Tampa - Residents recovering and rebuilding from recent tornadoes that devastated parts of 13 Midwest and eastern states can help their property better withstand damage from future events, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
While most buildings are not meant to withstand the direct impact of a severe tornado, good construction choices can give added protection against these windstorms.
Structures built to meet or exceed current model building code high-wind requirements have a much better chance of surviving violent windstorms. This type of construction is commonplace in hurricane-prone areas, but should also be considered by anyone who wants to increase their property’s protection against tornadoes, no matter where they live.
Contractors or builders should pay particular attention to the windows, doors, roofing, gables and connections (roof-to-wall, wall-to-foundation). Homes in inland areas are not traditionally constructed to withstand wind speeds that exceed 70 mph, and weaknesses in these parts of the house make it more vulnerable to significant damage.
Information about increased protection from tornadoes and other windstorms is available free from IBHS. The publications Protect Your Home Against Tornado Damage, Is Your Home Protected From Hurricane Disaster? and Hold On To Your Roof, are available on the IBHS web site www.disastersafety.org, or you can request single copies by calling toll free 1(866) 657-IBHS (4247).
Business owners can view Getting Back to Business – A Guide for the Small Business Owner Following Disaster on the IBHS web site, or request a free copy by calling IBHS. Open for Business… a Disaster Planning Toolkit for the Small Business Owner is an online-only IBHS publication that can help businesses enact a disaster plan, or assess their risks and evaluate their current plan.
IBHS is a national, non-profit initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.
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