Precast Protects Life During Nature’s Fury
CHICAGO – A tornado outbreak April 26-28 reminds us of the ferocious destruction nature’s most violent storms can cause. At least 28 tornadoes occurred from Texas to Iowa, tragically killing five, injuring several more, and destroying many buildings.
Tornadoes can occur any month of the year, with peak times occurring in different months for different areas of the country, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. An average of 60 people die each year, ranging from single digits to hundreds. The worst year for tornado deaths was 2011 when 553 people lost their lives in 15 states.
Insured property losses average more than $17 billion per year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Precast concrete does its part to minimize this. It has been proven that precast concrete is the ideal construction material for standing up to tornadoes, in addition to other natural and man-made hazards, such as hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and bomb blasts. Many communities and owners have opted for precast concrete for safe rooms that can withstand tornado winds of 250 mph.
Tornadoes are not the only hazard. The Atlantic Hurricane season begins June 1, and many experts predict the 2024 season may be especially active. There are many examples of precast concrete saving lives and property during these formidable storms.
The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) has created a Precast Protects Life section of its website which includes case studies and other information about how precast concrete protects lives and property against various threats.
Finally, PCI will publish a special digital Precast Protects Life magazine in late May devoted solely to precast concrete’s performance against all types of natural and manmade hazards. Look for it at the PCI website.
Read the entire press release here.
About PCI
Founded in 1954, The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) is a technical institute for the precast concrete structures and systems industry. PCI develops maintains, and disseminates the Body of Knowledge for the design, fabrication, and construction of precast concrete structures and systems. PCI develops consensus base standards, industry handbooks, quality assurance programs, certification, research and development projects, design manuals, continuing education, and periodical publications. PCI members include precast concrete producers, erectors, suppliers, professional engineers and architects, educators, students, and industry consultants who complement the wide range of knowledge of precast concrete. For more information, visit pci.org/howprecastbuilds.
