- October 30, 2024
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By Patrick Juliano
Palm Coast Fire Department PIO
Hurricane season is almost over: The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30. The Palm Coast Fire Department wants to remind you that after a storm you should take down your hurricane shutters.
Hurricane Dorian threatened the Palm Coast area more than two months ago. It prompted residents to protect their homes with the use of commercial and homemade hurricane shutters. However, barricaded windows and doors because of prolonged usage of hurricane shutters or wooden boards on your home increases the risks and hazards in the event of a fire to include:
1. Occupants unable to escape in the event of a fire;
2. Delays firefighters gaining entry into structure;
3. Compromises firefighter safety during interior firefighting operations;
4. Hampers the ability to ventilate a smoke and gas filled structure;
5. Hurricane shutters conceal fires until it’s too late or it breaches the roof;
6. Drastically increases fire conditions due to trapped heat and smoke;
7. Increases damage due to increased fire conditions;
8. Gives the impression that the home is not occupied.
You should remove hurricane shutters — for your safety and our own — within 14 days after the threat of the storm has passed.
For more information, contact the Palm Coast Fire Department at 986-2844. You can obtain more photos from our Facebook Page or for more updates follow us on Twitter @PalmCoastFire.
