technical, but the consumer need not be an engineer or spend the hours of study to determine compliance with current standards. “The consumer need only ask for and insist upon an approval number.”

The Association warns consumers not to be fooled or misguided by those who promote hurricane protection products which are not approved. The wording and graphic illustrations of some of these promotions can be very misleading. One such product has been window film offered as hurricane protection. While window film has many worthwhile uses, no window film has been able to pass all the tests required for residential hurricane protection approval. In Florida it has been made illegal to advertise, sell, offer, provide, distribute, or market such products as hurricane protection without a local or state approval. This just emphasizes the importance for homeowners to “Get The Number” before choosing any type of Hurricane Protection. Florida Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has issued a consumer warning and indicates that those who disregard this law are in violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

The IHPA is a not-for-profit Association which unites and represents professionals of the Hurricane Protection Industry and provides information and education to the Industry and the public alike. The Association is membership supported and meets on a regular basis at locations along the hurricane prone coastal regions. The next meeting of the IHPA will be July 19, 2013 in Bonita Springs, Florida.