With weather forecasters calling for a worse-than-average 2010 Atlantic basin hurricane season, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) provided the following list of ways to protect a structure in such a disaster:

o A new, well-installed roof is one of the best forms of protection available.

If a shingle roof cover needs to be replaced, IBHS said it should be done now while there is still enough time for the shingles to heat up and seal properly before a storm threatens.

Older material should be removed down to the roof sheathing, and the deck should be re-nailed, IBHS noted. IBHS recommended spending extra to provide a secondary water barrier and install a high wind-rated roof cover.

o Protecting all openings in exterior walls will greatly improve a building's chances for surviving a hurricane.

Protecting all windows and doors is critical to structure survival, according to IBHS. IBHS noted that the range of products on the market today, such as storm shutters or impact-resistant windows, makes it easier to find protection for many budgets.

The product chosen should have the proper product approvals for wind pressure and large-missile impact, IBHS said.

o Securing loose roof shingles is critical.

If the edges of shingles are not well fastened, or extend beyond the drip edge more than one-fourth of an inch, high winds can lift the edges, creating a peeling process or domino effect, IBHS said. Shingles can be secured with three one-inch dabs of roofing cement under each tab, IBHS explained.

o Sealing openings, cracks and holes will help prevent water damage.
Water can invade homes in many ways, especially when it's being blown horizontally, according to IBHS. IBHS suggested filling holes where wires, cables and pipes enter and exit the building, and sealing around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels. Cracks around wall outlets, dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen vents, and wall lights should also be sealed, IBHS said.

o Strengthening soffits (the material covering the underside of a roof overhang) also helps prevent water damage.

IBHS said some vinyl and aluminum soffit covers have wood supports, but the soffit material is not adequately fastened to the wood, or there is no wood backing and the vinyl or aluminum channels are stapled or nailed to the wall.

"If there are wood supports, secure soffit material with sharp-pointed stainless steel screws," IBHS said. "If the channels are just nailed to the wall, you can use polyurethane caulk to seal the channel to the wall and tie the parts together."

o Limiting potential flying debris helps protect a building.

Limiting possible sources of wind-borne debris by surveying a building's surroundings before a storm hits will help protect a building and surrounding structures, IBHS said. IBHS recommended replacing gravel and rock landscaping materials with shredded bark, limiting outdoor objects, and keeping trees and shrubbery trimmed.

Tampa, Fla.-based IBHS said forecasters predict that 15 named storms will form in the Atlantic basin between June 1 and Nov. 30. Eight are expected to be hurricanes, with four developing into major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.

Tomorrow in NU Online News Service, IBHS dispels some common myths about hurricane preparedness.