 |
 After a
structure has been damaged during any of the wind storms --
tornado, hurricane, or high winds -- look for the damage signs
listed below and note any abnormal damage, different from the
surrounding damage. Wear heavy shoes with high tops or boots, with
thick soles and heavy socks; heavy pants; and a long-sleeved shirt
or jacket. A hard hat is preferred.
Also bring:
* Flashlight
* The Damage Assessment Worksheet
* Drinking water/canteen, if required
* Pocket knife
* Ballpoint pen
* Ten-foot tape measure
* Cellular phone (if not available, use handheld CB radio and
get local frequencies)
* Local telephone numbers
As you enter the structure, watch for low-hanging items and for
holes in the floor. Large concentrations of fiberglass insulation
may be present and pose a threat to the visitor. If electricity is
connected, determine if the wires are "hot". Smell for natural gas
leaks. DO NOT SMOKE ON THE SITE OR IN THE AREA. Do not rummage
through the damaged structure, moving debris. Have the owner or
owner's representative with you at all
times.
WOOD FRAME
STRUCTURE
EXTERIOR:
* Fence support broken at the ground or blown
over
* Landscape damage, largest size broken limb, trunk to check
against F scale
* Roof blown off or displaced (check wall-roof connection;
sometimes it is not evident)
* Broken windows -- will indicate wind forces entering
the building
* Brick blown off walls or in place
* Chimney and roof vent condition. May cause carbon monoxide
poisoning if used in damaged condition
* Above-ground utility services -- connected or off
INTERIOR:
* Always look ahead and keep the exterior in
sight
* Do not touch exposed electrical wires or lights
* Check wall-roof connections. Look for evidence of
separation
* Check for diagonal fracture of wall surfaces, if rigid like
gyp board
* Watch for spilled liquid in and near kitchens, bathrooms,
and garages. Very dangerous!
* Look for loose structural items that might collapse. Always
assume they will.
* Check stability of interior walls
* Check what happened to occupants if they were in the
structure during the storm
* Check conditions of any basements, cellars, out
buildings
OTHER TYPE
STRUCTURES
All of the above, plus the following
for the special structure:
Steel Frame or Load-Bearing Walls
* Bent frame
* Broken welds on beams and trusses and at connections
* Reverse-loaded steel beams and trusses
* Racking of the frame
* Wind bracing broken, bent
* Glass breakage
* In high-rise buildings, watch for frame twisting,
offsets
Concrete Frame, Slab
* Gouges from columns and floor surfaces from
impacts
* Cracks running parallel with reinforcing steel
* Splitting out of the rebars
* Column-slab juncture, condition. Watch for spalding of
concrete
* Look for previous water damage and spalding
Note: Concrete structures are very good performers in wind storms.
The veneers, glass, etc., not directly fastened to the concrete
structure will usually be blown off.
Prepare report with owner or occupant. The person interviewed will
be very talkative and want to tell you their story. Very important
therapy for the person. Use your head!!
Turn in report to local office.
|
