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Health & Fitness

Tornado & High Wind Damage Prevention: 5 Homes That Would Never Survive

Tornado & High Wind Damage Prevention: 5 homes that would never survive

June has arrived! That means the beginning of summer—longer days, warm nights and plenty of family fun when the kids are out of school.

Unfortunately, June also heralds one of the worst storm months for the Midwest. High winds and tornados can affect even the most sturdily built homes, but some houses are at a much greater risk for damage when “the big one” hits. At Paul Davis Restoration & Emergency Services of Woodbury we've seen the devastating impact a tornadoe and high winds can have on unprepared homes. 

To help families identify if they’re at risk, we’ve compiled photos of five houses that are in serious danger when the next big storm hits—make sure to check your own home and address any of the same problems, pronto! 

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People in glass houses…

While this home certainly is unique and visually interesting, it wouldn’t last for five minutes in a tornado.  Your windows are one of the most vulnerable points in your home—one small bit of flying debris could easily shatter them, dangerously flinging glass everywhere. If your home has large expanses of windows, consider installing permanent shutters on the exteriors to keep your family and home safe in the event of a storm. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seier/4424715596/

The wrong roof

Although the thatched roof matches this home’s aesthetic, it’s particularly susceptible to wind and water damage—bad news when strong winds and a tornadoe is on the way. If you have a roof made from weak or flimsy materials, consider replacing it with weatherproof shingles or a metal roof, which is widely considered the most resistant roofing material to wind and water. While it may be a large expense upfront, it’s likely to save you a great deal post-storm!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dkwonsh/146872725/

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Check your garage gear 

This garage door is lovely—but come strong winds, it could be a huge liability for the homeowners. If a weak garage door (aka one made of glass) blows into your home during a storm, it greatly reduces your home’s stability and increases the chances that your house will be “blown up.” Swap out your current door for a wind- and impact-resistant one to help keep your home standing during a big storm.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43091453@N04/5169254435/

Mobile danger

Many people think their mobile homes, like the one in this photo, are safe in high winds so long as they are tied down.  Unfortunately, that’s a dangerous myth—even if they’re tied down, mobile homes easily could be uprooted and blown away in strong winds. If you own a mobile home, it’s important you head to a shelter as soon as hurricane warnings begin for your safety!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drued/3928086089/

Going…going…

We’re pretty sure we don’t need to tell you why this home is at risk in a storm—it looks like wind and rain would blow straight through it!  If your walls, roof and windows are already damaged or in disrepair, call an expert to see what can be strengthened immediately to protect you during a storm.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58789412@N00/5170071732/

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