just saw the French quarter all boarded up. Now I know there is

[rodeodance]

trouble for sure.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

1. Do those plywood boards really help in this big of a storm?

I was wondering that while I watched people nailing those boards in place.

Do they keep the windows from being blown out, even in the fierce winds that are being predicted?

[AuntPatsy]

2. That all depends if the walls remain standing,

[DoYouEverWonder]

3. They help

protect windows from flying debris.

[rodeodance]

4. I have had some very very good times in those quarters. Is it below

sea level?

[DoYouEverWonder]

5. Yes

New Orleans relies on a pumping system to stay dry. Things could get real exciting if those pumps go out.

[CottonBear]

7. The pumps don't work afte a certain depth of water builds up.

With 20 - 28 foot storm surges, the pumps will not help.
:scared:
The big job will be to pump the water out as quickly as possible after the hurricane.

[Renew Deal]

8. Should the water be pumped out if mother nature takes it back?

What if the water cannot be removed without serious man made help? I mean like if the lay of the land changes similar to the tsunami. I wonder what is the point of no return.

[mcar]

6. They can help keep a roof on

If they prevent flying debris from coming through a window and causing the roof to come off. It's why hurricane shutters can work.

However, I don't know that boards or shutters can work in 175 MPH winds. I just hope everyone gets out OK. :scared:

[geomon666]

9. Not really, not in a storm of this intensity

The boards will just get ripped off by the wind and the debree will shatter the glass. Dedicated storm shutters are preferable.