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Twisted Threats: Canada’s vast territory is the world’s second most common stage for tornado destruction.
from CPM August 2022
by MediaEdge
SUDDEN TWISTS
Tornadoes a Possibility from Spring to Fall
By Craig Smith and Jim Mandeville
CANADA IS THE WORLD’S second most tornado-hit nation after the United States, with an average of 80 to 100 such incidents reported annually from March through October. In late July this year, tornado touchdowns in Ontario and Quebec left power outages and massive cleanup for communities, businesses and residents caught in the stormy path of destruction.
Severe storms can produce intense winds, which, under the right circumstances, can lead to tornadoes. Property managers should not underestimate the power of combined wind and water threats when thunderstorm warnings are issued.
For example, the Derecho storm that cut a swath through southern, central and eastern Ontario during the 2022 May long weekend did so with very little warning. It caused 10 deaths, extensive damage and the destruction of several buildings.
In August 2021, a tornado touchdown in Barrie, Ontario — bringing winds of up to 210 kilometres per hour — left 150 damaged homes and $75 million in damage along the five-kilometre path it travelled.
Globally, data shows there’s been only a slight increase in weather, water and climate disasters between 2011 and 2021 compared to the previous decade, but Canada is experiencing more frequent and severe wildfires, windstorms, hailstorms and rainstorms — all of which can cause damage to buildings.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that 2021 saw $2.1 billion in insured damage from flooding, wildfires and extreme weather events, resulting in a higher number of claims and a significant spike in insurance rates.
While there’s little that can be done to protect a building from a direct hit of a tornado, certain building types can withstand high winds better than others. Concrete and steel buildings are more resilient to severe wind impacts — although, often these structures are clad in glass curtain walls, which can shatter, allowing water to enter the structure while also creating the hazard of falling glass.
Conventional wood frame structures are generally not as strong as concrete ones. Direct impacts from tornadoes or extreme straight-line winds can cause substantial structural damage, including the displacement of roofs and, in rare circumstances, total structural collapse.
Modern construction practices are helping to minimize this risk in new buildings. Features like hurricane straps on trusses and vertical reinforcements, installed during the framing stage, can significantly increase the durability of these structures. During new construction, especially in areas prone to severe wind events, additional structural reinforcement, even in excess of local codes, is highly recommended.
Unfortunately, these modifications are not always possible or practical in existing buildings due to the extensive redesign that would be required. However, owners and managers can upgrade the building envelope (roofing, cladding, windows and doors) to make it more resilient to wind damage.
Building owners and managers should prioritize emergency planning and be proactive. Preparedness is key to mitigating and managing damage and maintaining the safety of occupants. Recommended proactive measures in advance of a storm include:
• Secure loose objects outdoors. Garbage bins, potted plants, lawn furniture and bicycles can become deadly projectiles in high winds. Move them indoors or tie them down.
ment. Annual testing helps to ensure that building staff and occupants will know what to do should the need arise. In the aftermath of a tornado or severe storm: • Stay informed. When a severe storm hits, updates should come in regularly, as will notifications of follow-up storms in the area.
• Install surge protectors. Storm-related power outages can bring power surges when electricity is restored. Surge protectors help to protect electronic devices from voltage spikes.
• Back up electronic devices. This is critical for both building management and occupants. Critical data should be stored off-site in case computers or devices are damaged or inaccessible.
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Facility managers should check policies to make sure they include coverage for wind or rain damage. This generally includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage when water enters through openings caused by high winds.
• Test emergency plans. This can often reveal parts of the plan that need improve-
• Ensure the health and safety of
occupants. Remain in contact with tenants/residents using proper communication and protocols before, during and after a severe storm.
• Inspect buildings once the storm has
subsided. Tornadoes’ strong winds have the potential to hurl debris hundreds of metres so inspect the exterior thoroughly.
Otherwise, the next time it rains, there may be some unexpected water damage to contend with. zz
Craig Smith is Director, Commercial Business Development, and Jim Mandeville is Senior Vice President – Large Loss with FIRST ONSITE Residential & Commercial Property Restoration Services. For more information, see the website at https://firstonsite.ca.
