Tornadoes and damaging storms

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

We have all watched the news or listened to the radio as the news unfolded about the tornado in Tennessee. The horrific damage that occurred and the loss of life is devastating. Our area had a tornado on July 13th, 2006 that affected Westchester county and cut a 20 mile path into Connecticut. With wind speeds up to 150mph the F2 tornado flipped cars, damaged roofs and ripped out walls of warehouse buildings. Luckily there were no serious injuries reported and the damage was mostly property. If a tornado would strike Rye, Rye Brook, Larchmont,White Plains, New Rochelle, Purchase, Mamaroneck or Port Chester would you know what to do?

One of the interviews on the news showed a resident who had heard the tornado warning and immediately grabbed his young child and ran to the basement. As the father was running down the stairs he looked back because of the noise and saw the roof of their home being ripped off. His quick action and knowing what to do ultimately saved his and his child's life. Would you know what to do in case of a tornado warning?

1. Seek shelter immediately. Find shelter in your basement. Stay away from any windows, shelves that might fall on you or under any heavy appliance upstairs that might fall through the floor. Cover your head. 
2.  Get off the road or out of your mobile home.Do not hide beneath an underpass because it becomes a wind tunnel as the high winds are squeezed through a smaller space and projectiles can cause bodily harm or death. Find a ditch and lay as flat as possible until it passes. Cover your head.
3. If your home does not have a basement, find a central location that does not have windows such as a bathroom and crotch down covering your head.

Tornadoes move quickly and when a warning is issued it means one is on the ground and safety measures have to be taken immediately. Unlike hurricanes which we normally have advanced warning before they make landfall, tornadoes are deadlier because of their unpredictable nature and their voracious appetite.

If you have storm damage, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has the experience and certification to handle water damage, fire and smoke damage. We also have a rebuild department to help get your home back to prestorm shape.