http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/r ... ndex.shtml
Preparing your House (Interactive)
______________________________________________________________________________
Shutting out the storm
Storm shutters remain the most economical solution for most homeowners to protect windows. When installing any type of shutter system, be sure to wear protective gloves. Here are four basic shutter designs.
Plywood shutters
Barrel-bolt plywood shutters
Use on concrete-block stucco homes that have windows inset at least two inches from the exterior wall.
Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush. Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
Buy 3- or 4-inch barrel bolts, enough for one bolt for a minimum of every 12 inches of plywood.
Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for a snug fit in the inset.
For larger windows or sliding doors, attach two pieces of plywood with 2-by-4s or a piano hinge.
Attach bolts to plywood, mark where you need the holes to be drilled in the concrete stucco.
Drill holes, in marked spots in concrete stucco.
Overlapping plywood shutters
If your windows do not have a 2-inch inset, plywood shutters can overlap.
Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush.
Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for an overlap of at least 4 inches. Label each panel.
Drill corresponding holes in the plywood and walls. Use a 1/4-inch drill bit for the wood. Use a masonry or carbide-tipped bit for concrete or stucco walls.
Hammer 1/4-inch lead sleeve anchors – not plastic – into the holes in the wall. The anchors should be at least 2 inches long.
When a hurricane threatens, use tapping screws at least 2 inches long to bolt the plywood in place.
Average cost: $1 - $5 per square foot
Preparation time: 1 - 1 1/2 hours per window.
Accordion hurricane shutters
These one- or two-piece hurricane shutters are housed beside the windows or doors when not in use. They unfold accordion-style to cover and protect during a storm.
Pros
Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
Some models can be locked with a key and may be used as a theft deterrent.
Cons
Can look bulky and out of place on some houses.
Consider the aesthetics before having them installed.
Glide on wheels, have the potential to break more easily than some of the other systems.
Average cost: $16 - $20 per square foot
Preparation time: 15-30 minutes for an entire house
Storm panels
These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls
around windows and doors on bolts or tracks.
The first style incorporates both tracks and bolts. The top of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and the bottom of the panel is secured to bolts that are permanently attached beneath the window.
The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above and below the windows and doors. Bolts slide into the tracks from either side and must be manually aligned with the holes on the panels.
The third style uses only bolts permanently set into the wall beside the windows and doors. They can be loosened as the panel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secure it.
Pros
Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.
Removable, so they don't change the look of the house when not in use.
Strong, and can provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.
Cons
Require storage, but usually stack together tightly and take up little space.
Can be difficult to handle; hanging can require more than one person.
Sometimes don't line up properly.
Have sharp edges.
Average cost: $7 - $8 per square foot;
Preparation time: 15 minutes per window depending on the style.
Roll-down hurricane shutters
These shutters attach above the window. They roll up and store in an enclosed box when not in use. They are lowered either manually by a hand crank or automatically by push button, and lock in place for storm protection.
Pros
Are permanently affixed above the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
Offer some of the best protection, and make an excellent theft deterrent.
Cons
Most expensive of the popular shutter systems.
Push-button-operated roll-down shutters require a battery backup system so the shutters can be lowered and raised during power outages.
Average cost: $30 - $55 per square foot
Preparation time: Minimum; probably the easiest shutter to operate.
______________________________________________________________________________
http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/r ... ndex.shtml
Protecting your boat (interactive)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Power generators
Many Floridians turn to portable generators during power outages. Before you buy one, here are a few things to consider.
How portable generators work
Portable generators generally run on liquid fuel, such as gas or diesel, and have several outlets into which home appliances are plugged. A qualified electrician can also connect one directly to your home. To do this, a manual transfer switch must be installed to direct power to the house from either the utility lines or the generator. This prevents electricity from flowing back to utility lines and shocking workers fixing the outage.
How standby generators work
The power from the utility company comes into the house through the meter box.
When the power is lost, a panel turns on the standby generator.
This generator sends power directly into the house.
How to buy
Besides the amount of power you need, your available budget will be a strong consideration when buying a generator. Some models and their prices:
Coleman Power Mate
Watt output: 1,850
Fuel capacity: 1.3 gallons
Horsepower: 3.5
Run time: 7 hours
Starting system: Recoil
Cost: $399-$520
Cummins HomeSite 2400
Watt output: 2,000
Fuel capacity: 4
Horsepower: 6.5
Run time: 13 hours
Starting system: Recoil
Cost: $399-$859
Standby Generator
Watt output: 7,000 to 12,000
Fuel capacity: Unlimited
Horsepower: 18
Run time: 50 hours*
Starting system: Automatic
Cost: $5,000-$12,000 to install
Safety tips
• Always run your generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
• Regularly maintain your generator engine.
• Do not operate the engine near combustible materials.
• Keep gas fresh.
• Place generator on level ground.
• Use extension cords that are grounded and are a sufficient wire gauge for the application. Heavy-duty, outdoor rated cords are the best.
• Never plug your generator directly into your house circuit.
Sources: South Florida Sun-Sentinel, West Miami Discount Tool, Master Distributors, Briggs & Stratton, The Home Depot, HowStuffWorks.com, Cummings Inc.
_____________________________________________________________________________
more to come....
