Tornado Concerns

Tornado Concerns
by: Erica Horndasch

5/25/2011 5:43:37 PM

With the recent devastation in Missouri and other states, I have received a few inquiries about tornado warnings and protection. Below are the questions and answers that I hope you will find to be helpful.

Q: What is the status of the tornado siren to be installed within Grand Dominion?
A: The fire department would have had it in by now, but there was a problem with the contractor. They are supposed to be out within the next week to install it. The fire department will be monitoring it closely to ensure it stays on schedule and will keep the HOA posted.

Q: What is the safest place in a home with a basement during a tornado?
A. The basement is the safest based on "typical" storm patterns and staying away from windows and towards the southwest corner is the best. Residents should have something on hand to cover themselves with such as a mattress, or other larger soft material as a barrier.

Q: In homes without basements is it safer to go to a bathroom on an outer wall that has no windows or a windowless interior closet in a bedroom that has windows?
A: Bathrooms are the best for homes without basements. At least that was the old rule of thumb due to plumbing walls and just more in the wall to protect people. Still, is the choice, but you have to remember the use of lightweight construction, PVC pipe and other materials now probably has diminished that just a little. Certainly stay away from windows and the preference is an interior bathroom, not one in a master bedroom.

Q: Does the best place to go vary with the model of home you have? If so what are the best places in each model type?
A: Pretty much all of the models are the same if you use the basement or non-basement scenarios above.