Before, During and After the Tornado

May 18, 2012

Oklahomans know that May weather in our state can be a wild ride. Only in Oklahoma will you find that the local weather forecasters have achieved a type of “star status”! We all love them and follow their forecasts and social media posts. Where else would weather apps be so popular and storm shelters be a definite plus when purchasing or building a home?? All fun aside, keeping your family safe from severe weather is no joke. At Perimeter Insurance, we are committed to helping you keep your family safe and stay informed.  Here are a few basic tips to know in case you do encounter a tornado:

Before the tornado

• Become familiar with the type of alarm or notification system your local government will put into effect to let you know if a tornado watch or warning is being issued. Above all, don’t wait until a tornado warning is issued to find out what to do. Make sure everyone in the family is fully prepared to take responsibility for his or her own safety.

• The best preparation for a tornado is to be alert to changing weather patterns. Pay attention to weather reports and rely on your own instincts and experience.

• Nature provides certain environmental clues that may precede a tornado. Look for a dark, greenish sky, a wall of clouds and pieces of hail sometimes as large as grapefruits. Eyewitnesses say a tornado produces aloud roar, similar to that of an approaching freight train.

During the tornado

• The safest place to be during a tornado is underground. If there is no basement in your home, a small room in the middle of the house is best. Stay away from windows.

• Get under a steady piece of furniture, such as a heavy table or desk. Hold on to it and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

• If you live in a mobile home, even if it has tie-downs, you should leave and seek shelter somewhere else.

• If there is no safe place inside, go outside and lie flat on the ground with your hands over your head and neck.

• If you’re in a car, get out and seek a safe shelter or lie down in a low area, again with your hands over your head and neck.

• If you’re in a high-rise building, make your way to an interior room on the lowest floor. Avoid windows.

After a tornado

• Check for injured or trapped persons. Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Don’t try to get into damaged neighborhoods if you don’t have any business there. Emergency crews need to be able to get to the injured and take care of fires, etc. If your home is damaged and there is no building or address left, try to get a temporary sign placed in the yard. Spray paint the address in black if possible to help your insurance adjuster locate your property. Take steps to get your roof tarped to protect the interior of the home and your possessions. Don’t attempt to get on a damaged roof and put a tarp on yourself; let a professional roofer do that for you. Our clients can access claims phone numbers to their insurance companies on our website or on the mobile version.

Always keep a home inventory of your property. The best option is to go digital but a paper version is good too. Your claim will be handled much quicker and you will have all the information at your fingertips in a stressful time. You can click on this link to access the Trusted Choice app and download and manage your home inventory: http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/get-our-app.aspx.

Don’t find out the hard way that your home or possessions are not properly insured. Contact us for a no-obligation insurance review.