FEMA Urges Disaster-Resistant Building
Release Date: June 21, 2002
Release Number: 1412-41
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Columbia, MO -- After a spring that was stormy enough for 79 Missouri counties to be included in a presidential disaster declaration, state and federal officials urge homeowners to consider disaster resistance when rebuilding or remodeling. Small steps can often make a tremendous difference, according to representatives of the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Some of the measures that can help keep damages to a minimum when storms come include the following:
- Elevate. In some cases, entire structures may need to be raised to avoid flood damages. In other cases, it can be helpful to relocate or elevate water heaters, heating systems, washers and dryers to a higher floor or to at least 12 inches above the high water mark. Also raise electrical wiring and outlets.
- Anchor the fuel tank on a cement pad so it will not be carried away in a flood.
- Install backflow valves to keep matter from the sewers or septic system from entering the home.
- Install wind-resistant structural connectors. Connectors tie wood frame structures together to add greater strength and safety.
- Use masonry ties. These metal strips help secure brick walls to a wooden structure.
- Don't skimp on nails. For shingles and siding, driving nails at short intervals can avoid wind damage.
- Prefer plywood. While impact tests show that pressed wood is as strong as plywood, experts nonetheless recommend plywood for roof decking and sheathing for extra protection against storm damage. The preferred thickness is five-eighths of an inch.
- Consider building a Safe Room. In Missouri, where tornadoes are likely, a room with structural reinforcement can be a lifesaver. Additional information about Safe Rooms can be found on the web at http://www.fema.gov/mit/saferoom/.
- Check insurance policies. Make sure your policy has sufficient coverage for likely hazards. Flood insurance is not part of normal homeowners policies, but in most Missouri communities it is available through your current agent.
Additional ideas for keeping disaster losses to a minimum are available on the web at http://www.fema.gov/rrr/prep.shtm.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 11:38:23