Protecting Your Property from Tornado Damage
Barrett Dick • May 17, 2023
Not only are tornadoes frightening severe weather events, they can cause significant damage to homes and businesses as well. Across the Gulf South, these cyclones have been occurring with increasing frequency, leaving property owners vulnerable to their ravages. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to protect both yourself and your property. Here are some tips to help protect your home or business from a tornado:
- Identify Safe Areas: Identify safe areas in your home or business where you can take shelter during a tornado. These areas should be on the lowest level, away from windows and exterior walls, and preferably in an interior room or hallway.
- Have a Plan: Have a plan in place for what to do in the event of a tornado. Make sure everyone in your household or business knows the plan and practices it regularly. Include a designated meeting place and a communication plan in case family members or employees become separated.
- Install reinforced doors and windows: Installing doors and windows that are designed to withstand high winds and debris is a proactive measure that can be taken now to grant peace of mind later. These reinforced structures can help protect your home or business from many of the damaging effects of tornadoes. In an emergency, plywood may also be used for quick reinforcement.
- Secure outdoor items: When the threat of a tornado is near, remove or secure any outdoor items that could become airborne, such as lawn furniture or trash cans. These items can become dangerous projectiles and cause damage to your property or the property of others.
- Reinforce your roof: Consider installing hurricane straps or other reinforcements to help keep your roof in place during high winds. Roof damage is among the most common and costly repairs for many properties following strong storms.
- Stay informed: Stay informed of the weather conditions by regularly checking the local weather forecast and emergency alerts. You can also download a weather app that provides alerts for severe weather conditions. Knowing when a tornado is possible will allow you to prepare, secure your property, and take shelter.
- Review Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance coverage to ensure you have adequate protection in case of tornado damage. Consider adding flood insurance, as tornadoes can cause significant flooding.
- Plan for Disaster: Pre-planning services like those offered by Guarantee Restoration ensure that businesses are prepared with documentation of their building and contents and a detailed action plan that can begin the moment disaster strikes.
Preparing your home or business in the Gulf South for a tornado requires proactive steps to minimize damage and protect your safety. Remember, safety should always be your first priority. Be sure to follow all recommended procedures and seek shelter immediately if a tornado is approaching, and in the event that your home or business does suffer damage from a tornado, contact the restoration professionals at Guarantee to quickly return it to its pre-loss condition.
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For five and a half years, I’ve had the privilege of writing our Meet the Team blog series. About two years into my role, our department grew with the addition of a third team member. This November, I’m excited to introduce you to someone who has already made a positive impact on our team — our GRS Marketing Assistant, Savannah Dear . As we approach Thanksgiving in just two short weeks, it’s hard to believe the holiday season is nearly here. No matter how busy this time of year becomes, one thing remains constant: when it comes to property damage emergencies, our team is always here for you . Meet the Team | Savannah Dear Savannah was born in Monroe, Louisiana, and raised in Clinton, Mississippi. After graduating from Clinton High School in 2018, she attended the University of Mississippi, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Integrated Communication in 2023. In January 2024, she moved to Baton Rouge and began a career in Sales and Marketing with Orange Theory Fitness. We were thrilled to welcome her to the GRS team on August 26, 2024 . Life Outside of Work When Savannah isn’t assisting with social media content, organizing inventory, or supporting our sales team, she loves getting to know Baton Rouge. Her favorite pastimes include exploring the city, trying new restaurants with her boyfriend Jeremiah, spending time with friends, attending concerts, and playing with her dog, Honey. Singing is one of her favorite ways to unwind, and she will never turn down a karaoke night! She’s also an avid traveler, reality TV enthusiast, and sports fan. Her favorite teams include the New Orleans Pelicans, Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Commanders, and her beloved — and slightly apologetic — Ole Miss Rebels.
