Tips from Armor Screen and Bermuda Brickyard
In 2017, two major hurricanes made landfall in mainland United States back-to-back in one of the most active hurricane seasons the United States had seen in years. Both Harvey and Irma left incredible destruction in their wake. Bermuda was lucky last year, but we should not be complacent.
The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins. This means installing hurricane protection such as Armor Screen Hurricane Protection (which has several types of Category 5-rated screen systems) and checking your home insurance policies to verify you have hurricane coverage.
You should also check to make sure you have items such as batteries, generators, water, and nonperishable foods in advance of any storms, as stores tend to run out quickly due to the incredible demand in the days before a hurricane hits.
If you already have Armor Screen Hurricane Protection, now is the time to take out your Armor Screen and check it over. Give it a good rinsing off if you forgot to do so after the last Hurricane. Leave it to dry before you pack it back up and store it where you can easily reach it. Below are some tips for set-up and maintenance:
Buckle and strap installation
We suggest you unscrew the caps on the sides of your building, screw in your eyebolts and keep all the fittings in a handy place, especially if you are planning to go away on holiday. (Note: don’t install the bolts on the ground or porch until the day of the storm to prevent a tripping hazard!) If a storm actually heads our way, make sure your buckle and strap screens are fitted as tightly as possible. The more flapping of the screen, the more chance of chafing of the straps. You can leave your plant pots and outdoor furniture right on the Veranda or Porch if it is protected by Armor Screen on all sides.
Hem cord installations
Check the channels on the C Tracks. If necessary hose them out or clean gently with a thin cloth.
Armor Screen protection
Have a look at the Armor Screen website for our deployment links. There you will find instruction sheets as well as videos demonstrating the various system installation techniques.
Note:if you are leaving your home in the care of house sitters, make sure to leave the Armor Screen instructions and fittings in a handy place.
If you do not have Armor Screen Hurricane Protection and a hurricane is on its way, it is too late to purchase Armor Screen, but you still have some things you can do to get ready:
- First and foremost, set a reminder to call Bermuda Brickyard for an Armor Screen quotation after the storm. (Some insurers offer a home insurance discount to Bermuda Brickyard customers who have Armor Screen Hurricane Protection.)
- Purchase plywood to cover your windows and doors. Make sure it is secured properly around the edges.
- Purchase nonperishable food items such as canned meat, veggies, fruits, and peanut butter.
- Stock up on bottled water, making sure you have at least three days’ worth for each person in your household. It is also a good idea to fill the bath tub for additional water. A bucket can be used to dip water for flushing if the power has gone out.
- Fill your gas tank and an extra gas container. In the event of a major hurricane, there will most likely be a gas shortage.
- If you cook with gas, secure your gas cylinders using bungee cords or strapping.
- Put your heavy garden furniture and potted plants inside to keep them from becoming a projectile.
- Make sure you have enough flashlights and batteries to provide light in the event of a loss of power. Hurricane lanterns are great items to have. Avoid purchasing candles to cut down on risk of fire.
- Check out the Emergency Broadcast Station on 100.1 FM to make sure you have good reception.
- Make note of local shelters if they have been set up. If your home is located close to the water and officials are warning of potential danger on your side of the island, consider leaving and going to the shelter. Your property can be replaced, but you can’t.
- After the hurricane passes, if you already have Armor Screen, Brickyard technicians recommend hosing off your Armor Screen, the walls of your house and the roof before air drying and packing away your Screens and removing downspout plugs.
If you don’t have Armor Screen, contact Bermuda Brickyard at 232-3001 or email [email protected] and ask for an Armor Screen quotation. The experienced technicians can help you find the right product to protect your home before the next hurricane season!
