IBHS News Releases

Tampa - Residents recovering from the tornado that devastated homes near Evansville, Indiana, earlier this month can help their property better withstand damage from future events as they repair and rebuild, 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, roof coverings, gable ends and connections (roof-to-wall, wall-to-foundation).  The design wind speed for homes in inland areas of the United States is only 90 m.p.h., but winds from tornadoes can easily exceed that, and weaknesses in these parts of the house make it more vulnerable to significant damage.

Many of the changes in construction that could be employed in areas affected by tornadoes would use materials already used and paid for, but connect them in a way that will reduce the chance the structure will be torn apart or collapse.

Information about disaster-resistant construction and increased protection from tornadoes is available from IBHS.  Visit the High Wind section of this web site or request free single copies of any IBHS publication 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.