Tornadoes are undoubtedly some of the most violent and destructive types of weather, which, within several minutes, may produce considerable damage. These powerful storms can topple trees, destroy houses, and inflict severe injuries and sometimes death. Due to the randomness and destructive capacity of hurricanes, it is necessary to be prepared and use necessary precautions for your house.
Understanding Tornadoes
Tornadoes are rapid ’twisters’ which are funnel like vortices that descend to the surface from a thunderstorm cloud. They are funnel shaped and may range in width from a few yards to above a mile in width.
Tornadoes occur in severe thunderstorms and thus may occur at any place in the world although, the United States is the most prone to them especially at the Tornado Alley stretching across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. You can click the link: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado to learn more.
The Science Behind Tornadoes
Tornadoes are born when the hot and humid air coming from the Gulf of Mexico and the cold and dry air from the northern Canada. This collision therefore disturbs the stability of the atmosphere, and this leads to the forming of bad thunderstorms.
Tornadoes that occur and the damages they cause are classified by the so-called Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale with values ranging from EF0, which is the weakest, to EF5, which is the strongest. While an EF0 tornado can pull off roof tiles and damage some trees, an EF5 tornado can level well-constructed houses and homes and increase the trajectories of automobiles. You can learn more by clicking the link.
Due to the devastating effects of tornadoes, it becomes crucial for one to be well prepared especially on times when they hit the region strongly. Tornado preparedness involves several key steps.
Monitoring Weather Conditions
Information about the preparation of tornado is that one has to be informed with the weather conditions that prevail at that time. Like other natural disasters, meteorological agencies use what is known as tornado watches and tornado warnings to inform the public.
A tornado watch is an alert that outward conditions are right for forming a tornado while a tornado warning is where a tornado has been either visually seen or picked by radar. One must have a means through which they can view the weather such as from a NOAA Weather Radio, local news, or weather applications.
Each household has to have a tornado protection protocol that has to include the determination of shelter area that can be a basement or an internal room on the lowest level without windows. The plan should also contain details on how and where to protect animals, how to seek shelter if not at home, the interaction with the family members during and after the storm.
An emergency kit should have items that your family will need and be able to survive on for three days. These are water, food that does not spoil quickly, first aid box, flashlights and batteries, whistle, documents, and any kind of medicine that a person or the family needs. It usually turns out that in the event of the tornado or any disaster the lives of those involved could be saved if the mentioned kit is easily accessible.
Protecting Your Home: The function of a window contractor
Doors and windows are perhaps the weakest points of a house that can be easily damaged during a tornado. Blowing of winds and other related vices can cause breakage of the windows and as a result expanding the danger of damaging further properties in the house not forgetting the danger of causing harm to the people inside the house. Choosing a window contractor is a sensible action for raising the security of your house on the whole.
A window contractor will also be able to point out any flaws or areas of compromise in the current windows that you intend to keep. They will look for any cracks, or if the seals are loose or in any other condition that would compromise the windows during a storm.
One of the most effective ways to protect windows is by installing impact-resistant windows, also known as storm windows. A professional window contractor can recommend the best type of impact-resistant windows for your home and ensure proper installation. These windows are some of the most robust styles as far as wind loading and impact from airborne objects is concerned.
Static cling is thin, translucent foil that is applied to the glass and what keeps it together it cases it breaks into pieces. Window film, although not nearly as effective as impact-resistant windows, can also give an extra measure of protection.
Advantages of engaging the services of a window contractor
Hiring a professional window contractor offers several benefits: Hiring a professional window contractor offers several benefits:
– Expertise: Window contractors know the situations that challenge your windows and the best remedies for protection due to their experience.
– Quality Installation: The following control measures are very essential when it comes to the application of impact-resistant windows, window film, and storm shutters. A professional contractor does these installations in the right manner and in a very appropriate way.
– Time Savings: Some of them are listed below: Protecting windows is not an easy task and it takes a lot of time. A contractor can help with other parts of preparing for a tornado while you have highly protected windows.
– Peace of Mind: Having been told or assured that a professional has reinforced the windows, you get comfort that your house is in a better position to handle a tornado.
Tornadoes are violent and swift natural calamities that are capable of wiping out a lot. As a homeowner and a parent, it is always good to do some things and prepare in a way that could minimize the effect of such an event at your homestead. Planning the best course of action based on weather conditions, having a plan in case of tornadoes, and packing an emergency kit are the critical parts of tornado protection measures.
By putting some measures in to practice, you will be making yourself, your loved ones and home safe from the destructive storms.
