Unless your home is equipped with hurricane shutters, an approaching storm means you'll need to put plywood over your windows. Plywood is inexpensive, readily available (as long as you don't wait until the last moment to shop), and has 30 percent greater impact strength than OSB. Insurance industry groups recommend 1/2 inch thick, exterior-grade (CDX) plywood, at minimum. Most people don't know what a board-up company is or how they could benefit from one. Openings in the exterior of a building give burglars an easy chance to walk right in and steal belongings or merchandise. Board-up services prevent thieves from having ready access to your personal property by securing buildings and property until the damage can be properly repaired. In addition a properly secured structure will prevent further damage from water and other elements. Most board-up companies offer 24 hour services and respond to the scene in 1 hour or less.