Mitigating Damages
In the last ten years, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes have caused millions of dollars in damages to Nashville homes and businesses. Federal disaster declarations have helped tremendously with disaster recovery costs, but there are some things homeowners and businesses can do to mitigate or reduce damages caused by violent storms. Here are some more costly retrofitting options that may be worth considering following major damage or during a major remodeling:
- Install “high wind roof “straps in your home or business to better secure the roof to the walls and foundations. This will reduce the risk of losing a roof to high winds.
- Get a building professional to inspect your home or business to make sure the roof and other building components can withstand strong winds.
- Install a “safe room” in your home. FEMA has developed criteria for rooms that are designed to protect occupants from destructive tornadoes. Two designs are available for new and existing homes. Visit www.fema.gov for more information
- Contact the stormwater division of Metro Water Services to determine if your home or business is located in a designated flood plain. The number is 862-6038.
- Move valuables and appliances out of the basement if it is prone to flooding.
- Elevate the main breaker or fuse box, utility meters and HVAC units above the anticipated flood level in your home or business.
- Buy flood insurance to cover the value of your home and its contents. Insurance can give you a greater peace of mind and speed recovery, if a flood occurs.
You can learn more about homes that are designed to withstand nature’s wrath with “Fortified… For Safer Living,” a special program created by the Institute for Business and Home Safety in conjunction with the insurance industry. For more information, visit www.fortifiedhomes.net.