You need poles running from the awning to the ground and it needs to be strapped down. There's a guy on the ForestRiverForums.com (OldCoot) selling brackets for these. They make a huge difference - I had my awning out in what turned out to be 35-42mph winds two weeks ago (I actually wanted to bring it in, just missed my window of opportunity). The take down process is quick- pop the ratchet straps and then disconnect the hooks at the top.