Damaging Winds: Mitigation
Mitigation can make a difference when damaging winds hit. The increasing availability of Doppler radar sites helps to provide valuable information about approaching winds in severe thunderstorms. People who are well informed about the dangers of high winds can take action to reduce their risk. Individuals should be prepared to take appropriate action when a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is issued brings the threat of high winds. It is vitally important for people to understand that damaging winds can and often do strike before the rain and intense lightning of a severe thunderstorm arrive. In the event of a warning, individuals should seek shelter inside a well-constructed building. Mobile homes, even if firmly tied to a foundation, provide little protection. If possible, leave and seek shelter outdoors or in a more permanent structure nearby. Homeowners can take several steps to reduce the risk of property damage. Trees that are weak or dieing should be removed, and healthy trees near the house should be trimmed. Untethered objects, ranging from trashcans to vehicles, should be moved inside or secured in place when a storm threatens. Mobile homes and other lighter structures, such as metal storage sheds, should be well secured to a foundation. In open areas, farmers can plant and maintain existing tree lines as windbreaks. These can help reduce the likelihood of damage to farm buildings and minimize crop damage. In addition, farmers should consider the benefits of crop insurance as a guard against widespread crop damage. Burying utility lines, including electric and telephone lines, can reduce the likelihood of outages and reduce the time and cost necessary to make repairs.
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