Preparing for Tornado & Hurricane Season

Whether it’s the memory of Katrina, the ominous warnings of climate change, or the 24-hour news cycle, most Americans have never been more tuned in to the predictions, forecasts, and events of the annual storm season. As we pivot from the end of tornado season into the beginning of hurricane season, here are not just the predictions, but some of the before-and-after actions you need to be aware of in case a major storm hits your area this year.

Tornado Season: Fewer Vortexes doesn’t Make for an Off-Year

Fortunately, earlier predictions for this year’s tornado season were wrong. The volatile tornado season has fallen short of recent averages. In fact, there have been only 21 tornado-related deaths so far this year. At this time, last year, there had been 121. Although the tornado season ends in mid-June, residents of tornado alley and other vulnerable areas must remain diligent. “Historically, it’s when we go through a low tornado frequency period when people drop their guard, and then the first big storm takes everyone by surprise,” says Brian Barnes from StormChase.com, “That’s when we see tornado-related fatalities increase dramatically.”

Preparing for the Tornado Season

Unlike a hurricane with its much longer warning times, preparation for tornado season should be focused on ensuring the safety of household members. While you can build a fairly tornado-proof home from brick, concrete, or compressed earth, it’s difficult to retrofit a stick-frame home to withstand the 300mph winds of a major tornado. But you must still have a plan. Underground tornado shelters are often best, but basements and interior rooms can be used when necessary. These rooms should be designated “safe rooms” with proper anchoring, wind resistance, and walls strong enough to withstand common projectiles. For a better understanding of creating a safe room, use this link: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tornado/to_saferoom.shtm

When the Damage is Done

Just as you shouldn’t risk your life, trying to board windows or save material possessions, in the minutes leading up to a tornado strike, you can’t let your guard down in the period immediately after a tornado. Although your house may still be standing, the damage caused by high winds may have caused a gas leak, faulty electrical wiring, broken glass, even contaminated water. Expect debris to be strewn everywhere, and some of these items may also present safety hazards. After ensuring the safety of friends, family, and neighbors, look for a safe place to stay and find water and food supplies until further assistance arrives.

Hurricane Season: Fewer Storms, Less Warning

With an El Nino pattern forming in the Pacific Ocean and a high pressure system blowing dry air and dust into the atmosphere into the Atlantic Ocean, the 2009 hurricane season is expected to be milder than in recent years (with only 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes). Yet, there are still considerable dangers to the hurricane season. One major concern is the high winds present in the stratosphere that could lead to a phenomenon known as “pop-up” hurricanes. These hurricanes can form just off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and give residents less warning of impending disaster. Plus, there is still a better-than-even chance that at least one major hurricane will reach landfall this year. And, as National Weather Service meteorologist Rusty Pfost recently said, “The main thing to remember is that it only takes one storm to have a bad season.”

Preparing for the Hurricane Season

If you haven’t had your home evaluated for its ability to withstand a major hurricane, your time is quickly running out. Top priorities include windows and doors, especially garage doors, as well as any other place that might allow the sudden and enormous pressure of hurricane winds to rush into your home. As this pressure can frequently cause roofing failure, you must take steps to strengthen your roofing system. Hurricane clips or tie downs can make the difference between a few broken windows and furnishings and total property loss. You should also take a look at any large trees on your property, especially those in close proximity to the house. Do they look sick in any way? Are they leaning excessively? You may need an arborist to assess the risk the tree poses to your home should a hurricane strike.

When the Damage is Done

Lose your home in a hurricane? Just move into your neighbor’s. This answer sounds farcical, but this is precisely what the Federal Emergency Management Agency is considering. Attempting to avoid the exodus that makes it difficult for residents to return to their home state or even to remain with their immediate family, like New Orleans saw in the Katrina aftermath, the federal agency is exploring an option that would allow Florida residents to occupy foreclosed homes in the event of a major hurricane. To read more about this plan, use this link: www.freep.com/article/20090603/NEWS07/90603046/