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Tornadoes - Bracing for Impact

Tornadoes - Bracing for Impact

  • Posted on Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Tornadoes represent one of the world’s most common and dangerous natural disasters due to their relatively high occurrence rates, significant material damages, and fatalities.

While studies suggest that certain areas of the U.S. are more prone to tornadoes than others (think “Tornado Alley” which represents the Great Plains in the central region including Missouri), these tropical cyclones can actually occur anywhere and with little warning.

  • With that in mind, we want to help home and business owners be properly braced to minimize some of the impact caused by severe tornadoes.

Although there is no way to eliminate all of the damage from a direct hit, home and business owners can implement measures to minimize some of the impact of a severe tornado.

  • Business owners should prepare an emergency plan for supervisors and managers to follow during the threat of a tornado. 
  • Be sure to include provisions for employees typically working outdoors.
  • Practice emergency procedures periodically or when tornado drills occur in your area.
  • Monitor local radar and weather information and download smartphone apps for tornado alerts. 
  • Keep exterior doors and windows closed to minimize rain and flying debris. 
  • Keep interior doors closed to compartmentalize buildings. 
  • Seek shelter in a “Safe Room,” a basement, corridor, or small interior room on the first floor.
  • Avoid sheltering in areas with an outside wall or with glass windows.
  • Maintain an electronic record (inventory records, photos and/or video) of your property and contents and store this remotely.

AFTER A HIT

  • If a tornado has damaged your property, contact your insurance carrier or agent to begin the claims process and review what’s covered on your policy.
  • Take photos and videos and keep a record of expenses incurred for consideration in your claim.
  • If possible, prevent the property from further damage by laying out a tarp over the roof and tidying up the inside of the building. 
  • Be careful, though. Do not enter a structure that may have taken on serious damage and is at risk of collapsing.
  • Watch out for debris or downed power lines around the perimeter. 

HELPFUL RESOURCES