​In the last article we talked about how to prepare and stay safe before and during a tornado.  This time we will discuss the different kinds of damage your home could sustain in such a storm.  While some damage to the home will be obvious (depending on the severity of the tornado) there could be other damage that is not so apparent.  What checks should we do on the home to look for signs of damage?
 

• As we can imagine, a structure is severely shaken during a tornado.  This can cause a lot of damage.  One area that could be affected is the plumbing system.  To check for leaks, turn on all faucets in the home and look for signs of leaking water.  This would include checking under sinks and cabinets etc.

 

• Check the area that walls meet the ceiling for any signs of stress cracks.  Use a level to see if the floors and walls have shifted.

 

• Look at crawlspaces and masonry for signs of damage or change which could indicate that the homes foundation has been affected.

 

• Try to immediately repair any roof damage as this will create problems such as water damage and mold issues later on.

 

• A chimney is an important area to check for damage, this is because a damaged chimney could create an unsafe environment for the occupants of the home by means of an accumulation of carbon monoxide.

 

• Uprooted trees are another safety concern as they can disrupt underground gas lines.  You must make sure this has not happened before turning on the gas at home.

 
We hope that these simple steps will help continue to protect you and your household after a tornado. 

​Tornados can be extremely harmful to both life and property, anyone living in an area that experiences many tornados knows this all too well.  This month we wanted to provide some tips for protecting yourself should a tornado occur.  Here are a few pointers:
 
It’s a wise idea to have a plan ahead of time.  This would include making sure you have a disaster supply kit which would contain all you need during and immediately after a disaster.  You would also want to be aware of the location of the nearest storm shelter, if you don’t have one at home.
 
What can you do to prepare if the forecast shows a possibility of tornadic weather?  If you receive enough notice, remove mirrors and picture frames from the walls and move furniture away from windows.  Any large items such as bookcases and cabinets should be already secured to the walls.  Its also a good idea to switch off electricity and water at the mains to prevent further damage.
 
Do you know the safest place to take shelter in your home?  The safest rooms are usually interior rooms, without windows, that do not have any exterior walls.  Exterior walls tend to sustain much more damage than interior ones.  The bathroom is generally a good place to take shelter as the plumbing pipe work will provide extra support to the walls and floor.
 
It’s a bad idea to shelter beneath a room that contains heavy objects.  For example, heavy furniture like a refrigerator could easily fall through a floor that has been weakened from a tornado causing severe injury to anyone underneath it.
 
Take shelter immediately if you know a tornado is in your area.  You will feel a lot less panicked if you have a good plan of action ahead of time.  We hope that these simple tips will help keep you safe during such a storm.