Tornado coverage and safety

Spring has just sprung, and almost instantaneously, tornadoes started ripping through farmland across Iowa.

Iowa is in Tornado Alley, a region in the U.S. that is most vulnerable to tornado development and averages 48 tornadoes a year.

With so much tornadic activity, it is vital for families to always be prepared. Here are some things you can do to protect your family and home.

Protecting your family

  • The safest place is underground. If you are at home, the safest place is underground in your basement or the lowest floor of your apartment building.
  • Avoid windows at all costs. Avoid sheltering in a room with windows. If your basement has windows, shelter in an enclosed space in the central part of your house.
  • If outside or in a mobile home, find a nearby building. Find a nearby building and shelter on the lowest floor possible. If driving, do not try and outrun a tornado, but find the nearest building.
  • Protect your head. Find shelter under heavy furniture and protect your head with anything available.

Tornadoes and your insurance

  • Understand what your homeowners policy covers. Consult your insurer to understand what is covered in a tornado. Many home policies cover tornado and storm damage depending on where you live.
  • Contact your insurer. If a tornado damages your home, contact your insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims filing process.
  • Take photos and make a detailed list. Take pictures and keep a detailed list of all damage incurred from a tornado; this will help when making an insurance claim.
  • Don’t rush to repair your home. Before contacting a repair contractor, consult your insurer for recommendations and payment terms.

Sources:

Insurance Information Institute

CDC