Though the spring marks a time when people welcome warmer weather, the season also presents a greater threat for tornados. “March, April and May are traditionally when most tornadoes sweep through the U.S., threatening both lives and property. According to the Insurance Information Institute, tornados can strike in almost any state in the U.S.

If a tornado hits your home, it can be devastating emotionally and financially. There are many factors you cannot control when a tornado hits but having the right coverage is in your hands. Consumers should make sure they have enough home insurance coverage. Doing so can help them replace their home or belongings lost during a tornado.

Be Prepared

  • Well-organized paperwork is the key to quickly identifying yourself to rescue authorities (such as the American Red Cross) and to seeking aid in repairing or rebuilding your home. Keep copies of birth, marriage and death certificates, Social Security cards, wills and credit card and bank statements in an easily accessible waterproof container that you can quickly grab when disaster looms. Store the original documents in a bank safety deposit box to protect them from fire or theft.
  • While preparing this paperwork, review your insurance. Most homeowners have not properly evaluated their coverage, says Carolyn Gorman, vice-president of the Insurance Information Institute in Washington, D.C. Don’t assume insurance will protect you in the event of a natural disaster. Most policies won’t cover flood or hurricane damage – you’ll need to purchase separate policies, such as those offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program.
  • To aid insurance claims, include a complete home inventory in your paperwork. Whether it’s a written list or a videotape, include big-ticket items such as appliances, jewelry, furniture, electronics and computers as well as housewares and even clothes. Count each garment and list brands and prices whenever possible. Though such detail may seem extreme, it’s amazing how quickly clothing-replacement costs add up. Remember that in the event of a catastrophic loss, you’ll need to replace literally everything for every family member.
  • Again, keep a copy in a safe place like a bank Safe.

Tornado Warning: A Tornado is Coming

A tornado warning presents an immediate threat. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is spotted visually or on weather radar. In case of a tornado warning, FEMA advises you to:

  • Go at once to the basement, storm cellar or the lowest level of the building.
  • If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
  • Get away from the windows.
  • Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
  • Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
  • If you’re in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.

Tornado Myths

There are many myths about what to do during a tornado. The American Red Cross wants to set the record straight.

  • Myth: Opening a building’s windows allows the air pressure to equalize as a tornado passes overhead.
    Fact: Air pressure can equalize itself through normal openings within a building. Opening windows does little to equalize air pressure. You should stay as far from windows as possible when tornadoes threaten because of the danger from debris and flying glass.

  • Myth: The southwest corner of a building is the safest in a tornado.
    Fact: Any place near windows is dangerous.
  • Myth: Tornadoes happen only in the spring.
    Fact: Tornadoes happen most often from March through August, but they can happen anytime and in any state.

  • Myth: You should dry to “outdrive” a tornado.
    Fact: A tornado can pick up a car and toss it like a toy. If you are in a car during a tornado, stop and find a safe place. If that isn’t possible, get out of your car and duck down in the lowest spot you can find, such as a ditch or gully. A tornado doesn’t suck objects up, but blows them around.
  • Myth: Highway overpasses are a safe place to hide during a tornado.
    Fact: You can be killed under a highway overpass because it acts like a wind tunnel, attracting strong winds and debris.

After the Storm Passes

Once the severe weather has passed, here are some tips from the Red Cross:

  • Tune your radio to a local station, which provides frequent weather reports. There could be more tornadoes in your area.
  • Avoid downed power lines.
  • Stay out of damaged buildings.
  • If you’re inside a building and you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open a window and immediately exit the building. Call the fire department or gas company
  • Carefully inspect your home for damage. If it’s dark when you are inspecting your home, use flashlights. Candles could ignite leaking natural gas.

Making a Claim

If your house has sustained tornado damage, III recommends these steps:

  • Take photogtraphs of the damaged property.
  • Give your agent a description of the damage so that it can be reported immediately to the insurance company in order to start your claim rolling.
  • Make a detailed inventory of all damaged personal property. You’ll need two copies: one for yourself and one for the insurance adjuster. Include as much detail as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.
  • Make temporary repairs such as covering broken windows and save the receipts for insurance reimbursement.
  • If you can’t live in your house due to damage, make sure to keep a record of expenses such as hotel and meals; your home insurance will cover these additional living expenses.