Twisters - How to Protect Your Home From Tornados

Universal recently dropped the trailer for the new movie Twisters, which is set to release in July of this year. The movie, which is a follow-on from the 1996 movie Twister, is centered around storm chasers who risk their lives to test out an experimental weather alert system. We all know how destructive tornados can be.

With the release of this new trailer, we thought we would create this guide on how to protect your home from tornados. Property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote goes over everything you can do to prepare for a tornado and how you can best protect your home and your family from this wild weather phenomenon.

How to Protect Your Home From Tornados

When a tornado is heading your way, your main priority should be to get somewhere safe and take shelter. However, there are some things that you can do beforehand to ensure your home is prepared for these dangerous storms.

Make Sure Entry Doors Are Secured

Entry points to your home need to be fitted with a two-inch deadbolt lock and three hinges. The screws must be long enough to ensure the door and frame are secured sufficiently to the wall framing. The door frame is the most important aspect of your entry points, as this is usually the weakest point. No matter how tough your door is, if something heavy hits it, it could pull away from the frame, creating a gap for wind and debris to enter. Make sure the frame is anchored well to the wall.

Secure Your Garage Doors

The garage door is usually the largest potential opening to your property. If the garage door is lost or damaged during the storm, this will compromise the remainder of your property. You can install wood or metal stiffeners for additional support. Vertical metal bracing is the best option for security. Installing bracing before a tornado will ensure your garage doors are stronger and more wind-resistant.

Invest in Impact-Resistant Windows

If your windows shatter during a tornado, the shattered glass can cause serious injuries, and the open point can cause devastation to your property. Impact-resistant windows are more expensive than regular windows. However, they are worth it when tornados come around. If impact-resistant windows are not an option for you, storm shutters are the best way to go. These can be customized to your home and come in a range of materials, sizes, and colors to suit all circumstances.

Install Wind-Resistant Roof Structures

It is recommended that your roof is attached with hurricane clips rather than just nails. Hurricane clips provide a much stronger connection between the house and the roof itself. These clips can help to maintain the integrity of your roof, making it much safer in strong winds. When installing a new roof, it’s essential that the roof is made up of wind-rated and impact-resistant materials.

Prepare a Storm Shelter

If you live in an area where tornados are more prevalent, it is recommended that you have a storm shelter. This shelter should be stocked well with things like water, snack foods, flashlights, spare batteries, and a battery-powered radio. The basement is usually the safest place for a storm shelter. If you don’t have a basement, somewhere in the center of your home is the best option. You need to choose somewhere away from the external doors and windows.

Trim Your Trees

Broken tree limbs can put a hole in your roof or break your windows. This can impact the integrity of your home during the tornado and could cause more damage to the property. With this in mind, it’s important to keep your trees well-maintained and ensure that they are always cut back. Remove and dispose of any broken or damaged limbs.

Know How to Turn Off The Utilities

Tornadoes can often knock out your electricity and may cause water or gas leaks. It’s important to know where to turn off your utilities before a tornado hits. It’s also a good idea to consider installing a home lightning surge protector to protect the electricity in your property.

Limit The Number of Potential Flying Objects

If you have things like rocks, gravel, or even garden gnomes outside your property, these could all cause potential damage to your home during a tornado. Instead of using these items, consider using mulch, as this is much less likely to cause damage. If you have any patio furniture, sheds, grills, or toys, these should be tied down to prevent them from flying away. If possible, move them indoors when they are not in use.

Check Your Gutters and Downspouts

It’s important to ensure your gutters and downspouts are well-maintained. Check your gutters and downspouts regularly and ensure all of the fasteners are tight. If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, consider upgrading your guttering system to steel. This is much more durable than aluminum or vinyl.

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