2. Consider Improvements When Remodeling
According to the Insurance Institute for Building & Home Safety (IBHS), the connection between your roof structure and the walls is one of the most important in your house or business. Straps and anchors are commonly installed to reinforce this connection in buildings located in hurricane-prone areas, but they can also be helpful during tornadoes and other strong windstorms. When remodeling or reroofing your house or business, consider having straps or anchors installed to help strengthen the building from its roof to the foundation.5
3. Secure Attached Structures
Ask a professional contractor to check the connections between your home and any attached carports, canopies and porches. IBHS research has found that weak connections can cause these structures to come loose during high winds, exposing your house to wind and water damage.6 For more information on securing attached structures, see the IBHS connection checklist.
1 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, http://www.noaa.gov/features/protecting/tornados101.html
2 NOAA's National Weather Service, http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=safety-severe-homesafety
3 NOAA's National Weather Service, http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html
4 https://www.disastersafety.org/tornado/reality-of-tornadoes_ibhs/
5 http://www.disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/tornado-pamphlet-residential.pdf
6 https://disastersafety.org/high_winds/attached-structures/
Orginal article appeared at Traveler.com
