Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/61431
from the editor What's Ahead? It's Best to Be Prepared Most of the country is coming out of one of the strangest winters on record and is heading into one of the most uncertain springs. NOAA reports January was among the warmest ever, with little snowfall. Meanwhile, much of the southern Midwest has already experienced a rash of deadly tornadoes. What this means for the summer and hurricane season ahead is difficult to say. Last December, the forecast team at Colorado State University decided not to issue its early pre-season forecast. Over the past 20 years these extended-range forecasts haven't shown the real-time skill they seek. Instead, the CSU team will release a forecast in early April. One intrepid forecaster, however, has been willing to go out on a wind swept limb. Weather Services International (WSI) is calling for 12 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 intense hurricanes. These numbers put the season at just a bit above normal and on par with the generally active seasons we've experienced over the past decade or so. In other words: It's hard to tell what it's going to be like, so it's best to be prepared. Tens of thousands in the homebuilding industry traveled to Orlando in February with being prepared in mind. At the International Builders' Show, they sought tools, products and ideas that would help them get their businesses ready for the remainder of the year. Truth be told, they also were looking for good news, positive signs, something… anything that would indicate an industry-wide recovery was on the way. In the storm protection and security industry there was some good news to be found at this year's show. Coming off an active hurricane season in 2011, one that saw Irene make landfall in the mid-Atlantic and sweep all the way up to New England followed by some of the most devastating tornadoes, building strong and safe was a noticeable priority among many exhibitors. Walking the aisles it was a bit easier to find building products aimed at keeping weather out, resisting debris impact, able to withstand pressure cycles, and keeping the building envelope intact and together. More products weren't just being tested to Florida Building Codes, but had received NOA's and acceptance for use in high velocity hurricane zones. What's more, these companies were actively promoting these facts, knowing that builders' customers will be looking for them. With hurricane amnesia broken, we can anticipate more homeowners looking for and buying the products we promote. STORM SECURITY 2012 & P R O T E C T I O N DIRECTORY & RESOURCE GUIDE stormsecuritymag.com Vol. III No. 1 Web site: National Sales: Kerri Caldwell (773) 775-9293 Publisher kcaldwell@kasnicmedia.com Office Manager/ Circulation Director: Tammy Cook (773) 775-9293 tcook@kasnicmedia.com Sales Support Manager: Sue Shingle Design & Production: Lynda Cassidy (480) 276-3991 lcassidy@kasnicmedia.com editorial Contributors: Don Leggett Howard Shingle kasnicmedia, LLC KasNic Media, LLC 6430 North Central Avenue Suite 206 Chicago, Illinois 60646 (773) 775-9293 Howard Shingle Editor at Large Kerri Caldwell Publisher Storm & Security Protection 4 STORM&SeCuRITy PROTeCTION / 2012 DIRECTORY & RESOURCE GUIDE The views and comments expressed by contrib- utors do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Advertisers assume complete liability for all content of advertisements including text, representation and illustrations.