The short version
- Tornadoes can strike with little warning
- No roof is tornado-proof
- Preparation focuses on safety and documentation
- Recovery starts with covering the building
The local picture
Middle Tennessee has seen destructive tornadoes, and the region is part of an area where they are a recognized risk. Tornadoes can touch down at any time of year, often at night.
Have a way to receive warnings.
What roofs can and cannot do
No roof is designed to survive a direct strong tornado. Good installation, sound decking and well-fastened roofing improve performance in lesser winds, and a good attic-to-wall connection helps.
Ask a roofer about fastening.
Before
Photograph your home and roof now, keep records and know your policy. Have a safe place to shelter that is not under a damaged roof, and keep emergency contacts handy.
Trim trees near the house.
After
Stay safe, check for hazards, document, cover the building and call for help. Plan on organized recovery in the right order.
Be careful of scam contractors after major events.
General information, not engineering, legal, insurance or safety advice. Roofs, policies and local requirements vary, and every situation should be judged on its own facts. If anyone is in danger, call emergency services first.
