Tornado season is upon us. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Texas had 92 tornado events last year that affected 69 counties and equaled over $12 million in property damage. Tornadoes can’t be prevented, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, your car, and your home from damage.
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
The difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning is the difference between taking precautions and taking action.
A tornado watch means the weather conditions make it possible for a tornado or severe storm to occur. Be alert to changing weather conditions and listen to local radio and TV for updated storm info.
A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or picked up by radar in your area. This is more dangerous – immediately.
tornados in Texas in 2020
property damage in Texas in 2020
Before a Tornado
- Sign up for your community’s warning system and find multiple sources to monitor real-time weather conditions.
- Create a tornado plan and prepare a disaster kit.
- Check to see if your auto policy has comprehensive coverage, for damage from falling objects and wind.
- Check your homeowners insurance policy to see what’s covered in case of tornado damage and what deductible(s) you have. Consider adding additional coverage such as replacement cost value (RCV) if you don’t already have it.
- 準備一份 家庭財物清單 ，以備不時之需。
How to Reduce Tornado Damage
- 請辨識並考慮移除任何枯枝，或可能掉落並損壞建築物或其他結構物的倒伏樹枝。
- 請將汽車、庭院家具及其他戶外設備移至室內，以盡量減少飛散的碎屑。
- Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked, including garage doors.
- Consider storm shutters or boards to protect your windows.
After a Tornado
- Report any damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. But, do not enter affected areas or damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
- If you can’t live in your home because of tornado damage, your policy covers additional living expenses (ALE) such as hotel bills or meals out. Save any related receipts and make sure your insurer knows how to contact you.
- 請拍攝損壞處的照片或影片。
- Make a detailed list of all damaged personal property. Use your home inventory list to help with this process.
- 請安排對您的物業進行檢查，並取得書面估價單。簽署任何合約前，請務必仔細審閱內容。
- 在保險公司進行勘查之前，請僅進行緊急修繕。清理時請務必小心！
- 請聘請一位具備資格且已投保的承包商來進行維修。
- 請保留所有與維修相關的收據及通訊紀錄。
- 請再次確認維修工作是否已完成，然後拍攝照片或影片以作記錄。