Abstract: A window is protected from storms by applying a rigid protective panel, such as a plywood sheet cut to size, to the window frame. The panel is held securely in place by one or more innovative elongate braces or bars that extend from one wall of the window opening to an opposed wall. The brace has a long body provided with a planar friction pad at each end. Each pad is angularly adjustable relative to the long axis of the body to conform to the angle of the wall for maximum contact. One of the friction pads is connected to the body by a spring-loaded connection that allows for a short reciprocating motion with the spring urging the pad away from the body. This enables the user to temporarily hold the panel in place with one hand, while pushing the brace in place with both pads engaging opposed walls in a panel holding position with the other hand. The brace is then more tightly and securely extended by advancing a threaded nut that forces the pad farther away from the body.