disaster life_threatening ai_generated true

AI advises closing and taping all windows before a hurricane to prevent shattering (pressure differential and shard risk)

ID: disaster/hurricane-close-windows-duct-tape-myth

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
88%Fix Rate
90%Confidence
1Evidence
2023-08-30First Seen

Version Compatibility

VersionStatusIntroducedDeprecatedNotes
NOAA NHC Forecast (2023) active — — —
FEMA Wind Retrofit Guide (2022) active — — —

Root Cause

Taping windows does not prevent shattering; it creates larger, more dangerous shards when the glass breaks, and sealing windows can cause pressure differentials that blow out the structure when the storm passes.

generic

中文

粘贴窗户不能防止碎裂；当玻璃破碎时会产生更大、更危险的碎片，而且密封窗户可能导致压力差，在风暴经过时吹毁结构。

Official Documentation

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

Workarounds

  1. 95% success Install impact-resistant windows or permanent storm shutters before the hurricane season. These are the only reliable protection against wind-borne debris. 
    Install impact-resistant windows or permanent storm shutters before the hurricane season. These are the only reliable protection against wind-borne debris.
  2. 85% success If shutters are unavailable, board up windows with 5/8-inch plywood cut to fit, anchored with screws into the window frame. 
    If shutters are unavailable, board up windows with 5/8-inch plywood cut to fit, anchored with screws into the window frame.
  3. 90% success During the storm, stay in an interior room away from windows and glass doors. Do not open windows or doors during the storm. 
    During the storm, stay in an interior room away from windows and glass doors. Do not open windows or doors during the storm.

中文步骤

  1. 在飓风季节之前安装抗冲击窗户或永久性风暴百叶窗。这是抵御风载碎片的唯一可靠保护。
  2. 如果没有百叶窗，用5/8英寸胶合板裁切好，用螺钉固定在窗框上，封住窗户。
  3. 风暴期间，待在远离窗户和玻璃门的内室。不要在风暴期间打开窗户或门。

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. Using duct tape in an X pattern on all windows 95% fail

    Duct tape does not strengthen glass; it only holds shards together, creating larger projectiles when the window breaks

  2. Closing all windows tightly to prevent wind from entering 85% fail

    Sealed windows create a pressure differential when the storm passes, causing the roof to lift off and windows to blow outward

  3. Leaving one window slightly open to equalize pressure 90% fail

    This is a myth; the pressure differential is not significant enough to matter, and the open window allows wind and rain to enter