Some people might be surprised to learn that Canada is the world’s second most tornado-prone nation after the United States. Canada experiences 80 to 100 tornadoes every year during the tornado season of March through October.
When thunderstorms are brewing, if weather conditions are right, the storms can produce severe winds and even in some circumstances, tornadoes. Property managers are encouraged not to underestimate the potential and power of the elements when thunderstorm warnings are issued.
The deadly storm that devastated large parts of Southern Ontario this past Saturday did so with little warning. In its aftermath, 10 people are dead and the tornado-grade winds of the storm, called a ‘derecho,’ left behind massive damage and destruction to buildings, including condos.
Last August, Barrie, Ontario was hit by a tornado that left a five-kilometre-long path of destruction resulting in $75 million in damage. It reached wind speeds of up to 210 km per hour, displaced many people and families and wreaked havoc on over 150 homes. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but 60 homes were deemed “unsafe to enter”.
While there’s little that can be done to protect a building from the direct hit of a tornado, certain building types can withstand high winds more than others, and there are also considerations for how new building structures can be designed to withstand intense windstorms.
Concrete and steel buildings, by their nature, are more resilient structurally to severe wind impacts. However, this does not mean they are impervious. Often these structures are clad in glass curtain walls which can be very susceptible to impact damage during a storm. When damage occurs, it also allows for water to enter the structure, as well as creates the hazard of falling glass in the surrounding area.
Conventional wood frame structures are not generally as structurally strong as concrete ones. Direct impacts from tornadoes or extreme straight-line winds can often result in substantial structural damage, including the displacement of roof structures and in some circumstances total structural failures (collapse).
Modern construction practices are now being adopted in some areas, including the requirement for hurricane straps on trusses and vertical reinforcements to be installed during the framing stage that can substantially increase the survivability of these structures. Unfortunately for legacy buildings, these modifications are not normally possible or practical due to the extensive redesign that would be required.
Owners and managers of legacy wood frame structures should always look to upgrade their building envelope (roofing, cladding, windows and doors) to make them more resilient to wind damage. During new construction, especially in areas that are prone to these wind events, additional structural reinforcement of these types of buildings, even in excess of local codes, is highly recommended.
Beyond building design and focusing on structural resilience, property managers should be proactive in prioritizing planning and response plans in the event of a severe weather event. Thunderstorm events and storms that contain high winds with the potential to develop into tornadoes develop very quickly and with little warning.
With any disaster, awareness of potential hazards and preparedness is key to mitigating and managing damage to properties and maintaining safety of residents. By having a comprehensive plan in place, property managers can get back on their feet as quickly as possible after an event takes place.
Here are tips property managers can include in their emergency preparation plans for their properties and their residents:
● Stay informed. When a severe thunderstorm, windstorm or tornado develops, there may not be a lot of time to prepare, but sometimes there is an early warning.
● Ensure health and safety of occupants through proper communication and protocols before, during and after an event.
● Secure loose outdoor objects. Any unsecured item, such as garbage bins, potted plants, bikes and toys, can become a deadly projectile in high winds. Move these indoors, or tie them down, to avoid injury to people or damage to the property.
● Install surge protectors. Windstorms and tornadoes often down trees which can cause power outages, followed by power surges when electricity is restored. Surge protectors help protect electronic devices from voltage spikes caused by power surges.
● Back up electronic devices. This step is critical for building management and residents. Critical data should be stored off-site in case physical computers or devices are damaged or inaccessible due to a tornado.
● Ensure there is adequate insurance coverage. Property managers should check their policies to make sure they’re covered for damage caused by wind or rain. This generally includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage when water enters through openings caused by high winds.
● Inspect buildings after a disaster. Tornadoes’ strong winds have the potential to hurl debris hundreds of metres, so it’s always best practice to inspect your building for damage. Otherwise, the next time it rains, you may have some substantial water damage.
● Test emergency plans. Testing emergency response plans can often reveal areas that need improvement. Annual testing can ensure that everyone knows what to do should the need arise.
● Establish a partnership with a full-service property restoration company. Having a program in place and knowing whom to call can provide property managers with peace of mind. It’s important to have a team you can count on if damage does occur to your property.
● While there is no way to guarantee complete protection from weather-related events, preparedness and awareness of risks will help managers ensure they can weather the storm no matter which direction the wind shifts.
Jim Mandeville is senior vice-president, Large Loss Canada for First Onsite Property Restoration.
This article appeared in the September 2021 issue of CondoBusiness magazine and since been updated to reflect recent wind events.
