As the month of May dawns, 2012 has already been a very active tornado season.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, 416 preliminary tornado reports were made through April 9. Normal would be about 332.
Of course, it takes only one to wreak havoc in a community. A week ago, the city of Belvidere, Illinois, observed the 45th anniversary of the tornado that smashed through the almost-new Belvidere High School and Highland Street homes. Twenty-four people lost their lives, and among the injuries was a pair of brothers who grew up with Axcess Insurance’s Tyler Woosley. The brothers were sucked by the power of the tornado from the backseat of their mother’s car in front of the school. Fortunately, they survived and now solemnly observe April 22 every year, mindful of a tornado’s power.
Besides the toll on lives and emotions, the damage tornadoes cause to communities also is measured in dollars. Insurance companies are estimating insured losses of $1 billion to $2 billion just from the storms Feb. 28 to March 3 in the Midwest.
When a tornado wipes out a home, the damage is obvious. But the hail that accompanies severe storms also causes a lot of claims.
Here are a few tips for staying safe and reducing loss in a severe storm:
- Make a plan. Know where you will evacuate to and have a disaster survival kit ready.
- Stay informed with a battery-powered radio.
- Move inside and stay inside in the event of severe weather. The basement, away from windows is the safest place to wait out a storm.
- If you’re on the road, stay in your car and slow down or stop until the storm has passed.
- Strengthen your roof’s decking and shingles will reduce damage. Check with a reputable roofing contractor.