1.Cut sheet wood to fit windows.
2. Label them if for various sized windows.
3. Store with bag of screws or hammer/nails and install prior to civil unrest or storms.
In the event of a life altering event (LAE), quickly install the precut boards and be prepared.
Download our Target Hardening Guide for SHTF or read on for more tips on improvised window shutters.
Boarding up your windows provides a straightforward but effective way to protect your home during storms or nearby civil unrest. Placing boards over windows with materials like plywood or sheetboard reinforces these vulnerable areas against high winds, flying debris, and potential break-ins.
From a security perspective, plywood barriers create a physical block against forceful impacts. In the case of a storm, they absorb and deflect flying objects that could otherwise shatter glass and create further interior damage from wind or rain. During civil disturbances, boarded windows present a formidable barrier to anyone attempting to enter or vandalize your property, as they can’t quickly break the glass to gain access.
To prepare for this, it’s wise to measure and cut the wood for each window well in advance. Using 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch plywood cut to size works well for most homes, as it provides both strength and ease of use. You’ll want to label each board by its corresponding window so it can be installed quickly when needed. Pre-drill holes in the wood and walls or window frames to speed up the installation, and keep a toolkit with screws and a drill nearby. Having these boards ready makes it much easier to reinforce your home at a moment’s notice, improving safety without the need to scramble for materials when time is critical. In a pinch, nails work just fine but consider the return to normal consequences. After a storm, when you remove the boarding, you're left with holes or damaged siding from the nails. Consider your options. Is the precut wood and bag of nails a worst case scenario response? If so, deal with the cleanup aftermath later. If you have the time and money, have shutters professionally installed. In that case, I guess ignore this whole article. Spend your money and/or time and do it. Otherwise, read on.
When you board up windows ahead of a storm or potential unrest, you’re not just protecting glass—you’re making a statement that your place is secure and off-limits. It’s a strong deterrent (but sometimes it shows you have more to protect, more of value and in some cases it has the opposite effect). Most people looking for an easy target aren’t going to waste time on a home that’s visibly reinforced. Hopefully it deters opportunistic looters after a storm or unrest but it may not aid during longterm collapse and marauding.Â
One smart move is to add anchors or brackets around the frames ahead of time. That way, when it’s time to put the boards up, they’ll lock in quickly and snugly without needing to drill new holes each time. This keeps the window frames in better shape over the long run, and it also saves precious time when you’re in a hurry.
Another tip: think about having different thicknesses of plywood on hand. If you’re gearing up for a major hurricane, you’ll want the heavy-duty 3/4-inch boards for maximum protection. But for a shorter-term situation, like nearby unrest, lighter 1/2-inch boards can still offer plenty of security. Having a mix lets you adapt quickly without overspending or using up your best materials unnecessarily. Obviously, the thicker the better but that also means a higher price and more weight. More weight makes it more difficult to install, especially without help or for 2nd story windows. Choose what works for you.
And don’t forget about doors. Reinforcing those with braces or barricades makes your whole place more secure. It all adds up to a solid layer of defense, so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute. Even a door wedge helps and can be added quickly. There’s a real peace of mind in knowing your home is protected, even if things start to heat up outside.