10 Hurricane Facts: Debunking the Most Popular Myths

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Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Published On

May 4, 2023May 15, 2021

Hurricane-damaged mobile home park — Mobile homes with straps are no match for many hurricanes. (©Felix Mizioznikov – stock.adobe.com)

Myth #4: A mobile home with tie-downs is a safe place to ride out a storm

If you own a mobile home, it’s a good idea to have straps, or tie-downs, that secure the building to anchors.

But here are the facts: A mobile home, even tied down, is no safe place to ride out a hurricane. Generally, if a mandatory evacuation is ordered, all mobile home residents should head for a shelter.

After all, better safe than sorry!

Windows, seen from outside, on a white shake house — You should never crack the windows open during a hurricane. (©tamas – stock.adobe.com)

Myth #3: Always crack the windows open during a hurricane or tornado

Many people think opening their windows during a hurricane will equalize the pressure and prevent the house from exploding.

But here are the facts: studies show that the best way to keep your home intact is to keep the wind out, not invite it into your home.

While no house is airtight, boarding and shuttering windows and doors is the best protection during a hurricane, especially from flying debris.

Hurricane fabric panel installed over a window, plywood hurricane shutter leaning against side of home, and working wooden shutters attached to a window — Forget tape — plywood or fabric coverings are your best bet to protect windows during a hurricane.

Myth #2: Taping windows will prevent them from breaking

Many people think ‘x’ doesn’t just “mark the spot” for buried treasure — it’s also the secret to minimizing hurricane damage. That’s why they tape x’s across windows.

The idea is that, even if windows shatter, the tape will prevent them from becoming hundreds of airborne objects, causing additional damage and possible injuries.

But here are the facts: Tape does little to protect your windows from being destroyed by flying debris. And if your windows don’t break, the tape will have to be scraped off after the storm. (Which isn’t fun, and could even leave a permanent residue.)

The best protection is to cover windows with 5/8” plywood or special hurricane shutters.

Meteorologist image of earth, showing three hurricanes — Hurricanes can happen anywhere — this NASA image shows a particularly active hurricane season, when Irma, Jose and Katia formed in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean (©lavizzara – stock.adobe.com)

Myth #1: “It will never happen in MY hometown”

While the path of a hurricane can be hard to predict, nowhere on the Gulf or East Coast is immune from this natural disaster. That’s why there’s an annual, national ‘hurricane season.’

The best way to protect your life and property is to plan BEFORE a storm forms. Then heed the warnings and advice of your local emergency management agency.

And don’t forget, even if you live inland, it CAN happen to you, too!

Check out our Hurricane Help page for more information.

Further Information

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