Should all Houston homes be required to be rebuilt with a "hurricane hatch"? (house, safety)

[chris_ut]

Originally Posted by cBach

In hurricane Katrina, this was a big cause of loss of life. I think the Gulf states should standardize their codes. A storm doesn't respect city or state boundaries.

Thats because New Orleans is built in a bowl which filled up with water. Literally no one in Houston has ever died in a situation that this would have saved them from. Why not require all homes be lava proofed in case of volcanic eruption. Volcanoes have killed an equal number of people here (0).

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by Dopo

Anybody that says this, has no idea how many government regulations there are for new houses

I'm building a house right now as my own general contractor. I know how many regulations go into building a new house and it is sickening. They dictate how many linear feet can go by before another electical outlet is required. Why Uncle Sam cares whether I have 3 or 4 outlets in my kitchen nook is beyond me.

[Houston321]

No, they shouldn't.

[oceangaia]

Sounds like one more thing to maintain, a potential source of roof leaks, and another point of entry for burglars. The money would be better spent on other things that would make more of a difference. Just don't go into the attic.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by MaryleeII

This could be a lifesaver for someone elderly, disabled, or just not very strong. It could also be another entry for first responders, another exit in case of fire, etc.

$600-$800 + an entry point for burglars & an opportunity for leaks..

[cBach]

Originally Posted by Zippyman

$600-$800 + an entry point for burglars & an opportunity for leaks..

How many burglars are going to climb to the roof and then try to pry open a solid steel door?

It also says it's waterproof in the literature.

[Houston321]

There are more burglars than floods that rise to your attic.

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by cBach

How many burglars are going to climb to the roof and then try to pry open a solid steel door?

It also says it's waterproof in the literature.

The seal may be good when they install it. After a few summers of sitting in the Houston sun it'll start to crack and leak. Just like sky lights.

[oceangaia]

Originally Posted by cBach

How many burglars are going to climb to the roof and then try to pry open a solid steel door?

It also says it's waterproof in the literature.

What if it's left unlocked? What if a contractor unlatches it when in the house then comes back later? It's easy to go around and make sure the windows and doors are locked before leaving the house but who is going up into the attic to check the hatch?

Roofs are supposed to be watertight too and they sometimes develop leaks.

These hatches might even cause more deaths as they will encourage more people to seek refuge in attics rather than evacuate. Then some people will have trouble finding the hatch or getting it open or finding it stuck shut.

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by oceangaia

What if it's left unlocked? What if a contractor unlatches it when in the house then comes back later? It's easy to go around and make sure the windows and doors are locked before leaving the house but who is going up into the attic to check the hatch?

Roofs are supposed to be watertight too and they sometimes develop leaks.

These hatches might even cause more deaths as they will encourage more people to seek refuge in attics rather than evacuate. Then some people will have trouble finding the hatch or getting it open or finding it stuck shut.

We'll, Insulpose they couldn't exactly lead to fewer deaths, so you're probably right!