Cape Hatteras is on the coast of North Carolina, and is one of the most dangerous areas to sail in the world. The dangerous waters and many storms that strike the area are the reason it’s so unsafe to sail there, and so many ships have been lost off Cape Hatteras that the area is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. It’s also notorious for being frequently struck by hurricanes that move up the east coast.
One of the worst happened in 2003, when Hurricane Isabel ravaged Hatteras island, and actually created a new inlet. The inlet already there was washed out, and Hurricane Isabel tore a new one. It took two months for the new inlet to be filled with sand, and for life on the island to return to normal. Roads, electrical lines, and water pipes were all impacted, and residents had to wait for the original inlet to be repaired before they could fix any of these.
Because Cape Hatteras is so vulnerable to storms, if you live there permanently or have a vacation home in the area, hurricane shutters are a must. Because the area is hit by tropical storms so frequently, not having them on your home is a mistake. Hurricane shutters protect your home in a variety of ways – they protect you from high winds, from pressure changes during a hurricane that can actually rip your home apart, and from missile impact.
Much of the damage to your home occurs when windows or doors break and the driving rain and wind is allowed free rein. Hurricane shutters are tested to prevent this, and they are easy to secure quickly when a storm is coming. When storms are imminent, permanent hurricane shutters can be closed in a matter of minutes, and this is important in an area where storms hit so frequently.
There are many types of shutters to choose from. Some of the most popular:
Rolling shutters – Convenient, motorized shutters that close at the touch of a button. They also have a manual option so that you can open or close them in case of power outages.
Accordion shutters – Shutters that open accordion style, and fold up unobtrusively beside the sides of the windows when not in use.
Colonial shutters – Southern-style shutters that are in two parts; they come together and secure in the middle. Very popular in the south, and very attractive.
Bahama shutters – Shutters with an island flair, popular in Florida and other tropical and sub-tropical areas. They’re louvered and fasten at the top of the window, allowing them to be cranked out for shade when not in use.
No matter what kind of shutter that you decide on, if you live on Cape Hatteras, they are a essential requirement for your home. The area is vulnerable to the many hurricanes and tropical storms each year. Protect your home and your family, and install hurricane shutters today.
