The home needs to be safe but in some parts of the country, it can be dangerous to even have a home in some areas. Tornados can be incredibly damaging and you need to prepare properly in order to not be affected. Preventing catastrophes is not always possible but everything you do will have an impact on the result. While you can deal with tornado roofing damage in Texas in different ways, fortifying your property is always the priority. Here are some things that you can do.
Identify All Outdoor Hazards
When a tornado appears, winds can go over 300 miles per hour. This means debris will be thrown in literally all directions. As a result, it is important to securely store or remove those things that are a real hazard. This includes things like:
- Lawn chairs and other outdoor furniture.
- Children’s toys.
- Empty planters.
- Potted plants.
- Downed tree limbs.
- Trees that are a risk for electrical lines or homes.
Just walk around the home and see if there are some dangerous things present that could damage the home. Also, make sure to inspect the roof, brickwork, facia, soffit, and siding. And look for leaks that might need some patching.
Reinforce Your Roof
The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. So, you surely do not want it to fly off during tornadoes since this would only lead to more damage. Reinforce the strength of the roof by installing professional hurricane clips or straps. These will be attached to the rafters or trusses of the roof. As a result, the connection is much more solid.
Add Some Extra Protection To Doors And Windows
Doors and windows can end up blowing off when not secured. They can also shatter when hit by debris. Fortunately, many precautions can be taken in order to strengthen doors and windows. This includes:
- Storm Shutters – These offer really fast protection for windows. They can be permanent or you can build some alone with some plywood to use just when the tornado comes.
- Impact Resistant Windows – This option does cost more but will add some protection. It is much less likely to have shattered windows when foreign objects strike them.
- Brace Garage Doors – The garage door is particularly vulnerable during tornadoes. If it drops, the home’s structure is compromised. This is why you need to install metal or wood stiffeners to gain extra support.
Secure All Large Appliances And Furniture
Large items and heavy furniture are a risk whenever sheltering indoors as the tornado hits your home. Such items can end up toppling over. You should reduce the possibility that this will happen by doing the following:
- Use childproof latches – You can also use sliding bolts.
- Use furniture anchors – These are good for the larger pieces of furniture, like bookcases and dressers.
You can also use flexible cables, braided wires, and metal strapping to secure the water heater and other large appliances. And there are several other things you could use in order to secure dangerous items inside the home.
