Skip to main content
Insurance

Tornado Safety and Claims Advice

By May 2, 2021October 11th, 2023No Comments

Difference Between a Watch and a Warning:

Tornado Watch Tornado Warning
Weather conditions could form a Tornado, but a Tornado hasn’t yet been spotted in your area. Take precautions to ensure your safety.
A tornado has been spotted in your area. Immediate action should be taken to ensure your safety.

DO NOT

  • Do NOT try to outrun or out maneuver a Tornado. Tornados can be highly unpredictable and can change speed and direction at any time.
  • Do NOT assume you will see a Tornado coming. Tornados have also been known to, ‘jump’ from one place to another unexpectedly.
  • Do NOT open windows and doors in your home to ‘equalize pressure’. Equalizing pressure this way is a myth and can cause more damage to your property and possibly endanger you and your loved ones.
  • Do NOT seek shelter under a bridge or overpass These structures actually create a more dangerous environment by augmenting the windspeed from a Tornado.

DO

  • DO find shelter in the center most point of a structure. Whether it is a bathroom, closet or interior hallway, the center most point is the safest. The best option is a basement, if available.
  • DO take shelter in the lowest point of an outdoor area IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE. If you can’t get to shelter, abandon your vehicle and search for a ditch or other low point in an open area. Stay clear of large trees and powerlines which can become projectiles.
  • DO protect your head. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, cover your head with your hands, or if possible some sort of protection.

After the storm:

  • Keep Safety as much of a priority as during a storm. There is still a significant risk of injury to your person after a storm. Keep safety top of mind.
  • Inspect everyone for injuries and apply first aid. Injuries can sometimes be missed due to shock. Inspect yourself and your loved ones for injuries, apply first aid and seek out first responders as necessary.
  • Inspect property and cars for damage. After you are sure no one is injured, inspect your property and cars for damage. Damages may also be missed in the heat of the moment. While the structure of your home may be intact, projectiles could have damaged an external part of your property; you will want to make a claim as soon as possible.
  • Inventory Losses as you Inspect. Keep an accurate and detailed list of damages and losses as you inspect your property for damage.
  • Secure your property from further damage and possible theft. It is not uncommon for further damages to occur after a storm. Additionally, many insurance policies will require this as a duty on the homeowner’s behalf. Be prepared to explain how you secured your property from further damage.
  • Immediately contact your Connect Insurance agent or carrier. There is a high likelihood that many claims will be filed with your carrier or agent. Delays are not uncommon. You will want to start the claims process as soon as possible.
  • Understand your coverages. Review your policy or have your agent review your policy with you, if possible. Understand what is and what isn’t covered by your policy before allocating emergency funds.
  • Take Photographs of Everything. Take photos of any and all damage to your home, no matter how minor. Damages that may seem minor now could be part of much larger issues.
  • Be on the lookout for fraud. It is an unfortunate truth that there are people who will look to take advantage of people who have been affected by a Tornado. Never pay in cash or in full for work that has yet to be done. Try to work with local vendors and check with your Insurance Agent or neighbors for referrals when looking for help fixing and cleaning up after a storm.
  • Keep detailed records and receipts for any business activity or extra expenses due to the storm. Keep accurate and detailed records of any and all expenses and income interruptions that may be covered by your policy.