1 Tornadoes Preparing for the Storm and its Aftermath A Presentation By Gary Braman North Alabama Chapter American Society of Safety Engineers North Alabama Chapter American Society of Safety Engineers

2 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Agenda -Introduction -Tornado Preparations: Before -Tornado Preparations: Aftermath -Actions After the Strike -Lessons Learned -Questions

3 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Introduction – 2 March 2012 – EF3 Tornado  Wind speed:  Severity: Severe Tornado  Damage: Roofs of well built houses are ripped off. Numerous trees ripped out of the earth. Trains are overturned. – Tornado traveled between Hazel Green and Meridianville damaging numerous structures (Jacobs Landing)

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6  Video

7 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Photos

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10 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath

11 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath Downed trees behind house along drainage ditch Living room couch

12 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Tornado Preparations - Before -NOAA weather radio (with battery power backup/inspect and test batteries periodically) -Set up severe weather alert on Smart phone -Safe areas (inside/away the home) -Flashlights and extra batteries (easily accessible/inspect and test periodically) -Canned and dry food, bottled water -Coolers for storing food

13 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Tornado Preparations - Before -Camping stove or grill with lighter -Cash (ATM machines and credit card use may not available if power is out) -Vehicle half full of gas (always) -Charged cell phone -Vehicle cell phone charger -Fire proof or protective containers to protect important papers and valuables -Generator

14 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Tornado Preparations – Aftermath -Home repair supplies and tools (tarps, plastic sheeting, duct tape, plywood, hammer, nails, saws, ladder) -PPE (leather work gloves, hearing protection, work boots) -Debris and trash removal equipment (chainsaw, gas, oil, extra chains, garbage bags, plastic pails) -Emergency fund (insurance deductible/recoverable depreciation) -Travel kit (easily accessible)

15 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Travel Kit -Cash (~$200.00) -Flashlight -Knife -Lighter -Duct tape -Spare house keys -Extra clothes -Water and snacks -Blankets -Car cell phone charger -Toiletries -First aid kit -Emergency contact numbers

16 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Tornado Preparations – Aftermath -Know your insurance policy  Deductible (how much?) (will emergency fund cover deductible?)/Recoverable Depreciation  Home and contents value (does policy provide for replacement at replacement value or current value?)  Contact info for insurance company  Recommended general contractor in your are a -Inventory home contents (video/photos/list) -Digital camera with extra batteries -Find a good lawyer

17 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Actions After the Strike -Be sure family members, visitors, and pets are accounted for, safe, and receiving medical care if required -Contact insurance company and file claim -Get name and contact info of insurance company recommended general contractor -Get name of general contractor from Angie’s List or see who your neighbor is using -Contact general contractor to begin repair process

18 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Actions After the Strike -Be your own general contractor – You are insured and bonded through your homeowner’s insurance. Check to be sure!  Subcontract with general contractor  General contractor subcontracts for repair of home -Roofers -Painters -Flooring -Windows and doors

19 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Lessons Learned -You will be overwhelmed by the amount of help you receive! -You are not prepared for what you will see (death, damage, and destruction)! -Don’t’ panic! This only makes the situation worse! -Don’t worry! Accept the fact that your home is damaged and worrying won’t make it go away or improve the situation!

20 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Lessons Learned -Be prepared for a stressful situation!  Home repairs may take from a few months to a year or longer depending on the extent of damage and the quality of your contractor!  Remember that the situation is not only stressful for you but your family members too!  Take actions to reduce stress! -Be positive! See the situation as opportunity to make those home improvements you have wanted to do!

21 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Lessons Learned -It may take a few days for the insurance adjuster to arrive and assess damage to your home and contents! -It may take several weeks for your claim to be processed and have your claim check issued! REMEMBER: Insurance companies try to pay out as little as possible and try to take as much time as possible in paying claims! -Don’t expect the general contractor to have your best interests in mind! -Pay general contractor in increments!

22 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Lessons Learned -Oversee and inspect all work! -Have work inspected by County building inspector or professional! -Don’t trust everyone who comes by saying they want to help! Be aware of scammers and cons in your area! They will charge outrageous prices to assist you! -Be aware of junkers scavenging your damaged goods placed in front of home for disposal! They are not to be trusted!

23 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Lessons Learned Be prepared to have your homeowners insurance cancelled!

24 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath  Lessons Learned You will be overwhelmed by the amount of help you receive!

25 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath Keys to Success Positive Attitude Patience Prayer Lawyer

26 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath Remember this Don’t believe it can’t happen to you Because it can!!!

27 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath Questions???

28 Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath Thank You!!!