Text Only Version
NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTERReturn to National Hurricane Center
Hurricane Awareness  

Securing Entry Doors

Hurricane-proof Close-upYour home has either double or single entry doors. If they are solid wood or hollow metal they probably can resist wind pressures and hurricane debris. However, if you are not sure whether they are strong enough, take these precautions:

  • Install head and foot bolts on the inactive door of double-entry doors. (Shown here)
  • Make sure your doors have at least three hinges and a dead bolt security lock which has a minimum one inch bolt throw length.
  • Since double entry doors fail when their surface bolts break at the header trim or threshold, check the connections at both places. Be sure the surface bolt extends into the door header and through the threshold into the subfloor.

The above information is taken from IBHS's instructive pamphlet, "Is Your Home Protected from Hurricane Disaster? -A Homeowner's Guide to Retrofit."

Visit NWS.gov
NWS
Visit NOAA.gov
NOAA
Visit FEMA.gov
FEMA