Central U.S. Residents Can Rebuild Stronger and Safer After Tornadoes
Contact: Wendy Fontaine
Date: 5/6/2003
Tampa - Residents recovering from recent tornadoes that devastated parts of the central United 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.
Residents building new homes should also consider construction features offered through the IBHS “Fortified…for safer living” program. This code-plus new home construction designation program certifies that specific disaster–resistant features have been built into the home for added protection.
For details on the “Fortified” program, and disaster recovery information for home and business owners, visit the IBHS web site www.disastersafety.org.
The IBHS publications "Protect Your Home Against Tornado Damage," "Getting Back to Business – A Guide for the Small Business Owner Following Disaster", and "You Can Go Home Again – Returning Home After A Natural Disaster" are available on the site, or free single copies can be requested by calling toll free 1(866) 657-IBHS (4247).
IBHS is a national nonprofit initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.
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