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Adding a Storm Shelter - The Best Option
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Nov 10, 2020
The best option for safety during a tornado is an ICC 500 or FEMA P-361 storm shelter. Both have similar requirements.
Strengthen Existing Areas Against Extreme Wind Events During Remodels
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Oct 27, 2020
Existing spaces that were not designed for resistance to the effects of a tornado can be augmented to provide additional protection for occupants as an interim measure.
Best Available Refuge Area Example
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Oct 13, 2020
Most school districts have tornado drills to practice where to go and what to do during a tornado. The locations within the school are typically chosen by administrators who have the best intentions, but do not have the structural engineering training to identify the criteria necessary to choose the safest options available.
Best Available Refuge Area (BARA) - When You Don't Have a Safe Room or Storm Shelter
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Sep 29, 2020
Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the US, but are most frequent in the tornado-prone Midwestern states. With students and staff spending a large portion of their day in the school building, having a designated safe area for use during a tornado is critical.
Natural Hazard Vulnerabilities & Planning
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Sep 15, 2020
Because our children spend a majority of their time at schools, we often perceive these buildings as safe and should inherently possess good resistance to natural hazards.
Tornado Season - Preparing Your Students, Staff & School
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Sep 1, 2020
Growing up, many of us became well-practiced in tornado drills and know exactly what to do when we hear the alarm.