With springtime approaching, it’s important that facility managers minimize the impact of spring storms on schools. This article (from MO School Plant Manager) addresses several ways to prepare for storms.
It’s been said that the changing of the seasons from winter to spring is an unhappy time for Mother Nature, which explains her angry outbursts of strong springtime storms. I’m certain that meteorologists can provide a better reason for why we experience such powerful storms in the spring, yet regardless of their cause, we need to prepare for them.
Tornados can casuse extensive damage, with little notice
Throughout the Midwest, high intensity spring storms can pop-up with little notice, damaging buildings and interrupting work and classes. These storms often produce lightning (fire and electrocution risk), high winds and tornados (potentially breaking windows and causing structural damage), hail (roofing and window damage), and heavy rains (water intrusion). All of these weather events necessitate advanced planning in order to keep students safe, minimize damage, and return the structure and students back to normal schedules quickly. As these photos show, the damage can be quick and extensive – often requiring professional restoration and rebuilding assistance. We offer these tips to help prepare for the violent storms of the season.
WIND DAMAGE
Whether caused by an intense storm or a tornado, wind damage can be extensive. We have found most school structures to be well-constructed, with most damage being limited to roofs and windows. It’s important to secure any damaged buildings from the elements as soon as this can be accomplished safely (through board up and/or tarping) – limiting the potential for additional water intrusion.
Securing a building which experienced tornado damage
In a recent tornado restoration project we handled, the majority of the school’s windows on the windward side were blown in; while most on the leeward side were spared (this EF3 tornado had winds of about 135 MPH). The roof remained intact, and there was little water intrusion in the building. From a safety standpoint, it was important for us to vacuum, scrub and wipe down the entire structure and all contents in the affected rooms, as glass slivers had been blown throughout. Once the contents were cleaned, we packed them in boxes for the students and teachers, providing a visual assurance that the contents were safe to use.
The situation was different in Joplin, where an EF5 tornado ripped through the community. With winds in excess of 225 MPH, little survived in the main storm path – more than 2000 buildings were destroyed (including schools, fire departments and medical facilities). While few buildings will survive a direct hit from an EF5 tornado, precautions still matter to those on the fringe of the storm path, with these buildings experiencing differing levels of damage, from window and roof damage, to extensive structural damage.
Many facilities on the fringe of the Joplin tornado path experienced significant damage. Repair/rebuilding efforts are currently underway.
It’s important to prepare your school grounds for high winds by removing and securing any items (outside tables, chairs, patio umbrellas, playground equipment, etc.) that could become airborne. Be sure to secure windows and doors, as once the wind gets inside buildings, extensive damage can result.
WATER DAMAGE
Water can intrude into buildings through a number of ways – either through the roof (potentially due to roof damage or blocked gutters), through the foundation with ground flooding, or even from inside the building through broken pipes. In all of these cases, it’s important to “moisture map” the entire affected areas, so a proper drying plan can be developed.
Groundwater runoff deposited mud and destroyed contents in this storage area.
The source of the water also plays a huge role in the restoration efforts – there are more restoration options available for clean water losses (“category I” – from freshwater plumbing pipes), than are available for groundwater intrusion or sewage losses (“category III”). In the former case, quickly drying the structure and contents can save them. In the latter case, any porous materials should be discarded, and all other objects disinfected, due to health risks.
Improper drying in th epast allowed microbial growth
Inadequate drying can result in microbial growth – so it’s important to utilize knowledgeable contractors. Most schools have hardwood gym floors, which require special care and attention in the case of a water loss. These floors are extremely expensive to build or repair, and require a skilled restoration professional to save them if they get saturated.
Wood gym floors require specialized expertise to dry properly
Prepare for water intrusions by checking the exterior drainage around your facilities. If water accumulates at your foundation, it’s just a matter of time before it intrudes into the building. If the source is run-off, you may need to regrade the area to divert water from the foundation. Perhaps it’s just a downspout that needs to be reattached – whatever of the reason, pooled water at foundations will eventually cause problems. Additionally, check if blown winter debris has blocked or slowed gutters. This can result in pooled water on flat roofs, which over time, can intrude into the buildings. Additionally, since the water will overflow blocked gutters, the water will end up at the building foundation, causing additional problems already mentioned.
Finally, be certain that disaster plans are maintained and rehearsed. While these plans are often written and implemented by the school administration, facility managers should be familiar with the plans and know how they can assist when needed. Preparation is an interesting topic from a management perspective. We realize that proper preparation can save lives, time and money if t he planned-for event happens. Additionally, we need to allocate time and resources to where we expect the best return. Since we know that springtime storms are inevitable, is anything keeping you from planning for them?
By: Scott VanDover, CR
Scott VanDover is Vice-President of Restoration Services at Woodard Cleaning and Restoration. Mr. VanDover has 32 years of experience in disaster restoration and is a Certified Restorer, recognized by the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration. He is the past president of The National Institute of Disaster Restoration and an instructor for Continuing Education approved by the Missouri Department of Insurance, and by the Missouri Real Estate Commission. Woodard offers catastrophe response services throughout Missouri and surrounding states (available 24/7), and assists with disaster plan consultation.
This article was reprinted from Missouri School Plant Manager, Spring 2011, courtesy of PTR Communications Inc.
