How to Prepare for a Tornado
How to Prepare for a Tornado
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 2023 saw 1,423 tornadoes in the U.S., with 83 fatalities. While the top states for tornado activity remain in the Midwest and Central Plains, any area can experience high-force winds that cause damage to your home. Here's how you can prepare your home for tornadoes, where to seek shelter, and what to do during the storm.
Before It Strikes: How to Prepare for a Tornado
Fortifying your home ahead of a storm can help minimize damage from hail and high winds and from loose, surrounding objects. The Texas Department of Insurance created a checklist to help you prepare for dangerous storms and minimize homeowners insurance claims from tornado damage:
Check your Homeowners Insurance: ask your agent about wind damage, hail damage, deductibles.
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Broken tree limbs can break windows or fall through your roof.
Know How to Turn Off Utilities: This can help avoid gas and water leaks during a storm.
Avoid Creating Flying Objects: Avoid using rocks or gravel in landscaping.
Strengthen Weak Spots: Focus on areas such as garage doors and AC units.
Check Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure they're secure.
Maintain Your Roof: Check the health of your shingles annually.
Did you know? Upgrading your roof and replacing your windows with impact-resistant glass may not only make your home more resistant to tornado damage, but it could also help you save money in the long run. Learn how some major home improvements can lower your homeowners insurance rate.
During the Storm: How to Stay Safe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests a three-step tornado safety plan for tornado season:
Be Prepared: Create a home emergency kit and store it where you’ll take shelter. Include a first-aid kit, important information, and enough supplies to last for a day or two in case you’re trapped.
Stay Aware of Weather Conditions: Look for weather patterns such as a dark or green-colored sky and large hail. Pay attention to weather forecasts and live updates. Keep an emergency radio nearby.
Know Where to Shelter: Aim for a basement or ground-level room with no windows. Cover yourself with something sturdy, such as a table, or use a blanket to cushion yourself from falling debris. If you live in a mobile home, seek shelter in a sturdier building nearby. Get in the hallway bring mattresses to cover yourself.
Pro Tip: Space underneath a stairwell is one of the safest places to be during a tornado, especially if it’s away from windows. Stairs are constructed to support a tremendous amount of weight, meaning you are likely safe from anything collapsing on you.
After the Storm: How to Clean Up
Once the storm passes and you're safe to assess the damage, use extreme caution when walking over or moving debris. FEMA encourages tornado survivors to wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes. This can help protect you from broken glass, sharp nails, and other exposed objects.
FEMA also provides a tornado debris removal safety checklist for residents who wish to begin cleanup themselves. It's always smart to take photos of the damage before any cleanup begins to have evidence for homeowners insurance claims.
By following these steps, you can minimize damage to your home and ensure your family's safety during a tornado. Stay safe! 🌪️
Understanding the claims process
-
We will help you gather the necessary documentation, file your claim, and communicate with the insurance carriers on your behalf. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on what matters most – your family's well-being.
-
You should be fully informed about your coverage and the claims process. Your agent should explain your policy in detail, ensuring that you understand what is covered and what is not.
