Living in Southeast Michigan, we do not necessarily experience intense storms like hurricanes that cause the most extreme storm damage. However, we have had a few tornados with very high winds that have taken out mobile home parks. That is precisely why my mom advised me not to invest in a modular home, as they are so vulnerable to intense storm damage.
Severe storm damage happens in areas like Austin, Texas, or Biloxi, Mississippi, and they need to be especially prepared for intense storms like:
- Hurricanes
- Tornados
- Floods
- Wildfires
- Hail
- Droughts
- Winter storms
- Severe freezes
According to The American Red Cross, “Between 1980 and 2010, Texas averaged two major weather incidents per year. Since then, Texas has averaged 8.5 major weather incidents per year. These incidents include droughts, floods, wildfires, winter storms, severe freezes, tropical cyclones and severe storms—like hailstorms and tornadoes. Each of these major events caused more than $1 billion in damage, using today’s current dollar value,”.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that, “Of all recorded weather disasters in U.S. history, tropical cyclones—known as hurricanes when occurring in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and Eastern North Pacific Oceans—have caused the most deaths and destruction,”.
Cleaning up after a storm
When I was a young teenager, my mother moved from working in the schools to partnering with her brother (my uncle) in a construction company. At that time, the general contractors typically worked with the insurance companies on a referral basis. My mother had solid relationships with several insurance companies and carriers, which resulted in them becoming the go-to experts for fire and smoke restoration jobs.
There were times that my mother would go and do the physical work with her crews (who were primarily men) to do initial actions. She was indeed a “Rosie the Riveter” of her industry!
Here are a few actions typically suggested to take in the fire restoration process:
- Contact Restoration Specialists
- Inspection and Assessment
- Board Up and Add Roof Tarps
- Water Removal
- Removal of Soot and Smoke Damage
- Clean and Sanitize
- Rebuild and Repairs
The insurance companies referred many of their clients to my family’s business, and times were good. However, that practice no longer exists because too many people were abusing the system (of course). As a result, contractors had to up their game and focus only on becoming fire and restoration professionals, which was a good thing!
My mom’s company also specialized in 24-hour storm emergencies, with board-up services for storm damage. For example, if a window was blown out from a storm or a portion of a roof was ripped off, they would go out and board up those areas immediately until they could come back at a later time to complete the repairs in their entirety.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following should one decide to do their own cleanup after a storm, “Cleaning up your home can be a big job. Be sure to take care of yourself:
- Rest when you need to.
- Decide which cleanup tasks are most important, and focus on those first. That way, you’re less likely to be overwhelmed.
- Get help lifting heavy or bulky objects. If you lift too much on your own, you could hurt yourself.
- Try to work with other people, so you aren’t alone.
- Get support from family members, friends, counselors, or therapists.
Be careful when using a chain saw.
- When using a chain saw, always follow manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to wear appropriate protective gear, and be sure that bystanders are a safe distance away.
- Avoid contact with power lines, and take extra care in cutting trees or branches that are bent or caught under something else.
- Use extreme caution to avoid electrical shock when using an electric chain saw,”.
What happens after a hurricane passes
When the most destructive type of storm, like a hurricane, rips through a community, the first thing that needs to happen is to ensure all people and pets are safe, especially those most vulnerable, such as elderly neighbors, disabled folks, people with severe or chronic illnesses and young families with babies and toddlers.
The National Weather Service suggests the following steps to follow after a hurricane,
- “Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
- If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
- Once home, drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects in the road, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks that might collapse.
- Walk carefully around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
- Stay out of any building if you smell gas, if floodwaters remain around the building, Â if the building or home was damaged by fire, or if the authorities have not declared it safe.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage. Review generator safety.
- Use battery-powered flashlights. Do NOT use candles. Turn on your flashlight before entering a vacated building. The battery could produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present,”.
In addition to the immediate aftermath, communities should also focus on long-term recovery efforts post-storm. This involves assessing structural damage comprehensively, addressing mental health needs, and ensuring access to essential services, such as clean water and electricity. Local governments often organize efforts to restore and rebuild essential infrastructure and monitor health risks due to stagnant water and debris.
Moreover, gathering a support network and fostering community resilience is crucial for emotional and logistical support. Many regions also invest in improved storm preparedness by updating building codes to withstand future weather impacts and providing public education on disaster readiness.
What storm causes the most damage?
In conclusion, the extent of damage from any storm, including the most destructive storms like hurricanes, ultimately depends on a community’s resilience, preparedness, and infrastructure.