Storm Shutter Safety Warning

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Hurricane season is officially under way.  While storm shutters are meant to protect your home, if you don't take them down after the threat passes, shutters can be dangerous.

That's the message from attorney Glenn Williams, who has filed a petition with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  

Williams wants bolt-on hurricane shutters to either come with a safety-release mechanism, or carry a warning.

"If you open up the window (and your shutters are up), how do you get out?" Williams asked.  "You don't, you can't.  Nobody is warning consumers or homeowners about the potential life safety dangers."

Our area has witnessed shutter tragedy before.  

In the Acreage, in 2008, Esther Mibab died after fire broke out in her home.  Her shutters were still up.

CBS 12 contacted a local maker of hurricane coverings.  He pointed out shutter installations must be permitted, and allow for at least one exit from the home.