Eight Tips to Help Homeowners Prepare for Tornado Season and Minimize Storm Damage

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth offers seven tips on how homeowners can prevent storm damage during the upcoming tornado season. Should storm damage occur, the team at SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth can quickly be on the scene as soon as it is safe to begin providing damage restoration services.

Locally owned and operated, SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth is the premier residential and commercial storm damage restoration company serving the Fort Worth, Keller, and Park Glen areas. SERVPRO technicians are the best trained in the industry. Having the highest IICRC standards means customers can trust the property damage restoration team to handle any property damage disaster.

As tornado season approaches, SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth urges homeowners to be prepared. Following the simple measures listed below can prevent or limit unnecessary property damage, save money on costly repairs, and save lives. Should storm damage occur, the team at SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth can quickly be on the scene as soon as it is safe to begin providing damage restoration services.

Tip #1: Know when to expect peak tornadic activity, and keep an eye on the weather.

In an article explaining the tornado season in Texas, the experts state: “While tornadoes can occur all year long, tornado season in Texas runs from March through August. During these months, it is not uncommon for several tornadoes to occur at once. The way tornadoes form is not completely understood, but scientists believe they begin when wind shear causes thunderstorms to rotate. As the winds rotate faster, a funnel cloud is formed, and if this cloud reaches the ground, it is called a tornado.”

Understanding what a tornado is and how it works can create a healthy respect for the power of these potentially devastating meteorological events. Anyone who has personally experienced a tornado has both seen and felt the unleashed power of these storms. A prior experience with a tornado can be a driving motivation to take precautionary steps when tornado season arrives.

Tip #2: Create a list of items to bring inside in the event of severe storms or tornadoes.

The list serves a dual purpose. First, the preparation of the list prepares the mind to think quickly when a storm arrives. It is doubtful that anyone braving high winds, pelting rain and hail, and lightning would be checking off items as they were being collected and stored in the home or garage. However, when minutes count, having a mental list can save time and possible injury from flying debris. Items to store may include:

• lawn and pool furniture
• flags, hanging bird feeders, wind chimes
• portable solar lights
• grill, fire pit, and outdoor fans
• bicycles, skateboards, toys

Tip #3: Clear away any debris and loose items in the yard or on the patio or porch.

Potted plants, garbage cans, dog houses, branches, and even firewood may become missiles when launched by the turbulent winds of a tornado. These and other wind-born items can shatter windows, penetrate siding, and demolish vehicles.

Tip #4: Prune trees so that they are less vulnerable to damage from high winds.

Remove damaged and diseased limbs that can break off and become deadly projectiles. Thin out the larger branches to allow wind to flow through the trees. The services of a bonded, insured, and reputable tree service company will be required to perform these measures safely.

Tip #5: Reinforce garage doors.

Garage doors are often damaged by high winds and airborne debris. If the garage door is destroyed, wind-driven rain and hail can cause serious water damage to the contents of the garage, and any vehicles in the garage can be damaged from debris and hail. High winds ripping into the garage can contribute to catastrophic roof failure and possibly the destruction of the entire home.

Tip #6: Weigh the benefits of installing sturdy permanent storm shutters to cover windows.

Though not as devastating as a direct hit from a tornado, large hail and microbursts can cause extensive damage. Wind-driven hail the size of a baseball or larger can impact a home at speeds exceeding 100 miles an hour. Once a window shatters, rain can wreak havoc inside the home. Shutters can be rapidly closed to protect the windows.

Tip #7: Fortify the home.

The insurance experts at Access Home Insurance offer the following recommendations: “Call a professional to reinforce any masonry walls or other structures that provide support to your home. If you have a chimney, have the professionals secure it with reinforced steel to prevent it from falling off during high winds. Professionals can also assess your home and make recommendations to add additional strength and stability.”

Tip #8: Pre-qualify a property damage restoration company to provide services before the calamity strikes.

SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties damaged by a storm. The company can provide emergency tarping, board-ups, security fencing, pack-ups, and storage. The dedicated team also provides restoration services after a fire, smoke, or water damage incident while also handling mold and mildew remediation for the home or business.

For more information about storm damage restoration, contact the SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth, TX, at (817) 741-5737 or email office@SERVPROnortheastftworth.com.