Tornado Preparedness

The monstrous storms claimed 78 lives along their paths and played a role in an estimated $76 billion of insurance losses caused by thunder- storms. As you plan for tornado season, make sure your policy is sufficient, and you have a plan for rebuilding if disaster strikes. When a devastating tornado impacts your home or property, the rebuilding process can be overwhelming. Before you begin the process, officials must deem the structure safe to enter and repairable. They should check for safety issues like electrical hazards, gas line defects and impending water conditions. Once you’re given the green light, here are some factors to consider in your ren- ovation plans.

INSURANCE INSPECTION © ADOBE STOCK After experiencing tornado damage, your first step should your property. For instance, if a an insurance provider can crete foam walls to protect with hurricane clips that be to contact your insurance tree falls on a structure, it may reimburse you. against windblown debris to attach to the top trusses or raf- provider. During the conversa- be imperative to remove it preserve a home and its occu- ters to withstand severe pres- tion, schedule an appointment before it collapses in the home. REBUILDING WITH pants. sures. to assess the damage and However, you should have a REINFORCEMENTS The high winds caused by You should also consider determine the cost of the digital representation of the As you rebuild your life and tornadoes can cause a roof to equipping your home with required repairs. extent of the issue, so photo- home after a devastating tor- be lifted off a house, seriously sturdy, windstorm-proof doors While waiting for the meet- graphs are essential. nado, consider upgrading your weakening a structure’s walls, and window-shutter systems ing, make sure to take plenty of It’s also a good idea to get property’s structure for the often causing them to collapse that allow for easy installation pictures before repairing dam- receipts if you hire a company next storm. Some improve- outward. Some home builders and removal of plywood before age that could further harm to remove the obstruction so ments include insulated con- choose to reinforce the roof and after the storm. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | KNOW THE FACTS

Plan for the unexpected by ensuring prepared to seek shelter when a torna- ate a wind tunnel that pulls in flying in a tornado while driving, the NCDC your safe room is ready to protect you do warning is issued in your area. It’s debris at high speeds. suggests ditching your vehicle and and your loved ones while you wait vital to listen to the experts, as many Rather than risk your life, pay atten- immediately seeking shelter. out an event. Here are some tips from tornado myths regarding preparations tion to the weather in areas you will the American Red Cross to prepare a and the storm’s unexpected develop- be visiting. If severe weather that’s MYTH: TORNADOES ARE sufficient area. ments can be dispelled. capable of developing a tornado is MORE LIKELY TO HIT • Choose an underground structure Here are a few common erroneous possible, create a plan to retreat to a MOBILE HOME PARKS like a basement, shelter or safe room. ideas that many people have about safe structure with an emergency A tornado travels in a ruthless man- • Stock the room with enough food tornadoes, according to the National plan. ner and without judgment. There are and water to last for three days, first- Climate Data Center (NCDC). two reasons mobile home parks aid kits, flashlights, cell phone char- MYTH: YOU CAN OUTRUN appear to be targets of mass destruc- gers and battery back-ups. MYTH: HIDING UNDER AN AN INCOMING TORNADO tion during these severe weather • Keep a charged NOAA weather OVERPASS IS SAFE SHELTER IN A VEHICLE events: radio to analyze storm updates. WHILE OUTDOORS Since tornadoes’ paths are incredi- • There are thousands of parks • Have essential documents you Some consider the heavy-duty con- bly unpredictable, attempting to race located in tornado alley. may need like Social Security cards, crete structure as a haven during a away from one can have lethal results. • Mobile homes offer little to no insurance policies and banking infor- storm, but it’s incredibly dangerous. The spinning storms can travel up to protection against even weak torna- mation. While the overpass offers overhead 70 mph and shift directions erratically does, so damage seems to be more With a safety plan in place, you’ll be protection, its unique design can cre- without any warning. If you’re caught significant. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | TORNADO BASICS Identifying Types of Tornadoes

Understanding the Wedge tornado Waterspouts Cone tornado type of severe weather event that has developed can help you understand the range of damage to expect.

Learn more about the five different types of tornadoes that are prevalent in the United States.

ROPE TORNADOES The National Oceanic and Multi-vortex tornadoes Rope tornado Atmospheric Administration says these storms often assume a ropy appearance during their final moments. Still, it sometimes maintains a thin, funnel shape throughout its entire life cycle. While it may not appear as intimidating as more sweep- ing supercell storms, these powerful tornadoes gain more destructive tendencies as they narrow and tighten.

CONE TORNADOES A cone style is commonly © ADOBE STOCK portrayed in Hollywood and media reports of tornadoes. of their stout stature and bru- MULTI-VORTEX parent tornado, including a lake-effect rain and snow This storm is broader at the tal obliteration abilities. A Under the right conditions, wider perimeter of damage. showers around the Great base than a rope tornado and wedge tornado typically a supercell thunderstorm can If multi-vortex tornadoes Lakes. widens where it meets an appears wider than it does produce multiple twisters at come in the form of two cone A waterspout can develop impending thunderstorm. tall. It typically destroys every- the same time. A multi-vortex or wedge twisters spinning without the circulation caused Cone tornadoes often cause thing in its half-mile or broad- condition means that at least independently, it’s called a by supercell storms but are mass destruction along their er path. two tornadoes are causing satellite tornado. Fortunately, strong enough to overturn paths. According to the National carnage simultaneously but this phenomenon is infre- boats and create rough seas in Weather Service, the 2013 El can sometimes include more quent. water. WEDGE TORNADOES Reno, Oklahoma wedge torna- than a pair. Their destructive statistics This style makes up some of do became the widest record- The additional tornadoes WATERSPOUTS are not included with the the most destructive storms ed tornado in the United are typically rope style funnels A less dangerous form of a other types of tornadoes until in America’s history because States, measuring 2.6 miles. that swirl around the primary tornado is associated with they cause damage on land. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | AT HOME Prepare your Home’s Exterior While ensuring your family has a safe place to hide during a tornado should be the essential aspect in preparation, protecting your property’s exterior can alleviate the damage posed to the structure.

From limiting the objects at risk of becoming flying debris to general maintenance, guard your most significant investment before the severe weather season begins. Even when you take pre- cautions seriously, storm damage can be inevitable. It’s crucial to ensure your home- owner’s insurance policy is in good standing and protects against both minor issues and the risk of a total loss. Touch base with your provider to find out if you require additional coverage or to adjust your plan. Once the financial protection is secured, here are some ideas to reduce serious structural © ADOBE STOCK damage risks. Try to use hook anchors to becoming flying debris that tem is efficient by cleaning hanging branches or dead CLEAN YOUR YARD tie down chairs, tables and causes significant destruction leaves and debris from your trees that may damage your If a tornado warning is storage containers. You can and injury. gutters. structure if strong winds declared in your area, it’s time also move lawn decorations When water pools around cause them to fall or break. to seek shelter, not rush out- and landscaping tools inside CLEAN GUTTERS your home, it may lead to The Insurance Institute for side to secure patio furniture a garage or shed. The supercell thunder- flooded basements, cracked Business and Home Safety or store objects that may While a massive tornado storms associated with devel- foundations and damage to suggests hiring an arborist to become airborne. The best may still cause damage to oping tornadoes are notori- roofs or siding. remove branches that hang way to prepare for the season additional buildings, ensur- ous for dumping heavy rain over your home and identify is by taking proactive mea- ing everything is inside will during the event. Make sure TRIM TREES and remove dead, dying or sures before the storms begin. limit the risks of the contents your home’s water flow-sys- Analyze your home for diseased trees. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | KNOW THE DANGERS Significant Risks The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that about 1,200 tornadoes occur in the United States each year.

Most storms in our country blow through Tornado Alley, which shifts from states in the Southeast during the cooler months, Central Plains in the spring and the Midwest during early summer. However, historically, tornadoes have been reported in all 50 states. Because of the intense wind speeds during tornadoes, the National Severe Storms Laboratory deems flying debris as the most prevalent risk to people and animals. Experts believe the tornadic winds can reach speeds as high as 300 mph in the most violent storms. While airborne items can be hazardous to living creatures, the results can also cre- © ADOBE STOCK ate significant damage to other objects and structures. show signs of activity by experiences damage from a You should also be wary of tious of downed trees or releasing sparks or arcing. tornado, speak with local offi- electrical, water and gas haz- standing water in the road- POWER LINES Still, in other cases, they can cials before entering. If the ards if you experienced signif- ways. Fallen trees can hide High winds and lightning reveal no warning and remain structure experiences any icant damage. If a home is electrical hazards like live strikes can easily down tele- hazardous. shifting or destruction of sup- flooded, the water may be power lines and shelter-seek- phone poles or energized You should also approach porting beams, the property charged due to exposed wires ing wildlife that may turn lines, leaving them as danger- downed trees and other may become unstable and that cause an active electrical aggressive. ous remnants after the storm. obstructions with caution as pose significant safety risks. current. You will also want to avoid If you notice a hazard on they may be covering up Make sure to wear sturdy driving through the water as the roadway or near your potential electrical threats. boots and work gloves before FALLEN TREES AND even small amounts of stand- property, stay away and con- you begin cleaning debris to BLOCKED ROADWAYS ing rain can damage your tact an electric utility provid- PROPERTY DAMAGE avoid injury from nails or As you navigate your com- vehicle or cause you to lose er. Sometimes, live wires may If your home or business other sharp objects. munity after a storm, be cau- control. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | ANIMALS Protect your Pets As family members, your furry and feathered friends should be considered when you prepare a tornado plan.

Since these severe storms can occur unexpectedly, it’s important to have a routine in place regarding shelter, emergency supplies and identifying missing animals. Use these tips from the United Animal Nations to protect your pets before, during and after a tornadic event.

ID TAG AND MICROCHIP While ideally, your pets will ride out the storm and remain safe in a shelter, situations don’t always go as planned. Especially with the noises and sights that are typical during a tornado, animals can become nervous and act out in fear, sometimes running away from the action. A proactive measure to ensure you can find pets after a storm is microchipping and tagging them with an ID badge. Ask your vet about the © ADOBE STOCK easy-to-afford and non-intru- sive process of installing a weather is expected in your threat is prevalent. the day and reward them with microchip them, there may be tracking device so you can area, ensure they are indoors treats. Try to think of new numerous facilities to call find them if they happen to before the predicted time PRACTICE ROUTE words as commands to differ- when searching. Locate local leave your property. arrives. TO YOUR SAFE ROOM entiate the pattern from nor- shelters, animal control agen- For instance, if you have a Dogs are creatures of habit. mal, daily activities. cies and humane societies in KEEP ANIMALS INDOORS pet who bounces between the Make a practice run to your your area to find out if some- The animals who rely on inside and outside of your shelter a part of their training FIND SHELTERS IF one found your pet. Bring you for safety should be property, it’s a good idea to routine. If they will wait out PETS GO MISSING along photos as proof of own- included in an emergency collect them and keep them the storm in a crate, entice If your pet does go missing ership to streamline the pro- preparedness plan. If severe in long before the tornado them to enter it throughout before you have a chance to cess of bringing them home. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | AT WORK

© ADOBE STOCK Protecting a Farm Severe weather and warning is issued. nado as high winds can cause a barn to trimmed or if it should be removed • When working in an open field, get collapse and threaten the entire herd. entirely. tornadoes have long out of the tractor or vehicle and lie in a Instead, consider evacuating your It’s a good idea to check your land’s plagued the farming low area or ditch. Cover your head to stock to another county if the risks of a perimeter to make sure the barriers are protect yourself from flying debris; significant tornado are expected. If in good condition. Frightened livestock industry with devastating • Don’ try to outrun a tornado in transferring your animals isn’t possible, may find the weak points and escape results to crops, livestock your tractor as a tornado’s speed and turn them loose in a large pasture or in fear while a storm is overhead. You path are unpredictable. fenced-in pen on high ground with also should clear out drainage systems and operational structures. • Understand which buildings on the reliable shelter like brush. to promote efficient water flow during property offer the best protection. It’s imperative to stock up on addi- heavy rainfall. In addition to a safety plan for your You’ll want to find a structure with a tional food, water, medical supplies family, farmers are also tasked with lower level like a basement or a sturdy and supplements if fallen trees and PREPARE VEHICLES protecting their livelihood. inner frame. debris compromise your path to town. Because your operation must con- Especially for those whose farms are Here are some other ways to plan for tinue after a storm, ensure that you in the pathway of tornado alley, mid- the worst before the risk of severe SECURE YOUR PROPERTY have machine supplies on standby. spring to summer requires proactive weather becomes prevalent in your Prepare your property for the worst Collect enough fuel, oil and mainte- measures to minimize damage. area. by analyzing it for potential risks. Look nance chemicals to keep your vehicles If you’re ever caught off guard by a for dying trees in the fall path of struc- going. You should also perform regular potential tornado development, the LIVESTOCK tures or essential areas of your opera- maintenance on your tractors, trucks National Agriculture Safety Database Farm animals should never be gath- tion like livestock pens. Determine if and trailers before severe weather has tips on factors to consider if a ered into a single building during a tor- the overhanging branches can be season.