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cbg150: 1 year ago via iPhone

Should you keep your windows open or closed during a hurricane?

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Answer 1

erikdthhomasson: 1 year ago via iPhone

That latter tidbit of misinformation asserts that to relieve pressure from building up within the house during a hurricane and causing the building's roof to blow off, one should leave a few windows either fully open or slightly cracked. But the opposite is true: windows should be tightly shut to prevent any of the wind from entering the home. What does enter will seek to exit, in the process blowing out a roof or ceiling, collapsing a gable end or a garage door. Wherever the home's weak point is, such rogue winds will find it and assault it.

The notion of keeping some windows slightly cracked open during hurricanes crossed over from what was at one time touted as an effective defense against tornadoes but which has since been discredited. In the wake of devastating twisters, it would sometimes appear that a few houses had exploded; from this evidence, scientists theorized air pressure outside had to have been far lower than it was inside, with this disparity causing the blowout. It was therefore suggested people leave their windows open just a bit to equalize pressure.

However, further research showed those blasted apart houses were the result of wind blowing into open or broken windows, so the advice, rather than preventing this particular form of destruction, would actually work to cause it. Those gusts that entered homes pushed up on the roofs at the same time wind was blowing over them, which made the roofs act like airplane wings and generate lifting force. Once roofs lift off, the walls of homes can fall outward, making it look like the buildings exploded.

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MizzBlanchard: 1 year ago via iPhone

People are taking this contest way tok far..

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redheadsays: 1 year ago via iPhone

Excellent response. Useful info. Thanks I'm going to close my windows now ;)

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Answer 2

bowtechtom: 1 year ago

closed

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Answer 3

guineapig3: 1 year ago | Last edited at 2:49PM on 8/27/2011

Closed

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Answer 4

123lucky: 1 year ago via iPhone

You should definitely keep your window CLOSED. The water will get into your house. Also, make sure that you try to stay away from windows.

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Answer 5

d.b.: 1 year ago via iPhone

Closed.

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spanishchic: 1 year ago

Why thumbs down? I swear, some people...

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Answer 6

allyouneedislove: 1 year ago

...are you serious? CLOSED

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Answer 7

hockeydylan: 1 year ago | Last edited at 3:04PM on 8/27/2011

Closed, but stay away from them.

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Answer 8

kec321: 1 year ago

Closed and boarded or taped.

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Answer 9

basilbaker: 1 year ago

Ceep them closed and use some thick heavy duck-tape and make this symbol # with the tape

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