Keeping Safe And Protected Against Tornadoes
Keeping Safe And Protected Against Tornadoes
Spring is arriving and warmer temperatures are just around the corner. It’s time to start packing away winter wardrobes and shovels, and pull out the shorts, bathing suits, and sandals. Warmer temperatures mean the season for grilling is upon us, but with the changing of the seasons, it also means tornado season is about to begin as well.
Am I Covered for Tornado Damage?
Fortunately, your homeowners insurance coverage typically does cover tornado damage and won’t require special coverage like floods or earthquakes for example.
In fact, tornadoes are typically classified as windstorms, so when you have a homeowners insurance policy that is well-built, you can rest assured you’re covered. Policies can also do more than regroup and restore. You can also get help with temporary housing expenses while your home is being rebuilt or repaired. Check with us to find out what you’re protected against on your homeowners insurance policy.
Importance of Personal Property Coverage
Personal property coverage on the other hand goes beyond covering walls, roofs, and your home. It ensures all of your assets are protected should a tornado wreck havoc on your personal belongings as well. You can get reimbursed or items such as televisions, clothing, and furniture could be replaced. An added benefit of this type of coverage with your homeowners policy is you also get protection from theft, vandalism or other related-weather events like wildfire and lightning.
Keep a Claims Process Smooth
- Create a Home Inventory and keep track of your valuables should you need to verify the cost and value of your belongings in the event you need to file a claim with your insurance carrier
- Know if you are RCV or ACV. RCV is replacement cost value and covers the cost to replace your damaged property and get new items of the same kind, type, and quality, while ACV is actual cash value based on what your property is worth today in the event of a loss. Not sure about which one you have or which one to choose? Contact the Covered team or email service@itscovered.com for assistance.
Tornado Safety Prep - Your Checklist
Tornado preparedness is all about having the plan on where to go and what to do before the tornado hits. Check out the tips on being prepared for a tornado:
- Designate a Shelter - Designate a basement, a shelter room, or the lowest level of your home and choose a spot that is contained in a small area and without windows.
- Build an Emergency Kit - Have an emergency kit ready should the power go out and it might be hours before you get it back. Your kit should include being ready for injuries, meal prep, and contain a flashlight, portable radio, and first aid kit
- Develop Your Emergency Plan - Ensure your whole family knows your outlined procedures to follow and recognize the sirens so they know when to act.
- Make Safety Improvements to Your Home - Having a contractor examine your roof and foundation to ensure structures are securely anchored for withstanding damage from a tornado is a safety measure you can take. Retrofitting garage doors, installing high-impact windows, and having entry doors fit with a minimum of three hinges and deadbolt locks all can help improve wind resistance and protect against tornado damage.
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warnings
When the weather warms and thunderstorms come rolling in, the chances of a tornado forming increase, and although some areas are more prone to tornadoes than others, everyone can still be at risk to be in the path of these destructive storms.
Tornado Watch
When the potential for tornado exists, a watch is issued
- Be ready to act quickly and move to your designated shelter
- Check supplies, equipment, and your first aid kit to ensure everything is stocked and ready in the event of an emergency
Tornado Warning
When a tornado is spotted or the weather radar indicates one is present in the area, a warning is issued.
Key Signs a Tornado is Coming or Near
Sometimes tornadoes are evident being seen off in the distance or approaching, while other times they can be more sneaky with the funnel right above head and no noticeable funnel cloud is seen. To be ready in either scenario, there are tell-tale signs a tornado is near to keep in mind; particularly if you are outdoors and need to seek cover immediately.
- Sky and clouds turn a green or blue-green color. Heavy clouds carrying more water droplets are thought to turn a greenish hue and can indicate a tornado is forming
- Clouds of debris or dirt are seem more distinctly flying around due to high winds rotating around a funnel cloud
- Hail without rain is another key indicator of an impending tornado due to the presence of an intense hail storm that is unaccompanied by rain
- There will be an eerie calm before the storm, where wind and storm calm, birds and other animals are no longer seen or heard
- The distinctive sound of a freight train where people have reported an intense ground-level roar that sounds similar to a train as winds rotate inside and around the funnel cloud
- If it’s evening or night, flashes of blue-green light can be indicative of power lines arcing after being severed by high winds or material flying in the debris field
Questions on your policy?
If you have questions about what is covered under your homeowners or renters insurance policy, reach out to the Covered team and we can help! Simply call 833-487-2683 or contact us. We are always available to assist with all of your insurance needs.