Double Trouble – Preparing for Tornado + Hurricane Seasons
Not even the Board Chair of CERF+ and owner of Wet Dog Glass is immune from tornadoes. This one blew through Eddie Bernard’s hometown of Star, North Carolina in May 2017.
It’s that time of year, when the “Tornado Season” and “Hurricane Season” overlap. This week, tornadoes were reported in Wisconsin, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. As officials begin to assess the effected areas for damages, here are some steps you can take, or share with your neighbors, friends, family and colleagues who may be at risk.
1. Know your tornado and hurricane risks.
- U.S. map showing the frequency of tornado activity.
- U.S. map showing the frequency of hurricane and tropical storm activity.
- Tornadoes are most like to occur in the spring and summer months.
- Be prepared for lighting and hail as well as damaging high winds.
2. Have an emergency supply kit accessible.
3. Know your business insurance coverage.
- Most homeowners or renters insurance policies cover little to none of your artwork, supplies, tools, and other art business assets.
- Even if you have business insurance, review your coverage.
- Standard homeowners, renters, business insurance policies and comprehensive auto insurance policies cover damage caused by tornadoes and tornadoes.
4. Protect your assets.
- Get your art and business inventory records organized.
- Keep your artwork as well as your analog and digital business records safe.
5. Prepare your home and studio to be tornado-strong:
- Add reinforced roof bracing and strapping.
- Install more wind-resistant doors.
- Construct a “safe room”.
- Remove trees and branches that could hit your home or studio.
- Repair loose or damaged exterior components.
6. For a hurricane-strong home and studio:
- Install permanent storm shutters or at least cut 5/8” sheets of marine plywood to fit your windows when needed.
- Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Install straps or additional clips to secure your roof.
- Keep trees & shrubs close to house well-trimmed.
- Remove dead & hanging wood.
- Clear clogs from and fix gutters and downspouts.