Preparing For The Next Tornado Workshop On Wind-Resistant Construction Techniques
Release Date: October 24, 2002
Release Number: 1433-26
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Indianapolis, IN -- Take steps now to reduce future damage from tornadoes and severe windstorms, warn hazard mitigation experts from the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To help people take those steps, mitigation specialists are inviting the public and those in the building trades to wind-resistant construction techniques workshops on Saturday, Nov. 2. The workshops will meet at the following times and locations:
Home Depot Southport
4850 E. Southport Road
Indianapolis
Workshop Time: 10:00 a.m.Home Depot Greenwood
850 S. State Road 135
Greenwood
Workshop Time: 2:00 p.m.
Attendees will learn that building better can greatly improve their odds against the threat of severe damage to their homes from tornadoes. FEMA has found that when a house is built with enhanced construction techniques that include common connections to secure the roof to the walls to the foundation, it minimizes property damage to homes in areas, like Indiana, that are prone to tornadoes.
"After seeing all the damage the September tornadoes caused, and knowing tornadoes will surely be back, it only makes sense to plan to build better and stronger when we're in the rebuilding phase," Patrick R. Ralston, SEMA state coordinating officer, said
The best protection for your family against tornadoes is an in-home safe room. Workshop materials will also cover how to build an in-home tornado shelter that is designed to withstand extreme windstorms and wind-borne debris where you and your family can survive a tornado with little or no injury.
Bill Lokey, tapped by President Bush to lead the federal assistance team in Indiana following the Sept. 20 tornados, said: "There is no better usage of time and money than to help prevent possible reoccurrence of wind-damaging tragedy. Safe-rooms save lives."
Homeowners who receive a disaster assistance loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to repair or rebuild a damaged or destroyed home may use some of the loan funds to construct a safe room. The SBA can also increase the approved disaster loan by up to 20 percent to cover the cost of adding a safe room or implementing other approved measures to reduce disaster damages.
Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 12:11:18