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Nation's First Weather Museum Survives Hurricane Ike

When Hurricane Ike's strong winds blew through Houston this past week, the Weather Research Center and the nation's first Weather Museum were ready to withstand the storm. Simonton StormBreaker Plus® impact-resistant windows in the shared facility made it possible for three meteorologists to safely ride out the hurricane and monitor its activities.

"This was a wicked hurricane with wind gusts up to 90-mph that have knocked out power and windows in many area homes and businesses," says Jill Hasling, CCM, executive director of the John C. Freeman Weather Museum. "But, not here at our facility. When we moved to this location, which is 50 miles inland from the coast, we prepared in advance for just this type of severe storm scenario.

"When we renovated our facility, we partnered with Simonton Windows® and had impact-resistant StormBreaker Plus windows installed throughout our 75- year-old-historic building. The meteorologists who worked through Hurricane Ike reported flying debris and tree limbs continually hitting the windows, however there was no damage. And, we were all truly amazed that the sound of the wind was also muffled by these durable windows.

"One upstairs kitchen window was not replaced with a Simonton window during our renovation. That window had water pouring in and the wind howled through the glass. It clearly defined to us how important it is that we have the StormBreaker Plus windows throughout the majority of our facility."

Weather Museum Stands Up to Storm

When the country's first national museum dedicated to weather opened its doors on April 22, 2006, they did so with strong support from one of its founding sponsors, Simonton Windows®. To protect the museum from severe weather, Simonton donated more than five dozen impact-resistant Simonton StormBreaker Plus® vinyl windows to replace the older existing windows in the facility, which is located in the historic Houston Museum District.

A project of the Weather Research Center, the Texas-based education and research organization, the John C. Freeman Weather Museum is a facility where people of all ages can come to learn about the weather, its history and public safety. "Understanding the science behind weather formation and the ways in which storms develop is crucial to all of us so that lives and property can be protected," says Hasling.

"The Weather Research Center serves a valuable purpose by educating the public about weather conditions and making predictions for upcoming hurricane seasons," says Mark Savan, president of Simonton Windows. "The work they do is exceptionally important, especially considering the severe hurricane cycle we're currently experiencing.

"We're pleased that our impact-resistant windows helped offer storm protection to this important, historic center in the Houston area. And, we're proud to support the ongoing efforts of this dedicated team."

Founded in 1987, the non-profit Weather Research Center manages a worldwide forecasting operation and provides groundbreaking research to scientists around the globe. Meteorologists work on severe weather advisories, marine forecasts, long-range outlooks, environmental studies and forensic meteorology services.

The Weather Museum is located at 5104 Caroline in Houston, Texas, within the Houston Museum District. For more information, call 713-529-3076 or visit www.wxresearch.org.

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked "Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction StudySM. The company was ranked #1 in quality in the 2007 Brand Use Study sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards from Market Research Associates.

Founded in 1946, Simonton's hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in seven days or less. Part of consumer products company Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton has manufacturing facilities in Pennsboro, Harrisville and Ellenboro, W.Va.; Paris, Ill.; McAlester, Okla.; and Vacaville, Calif. Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a corporate partner of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON or visit www.simonton.com.