|  For the next several weeks we will be running a series of articles pertaining to violent weather events here on our mountain. These articles will provide you with potentially lifesaving information. New articles will be posted each Sunday for the duration of the series. Let’s Talk Around The Rock about keeping ourselves, and our neighbors safe during these weather events.
Here in the Deep South we often experience violent tornado outbreaks. The landscape of our region offers different hazards than what you find in “Tornado Ally.” All of that land is flat and for the most part deforested, here in our region we are surrounded by forest and other debris. Injuries, and structure damage caused by fallen trees is what causes the most injury, and damage.
This week in our” Let’s Talk Tornado's” series we are going to address what is our first line of defense in these storms, our homes. We are going to learn what areas of our home we need to pay close attention to when inspecting the structural integrity of our homes.
Below find a list of items to pay particular attention to when you are power washing in the spring, or staining the exterior of your home.
Structures built to meet or exceed current model building codes for high-wind regions have a much better chance of surviving violent windstorms. The Standard Building Code, issued by the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc., is one source for guidance on fortifying your home against fierce winds. Although no home can withstand a direct hit from a severe tornado, solid construction will help your home survive if it's to the side of the tornado's path.
When inspecting your home, pay particular attention to the windows, doors, roof, gables and connections (roof-to-wall, wall-to-foundation). Residences in mountainous areas such as ours typically do not built to withstand high wind forces, and weaknesses in these elements of your home make it more vulnerable to significant damage.
If you're handy with a hammer and saw, you can do much of the work yourself. Work involving your home's structure may require a building contractor, however, or even a registered design professional such as an architect or engineer.
Outdoor Work:
Replace gravel/rock landscaping material with shredded bark.
Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed.
Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house.
When building or remodeling
Windows: If you are replacing your existing windows, install impact-resistant window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm. These window systems are commonly available in hurricane-prone areas. If you are unable to find them locally, you can order them from manufacturers or home improvement stores in coastal areas.
Entry doors: Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a dead-bolt security lock, with a bolt at least one inch long. Anchor door frames securely to wall framing.
Patio doors: Glass or any sliding glass door is more prone to wind damage than most other doors. If you are replacing your patio doors or building a new home, consider installing impact-resistant door systems made of laminated glass, plastic glazing or a combination of plastic and glass.
Garage doors: Because of their size and construction, garage doors are highly susceptible to wind damage. A qualified inspector can determine if both the door and the track system can resist high winds and, if necessary, replace them with a stronger system. Garage doors more than 8 feet wide are most vulnerable. Install permanent wood or metal stiffeners. Or contact the door manufacturer's technical staff for recommendations about temporary center supports you can attach and remove easily when severe weather threatens. . I know most home owner’s insurance companies offer a discount on premium for having a upgraded garage door. Be sure to ask your agent
Roofs: If you are replacing your roof, take steps to ensure that both the new roof covering and the sheathing will resist high winds. Your roofing contractor should:
Remove old coverings down to the bare wood sheathing.
Remove sheathing to confirm that rafters and trusses are securely connected to the walls.
Replace damaged sheathing.
Refasten existing sheathing according to the proper fastening schedule outlined in the current model building code for high-wind regions.
Install a roof covering designed to resist high winds.
Seal all roof sheathing joints with self-stick rubberized asphalt tape to provide a secondary moisture barrier.
If you want to give your roof sheathing added protection, but it's not time to re-roof, glue the sheathing to the rafters and the trusses. Use an adhesive that conforms to Performance Specification AFG-01 developed by APA -- The Engineered Wood Association, which you can find at any hardware store or home improvement center.
Gables: Brace the end wall of a gable roof properly to resist high winds. Check the current model building code for high-wind regions for appropriate guidance, or consult a qualified engineer or architect. This isn’t one you really should tackle alone.
Connections: The points where the roof and the foundation meet the walls of your house are extremely important if your home is to resist high winds and the pressures they place on the entire structure.
Anchor the roof to the walls with metal clips and straps (most easily added when you replace your roof). Make certain the walls are properly anchored to the foundation. A registered design professional can determine if these joints need retrofitting, and a qualified contractor can perform the work the design professional identifies. If your house has more than one story, make certain the upper story wall framing is firmly connected to the lower framing. The best time to do this is when you remodel.
When a tornado threatens:
while no home can ever be made "tornado-proof," you can improve the odds of your home surviving high winds by taking these precautions.
Take these additional steps to protect yourself and your family:
Decide in advance where you will take shelter (a local community shelter, perhaps, or your own underground storm cellar or in-residence "safe" room). When a tornado approaches, go there immediately. If your home has no storm cellar or in-residence "safe" room and you have no time to get to a community shelter, head to the center-most part of your basement or home -- away from windows and preferably under something sturdy like a workbench or staircase. (The more walls between you and the outside, the better.)
Become familiar with your community's severe weather warning system and make certain every adult and teenager in your family knows what to do when a tornado watch or warning sounds. Learn about your workplace's disaster safety plans and similar measures at your children's schools or day care centers.
Study your community's disaster preparedness plans and create a family plan in case you are able to move to a community shelter. Identify escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place for your family to reunite if you become separated. Also establish a contact point to communicate with concerned relatives.
Put together an emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of drinking water and food you don't have to refrigerate or cook; first aid supplies; a portable NOAA weather radio; a wrench and other basic tools; a flashlight; work gloves; emergency cooking equipment; portable lanterns; fresh batteries for each piece of equipment; clothing; blankets; baby items; prescription medications; extra car and house keys; extra eyeglasses; credit cards and cash; important documents, including insurance policies.
Move anything in your yard that can become flying debris inside your house or garage before a storm strikes. Do this only if authorities have announced a tornado watch, however. If authorities have announced a tornado warning, leave it all alone.
Don't open your windows. You won't save the house, as once thought, and you may actually make things worse by giving wind and rain a chance to get inside.
Don't try to ride out a tornado in a manufactured home. Even manufactured homes with tie-downs overturn in these storms because they have light frames and offer winds a large surface area to push against. In addition, their exteriors are vulnerable to high winds and wind-borne debris.
Finally, review your homeowners’ insurance policy periodically with your insurance agent or company representative to make sure you have sufficient coverage to rebuild your life and home after a tornado.
Report any property damage to your insurance agent or company representative immediately after a natural disaster and make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. For information about filing an insurance claim after a natural disaster, contact your insurance agent or insurance company. |
