Over this past weekend in April 2011 Mother Nature decided
to play with her tops only instead of using toys she chose tornadoes instead.
Storms began in Oklahoma moved East across the U.S.
Throughout three days the storms dropped
approximately 229 tornado's across the lands. News stations claiming that it
was the worst tornado outbreak in years. Natural disasters can throw homeowners
in financial turmoil in seconds flat.
When a tornado is destined to hit your area will you be
protected? In the event the weather is prime to develop cyclones the local
weather stations are quick to make the public aware. In such cases they will keep you up to date
as conditions increase. If tornado's are spotted in your area city and counties
will sound the alarms. This is when it
is time to protect your family.
Grab your important documents (drivers license,
bank card, etc) along with pillows and blankets. Go to the center most part of the
house. You will want to get as many walls between you and the outside as
possible. Be sure to stay away from all windows.
If possible get inside a
bathtub or closet then cover yourselves with blankets and pillows. These items
will help to protect you from flying debris. Of course the safest place is a
basement or storm shelter if there is one around.
So you weathered the storm but as you look around your home
and neighborhood look like a war zone. If you are safe and sound be sure to
check on your neighbors and the elderly to offer immediate assistance if
necessary because sometimes it may take police and paramedics a little while to
arrive.
You did everything to take care of your family and neighbors
but did you think ahead of the unexpected?
Before a storm ever occurs there are a couple things you should do to
further protect your home and family.
Have an emergency storm kit somewhere easy to grab. It
doesn't have to be much a radio, flashlight, batteries, a couple bottles of
water and a small first aid kit. in an emergency these items are sometimes the
most needed but hardest to find. It is important to tend to injuries right away
so that infectious germs won’t set in.
Make sure you make a complete list of all (or at least
valuable) items in the home. Include what the item is, any serial numbers
listed, date purchased and if at all possible take pictures of everything. This
list can be used for insurance purposes, not only in case of any natural
disaster but also in the event of a break in.
Also be sure to call your homeowners insurance to check your
policy. Most often tornado's are covered under the high wind clause. Although
as tornado's become more and more prevalent some agencies are removing them
from standard policy.
If they are not covered by your standard policy then inquire
with your agent about a possible rider. Some companies will offer and
additional rider to add to your policy to cover your home in the event of a
tornado. You make sure your family is taken care of so make sure your home is
too. If your home is hit by a tornado you want to make sure you can get the
damages repaired.