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Hurricane preparation guide
How to board your windows
Plywood is a cheap, easy way to protect your windows from wind and debris. Just make sure you've measured the windows properly and purchased the plywood before the rush that will precede the first serious storm. Experts say $9 plywood sheets are just as strong as $40 plywood sheets. There are two simple ways to install plywood in windows. One person probably could do each installation in an average-size window, but the chore goes much faster with two. Dennis Johnson, contractor services manager at The Home Depot in Pearland and co-worker Bob Zaremba, a sales associate, offer step-by-step instructions:

Using Plylox clips

Note: Plylox clips, which work on brick, wood and stucco, require no screws or adhesives. They work only on window frames 2.5 inches deep or more; they do not work on flush-finish windows. Materials needed: Measuring tape, Plylox clips, 1/2-inch thick plywood sheets, saw, pliers, ladder. Plylox clips sell at hardware stores. The price for a pack of 20 ranges from $25 to $30. 1. Measure the window frame flush against the window, then subtract a quarter to half an inch from the total height and width. 2. Cut the plywood to fit your measurements. With Plylox, the plywood fits right up against the window. 3. Using pliers, squeeze the Plylox clips so the plywood will fit snugly into the halfinch groove on the clip. 4. Fit the clips onto the plywood no more than two feet apart. The teeth on the clips should be facing toward you. 5. Push the plywood sheet into the window casing. The Plylox teeth will grip the brick or wood. (To release, use a screwdriver to ease the tension on the clips.)

Using lag screws

Note: If your window frame is wood, omit steps 3, 4 and 5 and use regular 1.5-inch screws. Materials needed: Measuring tape, 1/4 by 1.5 inch lag screws, washers, lag shields, halfinch thick plywood sheets, saw, pliers, drill and ladder. Lag screws typically cost 30 cents apiece; shields are three for $1.08. 1. Measure plywood 2 to 3 inches beyond the window frame. If there's a ledge on the bottom of your window, rest the plywood there. 2. Cut the plywood. Drill holes in the plywood about two feet apart and starter holes into the brick. It's easier to drill into mortar than brick.

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Hurricane preparation guide
3. Using a half-inch drill bit, drill inch-deep holes for the quarter-inch lag shields, which will remain in the bricks when you remove the plywood. 4. Push the lag shield into the brick. 5. Hang the plywood by drilling the lag screw through the premade holes in the plywood and into the lag shields. Unscrew to remove. Compiled and written by Houston Chronicle reporter Maggie Galehouse

Storm shutter options

Permanent storm shutters can save you time and work, but they cost between $200 to $1,000 per window, depending on style and size. Bahamian or colonial: Decorative, functional louvered wooden shutters can be pulled closed. Roll-up: Aluminum, rolling out of a box above the window. Power operated or manual. Excellent protection and easy to use. Accordion: Manually operated; fan in and out. An option for sliding glass doors and large horizontal windows. Panel: Individual panels of aluminum or shatterproof plastic, they slide into pre-installed tracks and secure with fasteners. Fabric shields: A new option designed to protect from debris and water penetration. Some experts don't think they'll stop flying debris from shattering glass. Compiled and written by Houston Chronicle reporter Dai Huynh
Sources: Lowe's Home Improvement Center, Eastern Metal Supply and Home Depot