TORNADO TERMINOLOGY

It is important to understand the terms associated with tornadoes and severe storms. These include:

• Tornado Watch: Current weather conditions could create a tornado, so be prepared to seek safe shelter.
• Tornado Warning: A tornado is imminent or has been sighted in the area. Take cover immediately.
• Funnel Cloud: A violently rotating column of air that descends from the base of a severe thunderstorm, but is not in contact with the ground.
• Tornado: A funnel cloud that touches the ground, normally funnel-shaped with the narrow end toward the ground.

BEFORE A TORNADO

For insurance purposes, tornadoes are considered "windstorms" and are covered under homeowners insurance policies. Homeowners policies cover the building and its contents for damage from tornadoes, hail and other windstorms. If a tornado damages your car, protection is provided under the "other than collision" (comprehensive) portion of your auto insurance policy.

In view of today's higher construction costs, it's important to investigate whether current policy limits are adequate to replace your home. Most insurance companies offer an "inflation guard protection" endorsement, at little or no cost, that will automatically increase the amount of insurance coverage annually to keep pace with the home's rising replacement cost. Ask us about this endorsement.

Take time to complete an itemized inventory of your household furnishings and personal belongings. The inventory will help speed the claims settlement process. Also, photograph your rooms. This will prove invaluable in the event of a loss. Keep these valuable records, along with receipts, off-premises, preferably in a bank safe deposit box.

Prepare an evacuation plan with your entire family. Make sure you're familiar with the locations of the on/off switches for water, gas and electricity. Locate the safest area in your home in case of a tornado emergency.

When skies look threatening, turn on your radio or TV. The National Weather Service tracts weather systems with radar and can usually provide adequate advance warning of severe weather conditions. Many communities also have arranged special siren warning systems.

Consider purchasing a National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio. The NOAA Weather Radio Network forecasters can automatically activate these specially designed weather radios during severe weather. Some receivers sound an alarm and turn on automatically. This allows immediate notification when a watch or warning is issued, no matter what time of day or night.

If severe weather threatens, move vehicles under cover. This can help prevent damage from high winds, flying debris and hail.

DURING A TORNADO

Some places are safer than others when tornadoes threaten. When possible, take a flashlight and battery-operated radio when seeking shelter. Memorize safe locations now so you're not caught "off-guard" if a tornado strikes.

• In homes and other small buildings - Go to the center of the room on the lowest level, preferably a basement. If none exists, get to a windowless closet, bathroom or inside hall, staying away from windows, doors and exterior walls. Get under a sturdy table or bench.
• In school - A teacher will direct you to the designated tornado shelter. In a hallway, kneel on the floor facing the wall with your hands covering the back of your neck and head. Avoid auditoriums or gymnasiums with large roofs.
• In cars, mobile homes or outside - Leave cars or mobile homes immediately! If you can't reach a building, lie flat in a ditch or low spot, covering your head and the back of your neck with your hands. Stay clear of tall trees and open water.
• In malls or large buildings - If you can't locate a designated shelter area, go to a middle hall on the lowest level.

AFTER A TORNADO

Inspect your property and cars for damage. Check immediately for electrical problems and gas leaks, contacting appropriate utilities or the fire department as soon as possible. Notify relatives of your safety. If you don't, local authorities may waste time trying to find you.

If extensive damage occurred, contact your insurance agent or company immediately. Meanwhile, protect your property from further damage or theft. Keep receipts related to securing the property, since many are reimbursable under your homeowners insurance policy.

Take an inventory of the damage and take pictures to help speed your insurance settlement process. Normally, your homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for additional living expenses if you are unable to remain in your home due to covered losses. Your policy also provides coverage for debris removal up to a stated amount.

LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS

When a tornado strikes, severe lightning will often be present. Lightning causes an average of 90 deaths and over 300 injuries in the U.S. each year. Ohio averages between 30-50 thunderstorms days a year, so it's important to know what to do when lightning threatens.

• When Outdoors: Avoid water (pools, lakes), metal objects (electric wires, fences, golf clubs, machinery, power tools, etc.), wide open spaces and high terrain (hilltops) and tall trees or objects.

• When Indoors: Avoid water (baths, showers, doing dishes or laundry), open doors and windows and using telephones and headsets. Unplug major electrical appliances like stereos, televisions, computers and VCRs.

INSURANCE TIPS DURING REBUILDING

• Protect yourself from shoddy workmanship by using licensed, reputable contractors. Be sure they secure the proper building permits. Beware of contractors requiring a large payment up front or whose bids are amazingly low.
• If your home was destroyed beyond repair, and you decide to rebuild on another lot or purchase another home instead or rebuilding, check your insurance policy and discuss this with your insurance agent or company. There may be limitations on what your insurer will pay for if you don't rebuild on the same property.
• Remember, your settlement won't necessarily be the same as your neighbor's. Your coverage and/or the level of damage caused by the tornado may be different.
• Your insurance policy provides coverage to repair or replace the property you had prior to the tornado. It won't pay for expensive improvements like a slate roof if yours was standard fiberglass.
• If you know your home is not up to local building code standards, you may be required to rebuild the damaged sections according to current codes. In some cases, this may mean a design or building material change that may cost more. Generally, a standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover such additional expenses. However, you may want to consider a policy endorsement that provides coverage when making required improvements.
• You can recontact your claims adjuster if you have additional information or damage that was not previously reported when filing your claim.