Abstract: A storm protection system for a window or door unit located in a wall opening and having an outer frame, the system including at least one protective panel fit within the outer frame and wall opening, at least one pair of brackets connected to the outer frame at opposing sides of the wall opening and spaced from the front surface of the panel a first distance, at least one force distribution body with at least one alignment structure on the front surface and spaced from the rear surface a second distance that is greater than the first distance, at least one elongated flexible restraint extending between and connected to the at least two brackets is received by the alignment structure and when tensioned forces the at least one force distribution body against the at least one panel which forces the at least one panel against the window or door unit.