> the tape isn't there to stop the window breaking, but rather to
> keep shards flying  everywhere if/when it does break

Yes. Very common to see windows crossed with tape, in
London during The Blitz for example. My guess is that paper
tape would have been the only widely available type and I
wonder how effective it would have been. Paper tape might
have a bit of tensile strength but it tears easily

If a 500kg spengbombe landed between the kitchen and the
outside carzey, my money's on the bomb

Not the final authorities, sometimes not even close, but ....

Windows open/closed

http://mythbustersresults.com/hurricane-windows

and as a side dish

http://mythbustersresults.com/curving-bullets
--=20
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.