Breaking the Costly Damage, Repair, Damage Cycle
Now Is The Time To Protect Your Home From Future Disasters
Release Date: July 9, 2008
Release Number: 1769-021
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides
BRIDGEPORT, W. Va. -- West Virginians who are repairing or rebuilding after recent severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, mudslides and landslides are facing many choices - and opportunities - regarding how they put the pieces of their homes and lives back together.
State and federal emergency management officials are hoping that some of those choices will include proven techniques that can help reduce or prevent future storm damage.
"As people repair or rebuild, it's an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures," says Ed Smith, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the West Virginia disaster recovery effort. "Many of these are small changes that can make a big difference the next time storms strike."
State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato, director of West Virginia's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, says that similar steps taken after other disasters in the state already have proven effective in minimizing subsequent damage.
"We know that disaster-resistant techniques work because we've seen examples where damage was reduced or prevented in another disaster," says Gianato. "Right now, many West Virginians have a second chance to take those same steps as they rebuild. We hope they'll consider using some of these methods that will better protect their families and homes."
Officials agree that the best way to minimize damage from severe storms and break the costly damage-repair-damage cycle is to consider both wind- and flood-resistant techniques. Many of these measures can be put in place for little or no cost. Some require more of an investment.
Significant tools have been devised to help people understand and reduce or prevent future losses. Web users can go to www.fema.gov and find an enormous amount of detailed information about ways to combat storms, tornadoes and flooding. The Web site www.floodsmart.gov can even tell you the risk of flooding at your address - and provide flood maps and names of the nearest agents offering flood insurance.
To minimize damage often caused by high winds, emergency management officials suggest the following:
- Anchor critical building components in three areas:
- Attach roof rafters to the walls with a metal connector - most easily added when new roof sheathing and shingles are installed - to help the structure resist wind uplift.
- Tie one floor to another with a continuous strap (nailed on the outside of the wall) or with a floor-tie anchor, nailed to the inside of the wall.
- Secure the structure to the foundation with connectors nailed to the studs and bolted into the concrete - also to help the structure resist wind uplift.
- Fortify gable roofs by bracing the end wall of the gable to resist high winds.
- Take outside measures to minimize flying debris:
- Replace landscaping gravel and rock with shredded bark.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed.
- Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house or those around you.
- Reinforce glass windows and doors by:
- Installing impact-resistant laminated glass window or door systems.
- Applying high-strength window security films to standard window and patio door glass.
- Fortify garage doors by:
- Installing permanent wood or metal stiffeners to an existing door.
- Replacing door with one that is designed to resist high winds.
- Build a "safe room" inside your home to provide shelter from a storm by:
- Reinforcing an existing room (bathroom, closet or utility room) to withstand uplift, overturning or penetration from flying debris.
- Building a small, attached addition to your home with proper anchors and reinforcement to resist high winds or tornadoes.
Severe storms also can cause flooding, and West Virginia has seen much of that in the last decade. In 2002, there were 112,000 structures situated in West Virginia floodplains. So officials are urging citizens to take action that will minimize this type of disaster as well. Some of those ideas:
- Install a sewer backflow valve to temporarily block drain pipes and prevent sewage from backing up into the house.
- Add a sump pump in your basement to help keep groundwater from entering your home's interior.
- Elevate key utilities and appliances - water heaters, furnaces, washers and dryers. When possible, move them from a basement or lower level to an upper floor. Otherwise, relocate appliances on a base at least 6 inches tall. Be sure to use a licensed contractor when plumbing or electrical changes are needed.
- Raise electrical components - panel boxes, switches, outlets - at least 1 foot above the 100-year flood level. For help in determining the 100-year flood level in your area, check with local officials.
- Cut drywall so that it is one-half to 1-inch off the floor, especially in basements. Concrete floors commonly absorb ground moisture - especially in winter months. That moisture can wick up the wallboard if it's touching the floor, allowing mold to grow out-of-sight within the walls. (You can hide the gap with wood or rubberize floor trim.)
- Anchor a fuel tank by securing it to a large concrete slab or by running straps that are attached to ground anchors over the tank.
- Add waterproof veneer to exterior walls and seal all openings, including doors, to prevent water entry.
- Don't forget to buy flood insurance - even if you don't live in a flood-prone area. Flood insurance provides year-round financial protection and improves your
ability to quickly recover when severe storms strike and cause unexpected flooding.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 10-Jul-2008 09:35:52