Tulsans Try To Prepare Storm-Battered Buildings For Possible Round 2

Many in Green Country are bracing for round two of severe weather, after having weathered damage in Tuesday night's storm.

We have seen several homes protected by no more than blue tarps across Tulsa. Those residents are hoping the tarps will hold up if we see another round of storms Thursday night.

"I'm trying to stop secondary damage," said Brian Greene, of Burggraf Disaster Restoration.

Burggraf Disaster Restoration crews have been working quickly to temporarily fix the roof at Vernon Chapel AME Church.

"We're going to put the framing up, tarp it, so in case any more weather comes in tonight, at least we can shed some water," Greene said.

The 108-year-old church at 3rd and North Greenwood has stood since before statehood, but it took a beating when powerful winds ripped off the roof, clearing the way for gallons of water.

7/5/2013 Related Story: Green Country Homeowners Hurry To Clear Debris Before More Severe Weather

"It went down through the sanctuary, down to the bottom floor. There are leaks all over the place, but God is able and he's fixing it for us," said Reverend Michelle K.T. Moulden.

With more rain and storms in the forecast, it's extremely important all the holes are patched.

"I'm grateful that they're working hard to try to cover it, so that no more damage is done, but if it is, I just believe the Lord will take care of that, too," Moulden said.

The pastor isn't the only one bracing for what's next.

From Osage SkyNews 6, we saw tarps covering multiple houses and even an apartment complex.

For Jack Elswick, the challenge was removing the tree on top of his house before workers can even think about tarping it.

7/24/2013 Related Story: Tulsa Insurance Agent Answers Questions About Who Pays For Tree Damage

"If it causes some more leaks, we'll just have a bigger pain. It'll just cost more to fix it," Elswick said.

But with 70-mph winds, is a tarp enough to protect a building?

"If a high enough wind is going to come, it's going to pull the tarp up just like it did the roof," Greene said.

Moulden said she is just going to rely on prayer.

"God first, and the best is yet to come. We're standing on that word today," Moulden said.

Tulsa County, along with nearly every county in northeastern Oklahoma, is under a flood watch for Thursday night and thunderstorms are expected to move into the area overnight.