Creating Durable Finishes To Weather A Storm (NAPSA)—The costliest U.S. hurricane on record was 1992’s Andrew, a category 4 storm that caused $26.5 billion in damage to the southeastern part of the coun- try. But if the damage from older hurricanes was adjusted for inflation and population growth, the cyclone with the biggest price tag would be the Great Miami Hurri- cane of 1926. All told, that storm would have done about $80 billion in damageif it had struck in the 1990s. Ultimately, thereis little that anyone can do about these natural phenomena. The best we can hope for is to be prepared, so we are able to “weather the storm.” Tips for doing so include: Stocking emergency supplies, including canned foods, batteries, candles and drinking water; Staying informed ofthe latest weather announcements (have a battery-powered radio on hand); and Making arrangements for alternate shelter, in case your home becomes unsafe. But being prepared means more than having supplies on hand; it means making sure homes and property can stand up to the torrential downpours and heavy winds that hurricanes can bring. One way many homeowners and communities are doingthis is with tough, durable powdercoating. During the coating process, tiny particles of powder are given Powder coating makes many products more resistant to damage from severe weather. an electric charge, which causes them to stick to the item being coated. The powder is then baked on to form a strong and attractive finish, which helps prevent metal parts from corroding, even when exposed to heavy rain. Powder coating protects such metal structuresas: doors, windows, shutters, mailboxes, satellite dishes, lamp posts and fences; * gutters, downspouts andirrigation pipes; and structural steel. In addition to standing up to the effects of hurricanes, powdercoated items are also moreresistant to damage from floods and winterblizzards. To find out more about powder coating and to receive a free Consumer Buying Guide for Home and Garden, visit The Powder Coating Institute web site at www.powdercoating.org.
