1 Tornadoes Preparing for the Storm and its Aftermath A Presentation By Gary Braman North Alabama...

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TornadoesPreparing for the Storm

and its Aftermath

A PresentationBy

Gary Braman

North Alabama ChapterAmerican Society of Safety

Engineers

North Alabama ChapterAmerican Society of Safety

Engineers

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Tornadoes: Preparing for the Storm and Its Aftermath


Agenda

- Introduction

- Tornado Preparations: Before

- Tornado Preparations: Aftermath

- Actions After the Strike

- Lessons Learned

- Questions

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Introduction– 2 March 2012

– EF3 Tornado Wind speed: 158 - 206

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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Video

Braman1.asf

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Photos

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Downed trees behind house

along drainage ditch

Living room couch

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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 area

- Inventory home contents (video/photos/list)

- Digital camera with extra batteries

- Find a good lawyer

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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

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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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Lessons Learned

Be prepared to have your homeowners insurance

cancelled!

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Lessons Learned

You will be overwhelmed by the amount of help

you receive!

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Keys to Success

Positive AttitudePatiencePrayerLawyer

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Remember this

Don’t believe it can’t happen to you

Because it can!!!

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Questions???

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Thank You!!!

1 Tornadoes Preparing for the Storm and its Aftermath A Presentation By Gary Braman North Alabama...

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