How Early Is Too Early to Prepare for Hurricane Season?
If you live in Florida, the answer is: It’s never too early to prepare for hurricane season. Although hurricane season doesn’t officially start until June 1, 2024, Florida residents know that many of us across the state experienced tropical storm conditions just last month. The widespread weather event in January caused school cancellations in multiple counties, as well as severe damage to many areas.
Storms can pop up at almost any time, so it’s not wise to wait until June to start preparing for severe weather. There are still things you can do and items you can buy last-minute to protect your home, property, belongings, and family—but if you want to do more for your safety and comfort, now is the time to start making plans.
Weather Predictions for 2024
According to Tropical Storm Risk, one of the industry’s leading hurricane forecasting teams, 2024 looks to be a big year for storms.
If you live near the Atlantic or Gulf coast, prepare your home and review your homeowner’s insurance policy well before a storm heads your way because many insurance companies won’t let coastal residents in impacted states update or purchase coverage once a tropical storm is officially named by the National Hurricane Center.
Fast facts from the NOAA:
- Hurricane season runs from June through November every year.
- The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be very active, with activity that is 30% above the 30-year norm.
- August through October are considered the peak months during hurricane season. Around 78% of tropical storm days, 87% of minor hurricane days, and 96% of the major hurricane days occur during those months, with early to mid-September being the most active time for tropical storms.
During hurricanes and severe storms, a major factor that causes damage to homes (especially outdoor structures) is high winds. To protect your outdoor spaces, you need a screen system you can count on.
Many motorized screen manufacturers utilize the ZipKeder, which is PVC tape with a series of “beads.” The beads “zip” into the track, making the screen more flexible.
However, these zipper-type tracks don’t address the issue of wind pressure.
Types of Damaging Winds
It’s not just the force of the wind itself that can rip apart traditional screens, it’s the debris carried by the wind that can puncture screens—debris like tree limbs, yard art, and even patio furniture.
Some of the most common damaging winds include:
- Straight-Line Wind
- Downdraft
- Macroburst
- Microburst
- Downburst
- Gust Front
- Derecho
- Haboob
For more information on each of these types of wind, read this article on Severe Weather 101.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
According to the national hurricane resilience initiative #HurricaneStrong, there are several key steps to take to be sure you are ready for bad weather.
Download the Family Hurricane Preparedness Guide and follow these five steps:
- Know your zone.
- Make a plan; build a kit.
- Strengthen your home.
- Review your insurance.
- Help your community.
As part of Step 3, Strengthen Your Home, we have some suggestions. Keep reading.
MagnaTrack™ Screens—Powerful Defense Against the Elements
Remember the devastation from Hurricane Ian in 2022? When you want premium protection during hurricane season, you want our Defender Magnatrack™ Storm System.
Our patented system is built for unparalleled impact absorption from CAT-5 hurricane winds, exceeding 156 mph. The Defender Magnatrack™ Storm System also offers year-round protection from storms, insects, sun and glare, while providing the quality, durability, and reliability you’ve come to expect from MagnaTrack™ Solar and Insect Screens.
We offer a certified hurricane-proof screen system
Our Defender Magnatrack™ Storm System exceeds the performance criteria of the following standards, with spans of up to 30 feet:
- CheckmarkTAS 201, 201, 203, 203-94
- CheckmarkASTM E330, E1886 & E1996
- CheckmarkFlorida Product Approval: #FL30798
- CheckmarkDesign Pressure up to +/- 200 PSF
Our product also meets or exceeds Miami Dade and Florida building code requirements for roll-down hurricane screens—the strictest hurricane codes on earth.
MagnaTrack™ Screen Systems Are the Ideal Choice for Any Weather
No matter the time of year, the Defender Magnatrack™ Storm System can be used 24/7, 365 days a year. Our patented system is built for unparalleled impact absorption, delivered by our MagnaTrack™ technology.
Whether you’re a homeowner in need of a screen for your windows, lanai, gazebo, patio, or garage—or you’re a business owner needing screens for commercial applications such as restaurants, country clubs, or more—our best-in-class motorized screen system boasts a beautiful appearance, with no sagging screens or troublesome tears.
What’s more, this one screen offers multiples lines of defense:
Our unique interlock track design helps reduce friction. Combined with super-strong neodymium magnets, this gives the system a long lifespan with more than 10 times the pulling force of any other system on the market.
But MagnaTrack™ defends against more than wear and tear. By using the neodymium magnets, it ensures that the retractable screen can withstand high winds and flying debris. Because the sidetracks can self-adjust and the magnets maintain tension, the MagnaTrack™ design dampens wind pressure and debris impact by almost 30%, making it the ideal choice for hurricane protection.
Now is the time to start thinking about upgrading your outdoor spaces so that your MagnaTrack™ screens can be installed before hurricane seasons hits. With the added peace of mind, safety, and comfort—you and your family can enjoy beautiful outdoor living all year long.
For pricing and installation information so you can make an informed decision based on your needs, contact one of our MagnaTrack™ dealers today.
