During the last year's hurricanes, there was a mad scramble in Florida to get plywoods to shutter windows with. I am wondering why not use this alternative:
Use flattened packing boxes covered with plastic or some waterproof sheeting.
Just flatten the packing boxes. Cover them with plastic sheets to prevent the material from going soggy. Use this to cover your windows & patio doors. You can use duct tapes to secure them to the glass.
I believe the Florida state government or the local TV stations did not suggest this idea because they all want Home Depot/Lowes stocks to go up.
The flattened packing boxes are cheaper and they will degrade in the environment more gracefully when discarded after use.
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Another consideration would be plexiglass. You leave it up year round, never having to take it up and down. Clear see through plexiglass sheets, 3/8" maybe, would allow homeowner to see out windows but have that protection. Like storm windows sort of but bolted securely in place, although they could be popped out from the inside in an emergency. Never have a broken window again, and deter burglars who would prefer easier pickings. SS
One of the things I wonder about when I visit hurricane prone areas is why there are not more buildings with permanently attached shutters. The only reasons that I could think of are:
(1) Plywood is cheaper than retrofitting existing structures. (2) Folded shutters don't look pleasing enough. (3) A "It'll never happen to me" attitude prevents planning ahead.
It seems to me that even commercial buildings could be constructed with a roll out type shutter that would be effective.
Good Comments. I have plexiglass over my windows. It provides insulation and burglar protection. I think shutters should be required (or at least encouraged) by building codes in areas subject to frequent hurricanes.
But in an emergency, the news media should recommend cardboard as a last-ditch alternative.
i live in new england where shutters on a house is fairly common, however they are now all decorative. if shutters WORKED the way they were intended to then they could be used for severe storms and the like.