Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing do-it-yourself protection from environmental forces to at least a portion of a structure are provided. The device can include a woven fabric having at least one edge with opposing first and second sides and a reinforcing fabric having a first portion and a second portion, at least the first portion being attached to a portion of the woven fabric at the at least one edge to form at least one reinforced portion, the device being afixable to the structure by at least one anchor extending through the reinforced portion into the structure, the at least one reinforced portion providing tear-resistance at the location of the anchor extending therethrough.

Abstract: The hurricane shutters are formed from double-skinned panels that are strengthened by including a rod extending through the end channels. The panels are mounted side by side to cover the expanse of the window or door being protected. In another embodiment a cable is attached to the ends of the rod and tightened to bow the rod and panels. The ends of the panels on the extremity are left unbowed if air flow through the space between the window and panels is not desired. In other embodiments the ends of the panel are constructed to form a hinge to receive the rod which then acts as a hinge and the structural enhancement member and may extend beyond the end of the panel and serve as an attachment in a retracting and deployment mechanism.