Tornado Safety for Property Managers, Facility Managers and Tenants:

The Midwest has felt a little too close to Oz lately with the number, frequency, and severity of summer storms. At Armour Roof Co., we have already had countless conversations with our clients on roof risk and property damage. We want to provide some tools, tips, and guidance on how to prepare and supportive and helpful contacts for when, despite your best efforts, the worst happens. 

What Can I Do To Prepare For A Tornado:

• Know the Risks: Research the area’s tornado risk and typical season. This will help you tailor your residents’ mindsets to the specific threats.
• Develop a Safety Plan: Create a comprehensive plan outlining actions for tenants before, during, and after a tornado.
  • The plan should include clear communication protocols on how to warn tenants and what to do if a tornado strikes.
  • Designation of safe areas within the property (common areas in basements or interior hallways for buildings without basements) is essential.
• Maintain the Property: Regularly trim trees and remove loose objects from around the building to minimize potential projectiles. Property managers can also explore installing storm shutters on windows in high-risk areas.
• Review Insurance: Ensure the property has adequate insurance coverage for tornado damage, including lost rent if units become uninhabitable.
• Communication is Key: Regularly communicate the plan with tenants through newsletters, website postings, or tenant meetings. Conduct practice drills to familiarize everyone with procedures.

What Are Actions To Take During a Tornado Warning For Property Managers?

• Issue Clear Warnings: Immediately notify tenants of the warning via phone calls, text messages, emails, or building alarms.
• Direct Tenants to Shelter: Guide tenants to designated safe areas within the property and instruct them to avoid windows and doors.
• Stay Informed: Property managers should monitor weather updates and inform tenants of the situation’s development.

What Are The Best Weather Tracking Apps?

• National Weather Service (NWS) Alerts App: This is a free app from the National Weather Service, the official source for weather warnings in the United States. It provides real-time weather alerts, including tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, flash flood warnings, and winter storm warnings. You can customize the app to receive alerts for specific locations. National Weather Service App 
• Weather Underground: This popular weather app provides various features, including radar, forecasts, and weather alerts. The app also has a community feature that allows users to share weather conditions in their area. 
• Weather Underground App
• Dark Sky: This app is known for its hyper-local weather forecasts, which can help track storms as they develop. Dark Sky also provides severe weather alerts and radar imagery. While Dark Sky was acquired by Apple in 2020 and will eventually be discontinued, it is still functional. Dark Sky App
• Storm Shield: This app is specifically designed for severe weather tracking. It provides real-time radar imagery, severe weather alerts, and lightning data. Storm Shield also has a social feature that allows users to see what other people in their area are reporting. Storm Shield App
• Radarscope: This app provides high-resolution radar imagery, which can help track the development of tornadoes. Radarscope also has a variety of other features, including severe weather alerts, cloud cover data, and wind speed data. RadarScope App

There are several apps to choose from at varying capabilities and price points. Choose the one that will serve your property best.

What Are Proper Protocols After a Tornado?

• Damage Assessment: Once it’s safe, assess the property for damage and secure the area if necessary.
• Assist Tenants: Help tenants contact insurance companies and provide temporary relocation solutions for uninhabitable units.
• Coordinate Repairs: Work with contractors to get repairs underway promptly while ensuring tenant safety.

For detailed guidance on planning and procedures, consult the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Tornado Preparedness and Response guidelines: https://www.osha.gov/tornado

What To Do For Hail and Wind Damage?

At Armour Roof Co., we would also like to assist and be part of your safety plan. Whether it’s an estimate before the storms to see how equipped your building or property is to handle a storm, or an inspection after the storm to see what is needed to get you back on your feet. We would love to come out and provide a free inspection and roof walk to get you prepared for these crazy summer months. Armour Roof Quote