Tornado season is almost year-round now in places like Oklahoma, however, tornadoes are most active from March through August. Since tornadoes can happen at any given time, it’s difficult to buy a home that’s tornado proof. There are plenty of ways to safeguard your home for tornadoes. I have a few listed below.
However, you can look for features, areas and home construction that’s more likely to weather anything but a direct hit. Many Oklahoma city real estate homes have tornado safe rooms, a room made out of steel and concrete.
This safe room will keep you and your family protected during a tornado or hurricane. Not everyone has a safe room or have to luxury to install one, below are ways to safeguard your home for a tornado and be prepared for this emergency.
How to Safeguard Your Home for Tornadoes
Install Wind-Resistant Roof Structures
Attach your roof with hurricane clips. Hurricane clips have a tighter connection between your roof and house and they come in a variety of sizes depending on the weight of your roof. My tornado and hurricane-prone areas require hurricane clips. Another tip, be sure all materials used on your home are wind-rated and impact resistant.
Prepare Your Home Shelter
Know what area of your home you will go to in the event of a tornado. Have that specific area prepared with essential items. Items like a battery-powered radio, water, snack food (energy bars), flashlight and spare batteries.
Your shelter should be in the safest spot in your home. Obviously, the basement is that location, however, if you don’t have a basement, the center of the home works. You want to be in an area where smashed glass and broken doors won’t hurt you.
Another tip, have cash on hand. Sometimes power can be out for days or weeks, meaning credit card machines and ATM’s don’t work. If you are building or remodeling your home, use impact-resistant and wind-resistant materials as a way to minimize losses.
Garage Doors
The most vulnerable part of your home during a tornado, garage doors. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the internal pressure created by a blown-off door will ultimately blow out walls and even the roof.
Be sure to inspect your garage door, determine if your garage door is storm ready, follow garage door safety precautions (keep the door closed) and secure your garage door before a tornado. You can purchase metal reinforcement kits that attach to the concrete slab and framing above the garage door for support. Support is key!
Windows
Usually, the first thing damaged in a home, are the windows. If debris smashes through the glass, it’s just seconds before damage begins to multiply exponentially. A good investment is custom home design options such as double-pane windows and steel patio doors.
By following these precautions and ways to Safeguard Your Home for Tornadoes, hopefully, less damage will be done on your house. Tornadoes are so scary but it is best to be prepared for the worst.
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