IBHS: Shut the Doors on Hurricane Irma
NEW IBHS Testing Proves Closing Interior Doors Can Reduce Pressure
on Roofs and Help Houses Stand Up to High Wind Events
TAMPA, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Hurricaneprep–Following rigorous scientific wind testing on a full-scale, 1,400 square
foot single-story home in its unique laboratory this summer, the
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has important new
guidance for all homeowners preparing for major wind storms such as
Hurricane Irma: close all interior doors, in addition to all
windows and exterior doors.
High winds, such as those currently expected from Hurricane Irma, place
homes under intense pressure. Wind entering the home through an open or
broken window, can create strong upward pressure on the roof. Closing
interior doors helps compartmentalize the pressure inside the home into
smaller areas reducing the overall force on the roof structure, which
gives the roof a better chance of staying intact.
“The roof is your first line of defense against anything Mother Nature
inflicts on a home, and during a bad storm your roof endures fierce
pressure from wind, rain, and flying debris that may be outside,” said
Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. “But the roof also must withstand
internal pressure if winds get inside. The pressure in your home can
build like air in a balloon, eventually causing the roof to fail and
blow apart, which – particularly in a hurricane – allows water to come
pouring in.”
As the eastern United States and Caribbean islands prepare for Hurricane
Irma, IBHS urges homeowners to follow all evacuation orders and be sure
to shut the doors on Irma to
increase its ability to withstand the storm.
IBHS offers additional hurricane preparedness tips here.
The Institute will provide further data behind our summer wind testing
findings in October.
About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
IBHS’
mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and
promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and
communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss.
Contacts
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
Susan
G. Millerick, 813-675-1066
@NewsIBHS
smillerick@ibhs.org
