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.
- 准备一份 家庭财产清单 ，以备发生损坏时之需。
How to Reduce Tornado Damage
- 查明并考虑清除任何枯枝或倒伏的树枝，以免其坠落并损坏建筑物或其他构筑物。
- 将汽车、草坪家具和其他户外设备搬到室内，以尽量减少飞溅的碎片。
- 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.
- 拍摄受损情况的照片或视频。
- Make a detailed list of all damaged personal property. Use your home inventory list to help with this process.
- 请对您的房产进行检查，并获取书面估价。在签署任何合同之前，请仔细阅读合同条款。
- 在保险公司进行勘查之前，仅进行紧急维修。清理时请务必小心！
- 请聘请一名合格且已投保的承包商来进行维修。
- 请保留所有与维修相关的收据和沟通记录。
- 请再次确认维修工作是否已完成，然后拍摄照片或视频以备记录。