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Tornado Emergency Planning

Did you know

  • That tornadoes strike every month of the year and in almost every state.
  • Peak tornado season: April to August.
  • States by the most tornadoes in 1993: is this info available for 08/09 yet?
StateTornadoes in 1993
Texas117
Kansas113
Florida 85
South Dakota 85
Colorado 71
Nebraska 70
All states 1,773

Before a Tornado

  • Make a written or videotaped inventory of household possessions/property and store in a safe place with insurance policies, documents and other valuables.
  • Identify a safe location in your home—a basement, center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor.
  • Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross Chapter.
  • Assemble a disaster kit including: first aid kit, medications, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, canned food, can opener, bottled water, sturdy shoes and work gloves.
  • Make a utilities checklist with instructions on how to turn them off.
  • Conduct periodic tornado drills.
  • Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information and for instructions if a disaster occurs.
  • Check your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you’re covered for damage due to tornadoes.

After a Tornado

  • Call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible.
  • Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
  • Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.
  • Get any necessary construction permits from your community.
  • Keep all receipts.
  • Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.
  • Take photos of damaged areas.
  • Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
  • Meet with your adjuster first, before signing anything with contractors, lawyers or public adjusters.
Information provided courtesy of Independent Insurance Agents of America