IHPA Meeting – November 13th

Who: All welcome; Members, potential members and all with interest in the field of hurricane protection.

What:

• 9:30 am – 11:30 am: Panel Discussion – Rolling Shutters; Troubleshooting Motorization, Installation and Engineering.
• Noon – 2 pm: IHPA General Meeting and luncheon with guest speaker Ben Myers, Administrator of Installer Certification in the Certification Services Department of Architectural Testing, Inc.
• 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Panel Discussion – General discussion on Florida and International Building Codes, Product Testing and Product Engineering.

When: Friday November 13, 2009

Where: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, Bonita Springs, Florida

  

Hyatt Reservations: 800-233-1234.  Mention IHPA for special room rate.

How: Registration Required

• Full Schedule of Events and Registration Form HERE.
• Mail to: IHPA, 2501 Floral Road, Lantana, FL  33462
• FAX to: IHPA at 561-433-2101

Technorati Tags: IHPA,Meeting,Hurricane Protection,Rolling Shutters,Building Codes,Installer Certification

The Hidden Story of Storm Protection

Source: IHPA Director Frank L. Bennardo, P.E. of Engineering Express, Deerfield Beach, FL

Take a look at those overhead webcam views of traffic on the highway. Did you ever notice how when cars speed up, they spread out, and when they slow down, they come closer together? That phenomenon is very similar to air molecules during a high wind event.

When a high wind storm such as a hurricane or tropical storm spreads its winds across the land, it doesn’t just speed up the wind. It comes in gusts, constantly speeding and slowing down, across narrow pathways. In one area a big burst while just feet away a whole different scenario could be taking place. These wind events speed up and slow down wind molecules just like that of the traffic on the highway.

This effect is what engineers are really designing for in a structure. An “enclosed” building, typical of most structures, becomes pressurized inward and outward hundreds if not thousands of times from these gusty winds and molecules rapidly expanding and lowering pressure. They whip around corners and create vacuums where pressure is multiplied by both the internal and the external forces acting on a structure. The calculation for pressure is velocity squared, so pressure forces increase exponentially as wind velocities increase.

When you put up storm shutters, you are not only protecting an opening (such as a door or window) from being hit by flying debris, but you are also providing another form of protection that is often not apparent to the public. This “other” form of protection is the most important one for us to pay attention to. The build up of pressure behind the shutter can break glass or other cladding that isn’t designed to handle the same forces that the shutter system is. The shutter’s function then becomes to maintain the closure of the building so the internal pressurization isn’t multiplied and cascaded to a critical failure.

Even for more modern windows, compliant with today’s codes, the systems are not designed to handle the potentially thousands of cycles of pressure and small debris that can occur in a hurricane. If a window, for example, is rated for large missile impact (using ‘laminated glass’ – two layers of glass surrounding a synthetic material), you are protected. If not, then a shutter system should be used to keep the opening protected.

So consider all of these factors when looking for storm protection solutions and protecting yourself during a storm. Consult a licensed contractor that specializes in the installation of hurricane protection products before making any decisions. Most importantly, make sure the window, door, or protection system you are using has a Product Approval Number. Visit www.inthpa.com for more information.

And don’t be fooled by that cliché excuse ‘It stayed up during the last storm’, because the gusts of Mother Nature may not blow in your favor next time…

Technorati Tags: storm protection,hurricane,pressurization,storm shutters

How to Become An IHPA Member

The International Hurricane Protection Association welcomes for membership all who are directly involved in the Hurricane Protection Industry, those who provide supportive goods and services and those who are involved in the promulgation and/or enforcement of codes and regulations governing hurricane and windstorm protection products.

About the IHPA:

The IHPA is a non-profit organization which brings together and represents organizations and individuals involved in the protection of life and property from the devastation associated with hurricanes. We strive to educate the public, industry professionals and government officials and to keep you informed of developments affecting your business or concern.

Requirements:

We do require that all applicants read and agree to abide by the Association’s Code of Ethics. Applicants seeking a business membership must have in force and maintain
appropriate licensing and insurance. If you represent a hurricane protection product in any fashion, your product(s) must be properly tested and approved.

Application Process:

Applicants should legibly complete, sign and submit an application, related documents and application fee.  All forms and instructions for submittal may be found at: http://ihpaprotect.org/membership.aspx

All applications for membership are subject to review by the IHPA Board of Directors.

Once your application and membership fee have been processed, you will be sent a certificate of membership and information relating to participation in the members only
area of the IHPA Website and will receive our News and Information broadcasts, meeting notices, etc. You will also be granted permission to display the IHPA logo.

The IHPA is growing in numbers and influence. We look forward to receiving your application for membership and to the time that you may become a proud IHPA member!

Technorati Tags: IHPA Membership,How to,Hurricane Protection Products

Hurricane Protection Association Launches “Get the Number” Campaign

GET THE NUMBER!

Save Your Home!

 

The International Hurricane Protection Association has one simple piece of advice for the homeowner that may be looking to purchase a hurricane protection product to fortify their home:

Insist upon a product approval number!

 

Yes, it’s that simple.  All of the research, engineering, testing and standards compliance considerations have already been done for you.  Product Approval/Evaluation entities, such as the Florida Building Commission, Miami-Dade County, Texas Dept. of Insurance and the International Code Council award an approval/evaluation number to products which have met all of the required standards.  

You do not have to be an engineer or have any special technical knowledge.  You must do one very important thing:

Get the Approval Number!

 

You may encounter slick sales people and ads that will talk about passing this test or that, meeting various standards or telling you that product approvals/evaluations are unimportant.  You’re informed and know better.  You say:

Show Me the Number!

 

Okay, you’ve been given an approval/evaluation number, now what?  You verify it.  All hurricane protection product approvals are publicly available at the websites of the approving agency.  You may wish to visit the approved products page at www.inthpa.com for links to these agencies.

 

One more time:  Before you purchase hurricane protection for the windows, doors and other openings of your home, you’re going to do what?

Get the Number!

Get the Number Press Release

 The International Hurricane Protection Association is a non-profit organization devoted to minimizing the loss of life and the destruction of property associated with hurricanes.

Technorati Tags: Hurricane Protection,Hurricane,IHPA,Association,Get the Number,Windows,Doors,openings,Approval,Evaluation,Consumer awareness,FBC,Miami-Dade,TDI,ICC,testing,standards

Register Now for IHPA August 21st Meeting – New Orleans

IHPA

General Membership Meeting

Friday, August 21, 2009

Hilton New Orleans Riverside

All Welcome – Members, Guests, Potential Members!

Registration is now open for the International Hurricane Protection Association Meeting of August 21st in New Orleans, LA.  This meeting will feature a luncheon with guest speaker and complimentary morning and afternoon panel discussions.  Panelists will include experts in hurricane protection and related fields.

Do not delay.  Print the registration form, complete and fax to: (561) 433-2101 or Mail to: IHPA, 2501 Floral Road, Lantana, FL 33462.

Registration Form PDF

Or visit Meetings and Events

Technorati Tags: IHPA Meeting,New Orleans,Hilton New Orleans Riverside

 

Permit Fee Increase on the Horizon?

Bob Boyer, an Official of Palm Beach County Florida, BOAF Past-President and long-time IHPA Member has alerted the IHPA of possible increases in permit fees due to the surcharge paid for certain types of building permits throughout the State of Florida.

The Building Officials Association of Florida has prepared a report: BOAF Guidelines for a Safer Built Environment:

Florida’s Statewide Permit Surcharges

Read this document here: BOAF Report

 

Technorati Tags: Florida permit fees,surcharge,building permit,BOAF,IHPA

Article points out perils of Unapproved Hurricane Protection

“You won’t get much help telling the tested products from untested ones”

In an article running in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune  Sunday July 12, 2009 the point is well made that little is being done to protect the consumer from inadequate hurricane protection products.

Leslie Chapman-Henderson, CEO of the non-profit group Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, or FLASH: “The only thing worse than no hurricane protection is the wrong hurricane protection.”

Terence McElroy, spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: “Nothing is sanctioned by the state or, to my knowledge, prohibited by the state.  It really is ‘let the buyer beware.”

The article points out that millions of dollars have been spent developing the testing and standards that identify which products work.  Building and consumer safety advocates contend that the state needs to require these standards for any product claiming hurricane protection.

Darius Grimes (IHPA Vice President) and others fear that only the devastating effects of a storm as powerful as Hurricanes Charley or Andrew will prompt serious action.

Read the full article: Storm safety may bring perils

Technorati Tags: Hurricane Protection Products,Testing,Standards,Article

Comment Policy

The IHPA is a non-profit association.  As such, the Association neither endorses or makes referrals to specific products or services. 

In keeping with the informational nature of The IHPA Blog and the Association’s non-profit status, we find it necessary to restrict comments.  At this time, comments are permitted only by the IHPA Board of Directors and IHPA Members by request.

For further information about hurricane protection, the IHPA or to find a list of IHPA Members, visit our websites at www.inthpa.com and www.ihpaprotect.org.    

Technorati Tags: IHPA Blog,IHPA,Comments,Non-Profit,Hurricane protection

Living In Harm’s Way

Today, more than half of the U.S. population lives in a coastal area.

According to the US Census Bureau, “The number of Americans residing in a coastal county passed the 150 million mark in 2005, making the coastal population larger than the entire U.S. population in 1950.

While there are govenment agencies in place that deal with large scale disasters, the responsibility for proper hurricane protection and preparedness for the home, business, and personal safety lies with the populace that resides in these areas.  It is incumbent upon the individual (especially the homeowner) to be informed.  So, where do you start?

Suggested Resources:

Hurricane Threats:  For all things relating to hurricanes as a weather event, visit the National Hurricane Center (NHC).  Here you will find complete information about tropical storm activity – past, present and developing.

Max Mayfield served as Director of the National Hurricane Center from 2000 to 2007 and today is associated with WPLG in Miami.  Max writes an informative hurricane blog which is updated weekly: Max Mayfield’s Hurricane Blog. 

Hurricane Protection Products:  The International Hurricane Protection Association (IHPA) is a non-profit association devoted to protection against the devastation associated with hurricanes.

Disaster Safety:   The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation.

DisasterSaftey.org is a service of the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).  Programs of this organization include “Fortified…for safer living” and business continuity planning with “Open for Business”.

Assistance:  Are you seeking the advise of a professional in the field of hurricane protection?  The Membership of the IHPA stands ready to help.  For information on how to find an IHPA Member in your area, go to:  How To Find An IHPA Member.

Lesser Known Hurricane Safety Information

Source: IHPA Member  Lucille A. Marino of Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, Inc., Deerfield Beach, FL

Being prepared before the storm is in the minds of many as “hurricane season” is upon us. IHPA Member, Lucille Marino of Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, reminds us to be equally informed and prepared for after the storm.

Safety suggestions for after the hurricane has passed:

· Avoid driving as much as possible.  Roads will be littered with debris and may be dangerous, blocked or closed by emergency officials.

· Don’t go out “sightseeing.” Even if your area is now safe, let emergency officials do their jobs in other neighborhoods so those residents can return home as well.

· Stay in at night, so you’re not mistaken for a looter.

· Avoid sagging or downed power lines or other utility wires.

· Be aware that snakes, insects and stray animals or even pets often seek high ground after storms. And remember that stray pets can be traumatized by storm conditions, and can be highly agitated, so take extra caution.

· Be careful entering your home. Open doors and windows for ventilation and to begin the drying process.

· Open or remove hurricane protection products from windows, doors and other means of exit.

· If your home sustained water damages from flooding, do not turn main power back on until an inspection has been completed by a licensed electrician.

· Meticulously photograph any damages to your home or property for your insurance records.

· Take extra precautions with fire, matches, and candles. Do not strike a match or carry candles in an area which could possibly have gas leaks.

· Keep the telephone free for emergency communications

The National Next Of Kin Registry (NOKR)

Hurricanes can be truly devastating events, leaving loved ones homeless, separated and concerned. The National Next Of Kin Registry (NOKR), is a free high-speed solution to locating your next of kin in urgent situations. Making sure you and your loved ones are registered on NOKR’s site can prove crucial if there’s a major hurricane.

“The Next of Kin Registry is the nation’s only central system serving local and state agencies to access victims’ emergency contacts in the event of a disaster.”  

By registering and storing your emergency contact and other information, you’re safeguarding yourself and your family for the unforeseen. Many people think that if they are carrying a driver’s license, identification card or credit cards, authorities will know who their emergency contact is. The fact is these forms of ID only indicate who you are – not who should be contacted in the event of an emergency. Register today at http://www.nokr.org/.

Technorati Tags: After the Hurricane,Safety,IHPA,National Next Of Kin Registry