Hurricane Milton - Safety Tips
Tis the season, for panic, rude behavior, and high anxiety. Unfortunately, this is how it feels to go out in public when a hurricane is so near to hitting our beautiful Space Coast. Even though, the West Coast seems to be getting the worst of it, that hasn’t stopped people from acting fearfully due to the approaching storm.
Obviously, it should be taken seriously. It is important to protect your home… just in case. With that said, I wanted to offer up some tips pertaining to the products we sell and install so that you have one less thing on your plate to be anxious about. Especially, for previous customers or folks who have PGT Impact Windows installed in their homes. Though, I imagine some of these tips are universal.
Tip # 1: Check your latches
Whether you have a single hung, casement, horizontal roller, sliding glass door this tip remains the same. The best way to be sure you have locked your windows or doors is to pull up on a single hung, and to the side on a horizontal roller or sliding glass door.
I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve been called for service work on a window due to leaks or gusts of wind getting into the house and the result was just me simply closing the window or door all the way. I don’t blame you if this is you. These windows are heavier, so it’s an easy mistake to make. That’s why I wanted to bring extra awareness to the potential problem so you could catch it before it becomes an issue.
If your latches are activated and the sash or door panel doesn’t move, then you’re all set for the nasty winds.
Tip # 2: French Door Hurricane latches
PGT French Doors have a wonderful feature that can activate after the dead bolt is activated. Simply, lift up on the handle. You’ll hear a loud mechanism lock into place. This ensures the doors won’t budge against heavy winds.
Tip # 3: SLiding Glass door tracks take water
Sliding Glass Door tracks are designed to take water. You may see some water infiltration on the bottom of the tracks if the rains are directional and powerful enough for water to continuously enter. The track is designed to weep water out, but if too much is coming in it will fill up and possibly enter your home. I would, as a precaution, have towels at the ready to line up near your doors.
Also, if you opted to take the riser off after inspection passed, now would be a great time to put it back on. The riser is that metallic piece than many folks like to call a “tripping hazard”. It serves a primary function for storms such as the one on its way. You can order taller ones from us if you discover a need for it after Milton comes through.
Tip # 4: Impact glass can break
A common misconception about impact windows is that they do not break. However, that is not the case. The glass is designed to take a beating, so that nothing can push all the way through it. You can check out how it works on PGTs YOUTUBE here.
Please do not panic if something hits your windows and it breaks. As long as nothing comes through, then it has actually done its job to protect your home.
Tip # 5: Be kind
I was at Home Depot just earlier today waiting for some workers to bring pallets of mulch for easier access. We opted to get some of that rather than fight the crowds for free sand at the various parks. I watched a potential customer rudely interrupt the worker and it put him in a fowl mood.
Once the pallet was placed, I made sure to thank the employee and watched him take a breath of relief at the appreciation. His entire demeanor changed along with a friendlier attitude. I may have ruined the gesture by writing about it, but my point is simple:
We’re all in this together. Whatever storms may come, we face it just like that. Together. Try not to cut people off or get mad at others who cut you off. Everyone is just trying to take care of their families and loved ones. Let’s see what we can do about preparing without the panic, without the fear, and without the anxiety. Check on your neighbors. Check on your friends.
We’ve got this, Brevard! Sunny days are on the horizon.
Sincerely,
A Better View (Matt, Chris, Diane, Kent, Brian, Spencer, Juan, Keith, and Juan Jr. aka Fluffy).
