Why do I need hurricane shutters?
Hurricane shutters are a first line of defense against hurricanes and intense storms. Shutters are an excellent investment for protecting the lives and property of people living in hurricane-prone areas of the United States and Caribbean. Hurricane shutters protect against wind and blowing debris, such as tree limbs and other items that can become air-borne during these storms. Shutters protect not only the windows and doors, but also the interior of the structure, preventing the tremendous pressure of hurricane winds from lifting the roof off the building, destroying walls, and exposing the entire contents your home or office to the storm. 

Can't I just tape my windows with masking tape or duct tape when a hurricane threatens?
No, taping your windows provides absolutely NO protection against flying debris. Worse, it gives the building occupants a sense of false security. And, assuming no damage resulted from the storm, removing the tape and glue from your windows afterward will be time-consuming, to say the least. If hurricane shutters don't fit into your budget, consider plywood instead (5/8" minimum thickness).