Tornado Insurance and Ways to Reduce Tornado Damage

Tornadoes are disasters that occur every year - are you ready if one comes to your neighborhood?

It doesn't take a direct hit on your property to cause damage. A little preparation ahead of time can save you thousands of dollars of repairs and many hours of laborious cleanup.

Be sure you know if your insurance covers tornado damage and how much it will pay.

Eight hundred tornadoes are reported across the United States in an average year. The powerful winds with the driving rain and flying debris often damage homes that are near the center of the tornado. You should have an insurance policy that covers any necessary repairs or even the total cost of rebuilding after a tornado.

If the damage is so severe that you can't live in your home, an adequate insurance, such as Safeco, will also provide living expenses as provided in your policy until you can move back in. You should check your policy to be sure of the coverage that you have.

Review it once each year to be sure that the coverage is still sufficient to completely rebuild at the current costs of construction. You should get a precise estimate from an independent building contractor, and talk with your agent about any unique features of your building and property that require extra coverage.

There are also actions you can take to reduce the damage inflicted by a tornado.

It's not possible to make your home tornado-proof, but you can increase the chance of surviving the extreme winds. For complex jobs, you will need to get professional builders.

Begin at the top of the house, the roof. First fix any damaged areas that need repair. If you are replacing the roof, use materials that are able to withstand high winds. If you are replacing your windows, choose impact-resistant window systems that have a better chance of remaining unbroken during the tornado's high winds. Be sure door frames are anchored solidly to the wall framing. Ensure that there are at least three hinges holding each door and that there is a deadbolt security lock with at least a one-inch bolt to secure the doors against the high winds.

And when you hear that a tornado is coming in your direction, there are emergency steps you can take for the security of yourself and your family.

If you are inside a building, go to an underground shelter if one is available, or at least to an interior room or hallway on the bottom floor. Keep away from windows and corners to avoid flying glass and sharp objects. If you are in a vehicle, get off the road immediately, get out and seek safe shelter; lie flat in a ditch if nothing else is available. Avoid overpasses and bridges as it is not safe to seek shelter beneath them. Most injuries and fatalities are caused by flying debris, so protect your head and neck with your arms.