Be prepared for a hurricane

John Bartok, faculty emeritus at the University of Connecticut, offers tips to prepare greenhouses for impending hurricanes.
Check the area for loose objects. Anything that can be picked up and hurled through the glazing should be secured or moved indoors.

Metal chimney sections should be secured with sheet metal screws.

Inspect for dry or weak tree limbs that could fall on the greenhouse.

Close all openings including vents, louvers and doors. The effective force of the wind is doubled when it is allowed inside the building. The wind on the outside puts a pressure or lifting force on the structure. The wind inside tries to force off the walls and roof.

On air-inflated greenhouses, increase the inflation pressure slightly by opening the blower’s intake valve. This will reduce the rippling effect.

Check to see that the plastic is attached securely and that any holes are taped.

Disconnect the arm to the motor on all ventilation-intake shutters and tap the shutters closed. Then turn on enough exhaust fans to create a vacuum in the greenhouse. This will suck the plastic tight against the frame.