Twisted Insurance: What to do before, during, and after a tornado
Tornado damage in Nash County, North Carolina, July 19, 2023.
“It’s coming straight for us! It’s already here! Everybody underground now!”
That was a line by Jo, Helen Hunt’s character from the movie Twister (1996). Last week, this experience was all too real for the people of Nash County, North Carolina.
An EF-3 tornado—the third strongest tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which rates tornado intensity based on the severity of the damage they cause—with a peak wind speed of 150 mph tore through the area last July 19th. It was spotted at 12:30 PM and traveled 16.5 miles over 30 minutes before lifting near Battleboro. Although no deaths were reported, 19 people were injured, and multiple mobile homes and residential buildings were completely destroyed—the estimated damage cost is yet to be determined.
With this catastrophe fresh in mind, we’d like to explore what preparations we need to make to protect—and insure—ourselves and our properties from disastrous tornadoes, given that North Carolina averages 19 tornadoes per year.
What to do before a tornado hits
Be alert for tornado watches and warnings. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop, while a tornado warning means a tornado has actually been spotted or indicated by weather radar: danger is imminent, and you may only have seconds to take cover.
Create a tornado emergency plan and practice it with your family. Include where to go, what to do, and how to communicate in case of a tornado.
Identify the safest place to take shelter in your home. Your options are the basement, an interior room, or a bathroom with no windows. Avoid windows, doors, and outside walls. If you live in a mobile home, find a nearby safe building or space to go to.
Create a bug-out bag (BOB) containing medication, first aid supplies, water, food, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, important documents, and other essentials. Keep it somewhere you can quickly grab it in case of emergency.
Take steps to reduce household hazards. Secure loose items, trim trees and branches near your, and turn off utilities if instructed.
Learn your local tornado warning system and how to receive alerts from the National Weather Service. A NOAA weather radio, mobile phone, or local radio and TV stations are good options.
What to do when a tornado is spotted
Whatever you do, don’t try to outrun it. Instead, do the following:
If you are at home, the safest place to be is underground. If you don’t have a basement, take cover in the central part of the house away from windows: bathroom, closet, interior hallway, or under a heavy piece of furniture.
If you are in an office building or skyscraper, an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building is your best option—interior stairwells are best. Stay away from glass and go to the lowest floor possible. Crouch down, cover your head, and stay off elevators.
If you are in a car, get out and seek shelter in a sturdy structure. If you are in open country, find the nearest ditch, lie flat and facedown, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can.
What to do after a tornado
For homeowners, renters, and auto insurance policyholders, here are the things you need to do after being hit by a tornado:
Immediately call your insurance agent to start the claims process and review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies cover ALE (additional living expenses); your agent will confirm this. Be sure to save all receipts!
Take pictures of the damage, which will help in filing claims.
Repairs damages as soon as you can to avoid further loss or injuries. Most policies cover these costs.
Start an inventory of damaged or destroyed property. Keep them as evidence for the insurance adjuster.
Only deal with reputable contractors. Better yet, get recommendations from your insurance broker.
For business insurance policyholders:
Follow most of the stuff above. This time, check with your broker if you have business income (interruption) coverage.
Before filing a claim, determine your net income and operating expenses (before and after the interruption).
