Tornado Preparedness for Texas Residents

Here in North Texas, we are keenly aware of the Tornado threat that rolls around this time of year. Since our state sits in the famous tornado alley, there’s a chance that a tornado could happen anywhere. Tornadoes are scary to say the least, and they can often leave significant  damage in their wakes.

No one wants to experience a tornado, but everyone needs to prepare in case one threatens. These windstorms often strike with relatively little warning, so it is best to plan ahead. Take some time this spring to prepare your home and family. Then, review your insurance to ensure you have protection.

The Financial Ramifications of Tornadoes

Tornadoes often cause significant property losses and personal injuries. Isolated storms can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. Widespread systems might even create repair bills ranging into the billions of dollars. As a result, homeowner’s insurance companies often see massive claims following tornadoes.

Still, the good news is that these carriers often are well-prepared to cover the damage. Still, it’s up to the homeowner to make sure they have the right coverage on their respective policies. Therefore, as tornado season beckons, take a look at your policy. Make sure your insurance contains specific coverage for wind, hail or tornado damage.

Ask yourself: will my policy provide enough money to help me rebuild following a big event like a tornado? If not, consider making adjustments. Check your total policy limit to see how much money you can expect in-full from a claim. Then, see if your policy has a per-item limit on certain covered assets. This means that your policy will only pay a certain amount of money for certain items. Make sure any per-item limits still can cover your possessions and property effectively.

Tornado Preparedness

Having homeowner’s insurance goes a long way towards protecting your home. However, you don’t want to use your policy unless you absolutely have to. Preparation before tornadoes strike can help you lessen and possibly avoid damage.

Check your home’s roof, foundation, windows, doors and structure for signs of wear and tear. Repair these items as needed to keep damage from worsening during severe weather. Furthermore, take steps to protect personal possessions before and during severe weather. Move items inside, tie them down, and unplug electronics in case of electrical surges.

As always, see to your own safety first. If a tornado threatens, immediately seek shelter in a low, windowless area. Only after bad weather has passed should you start cleanup and contact your insurer at 817.589.0006.

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