Don't worry, the trees will save you. In essence, that is what the Florida Building Commission and some in the building industry have tentatively decided. Despite the incredible devastation and loss of life the Gulf Coast region has endured in this current 30-year cycle of increased hurricane activity, there remains a myopic attitude of “It can't happen here” in the minds of some in the Florida Panhandle. That attitude is showing up in decision-making at the Florida Building Commission as it considers changes to strengthen the building code.

In 2000, the Florida Legislature established the Florida Uniform Statewide Building Code and, among other important standards, required shutters or impact-resistant glass on all new residential construction in “windborne debris regions.” The regions were defined as areas where winds were projected to be 120 mile an hour or greater during a major hurricane. This is five miles from the coast, on average, and considerably farther inland in some places.

There is a consensus in the engineering community that a home is more likely to survive 120 mph or higher winds if the windows and doors remain intact. This can be achieved through storm shutters or impact-resistant glass, reinforced garage doors and other enhancements protecting a structure from flying debris, including lumber, roofing tiles, and concrete blocks. The structure is less likely to sustain major damage and will be much safer if residents are forced to ride out the storm at home.