Tornados are serious weather events that can cause devastating property damage and loss of life. Fortunately, you can take several steps to minimize damage if a tornado does occur.

Know Your Risk

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that tornadoes have touched down in all 50 states. States located in the Midwest and southeast are at the highest risk of tornado damage.

Knowing the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning is critical. A tornado watch means that conditions are optimal for a tornado, while a warning means that tornadic activity has already occurred. You can sign up for emergency alerts via text message from the National Weather Service to ensure adequate preparation for severe weather events.

Create an Emergency Plan in Advance

Ready.gov, a branch of the federal government that educates the public on disaster preparedness, suggests that every household create a severe weather emergency plan. Minimally, you should plan to include the following details in your household emergency plan.

• Identify the safest place in the home for people and pets to take shelter until the threat of a tornado passes.
• Make a list of important phone numbers, such as your insurance agent and the utility company, that you may need to contact once the storm has passed.
• Draw a floor plan of your home with tips on how to seek shelter from each room. If special equipment like a ladder or rope is necessary to escape a room, be sure to indicate its location.
• Place marks on the floor plan to indicate the location of fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, valves, and utility switches. Appoint one person to turn off valves and utility switches before taking shelter in a tornado.
• Teach your children what an emergency weather alert is and ask their teachers to send home information regarding each school’s severe weather plan.

Once you have put together a tornado emergency plan, be sure to practice it with the entire family at least once a year.

Learn to Recognize the Signs of a Tornado

Tornadoes can strike with little warning, so knowing what to look for is important. Below are some of the top indicators that a tornado is headed your way.

• The sky appears green or another dark color
• Clouds have formed into a funnel shape
• Clouds appear lower than usual
• Hail has begun falling from the sky
• Extremely loud noises are present

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking shelter immediately if you notice any of these signs of an impending tornado or a tornado in progress. The safest places to take shelter include a storm cellar, a room without any windows, or the basement of your home.

Is Your Home Protected Against Severe Weather Damage?

National General offers several options for homeowner’s insurance to help you rebuild or repair should a tornado strike your home. Please use our agency locator to find an agent who can explain the coverage details of each available policy.