If we are picking nits: Actually, the term "Batten down the hatches" comes from sailing ship days when cargo was loaded through deck hatches covered with wooden gratings. In heavy weather the gratings were covered with canvas and battens, strips of wood, were nailed over the canvas to keep the hatches secure and sealed. The term carried over to the more modern ships and the usage you describe was adopted.
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Thanks. Didn’t know that.