On Leap Day this year tornadoes swept through Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. Branson, Missouri was hit the hardest with many buildings damaged especially in the entertainment area of town. It was only last May that a tornado destroyed the town of Joplin leaving more than 90 people dead. For Arkansans, this time of year brings the promise of outdoor fun in warmer temperatures but it can also bring risky weather conditions. The best way to protect your family during severe weather is to plan what you will do before, during and after a tornado. Before the threat of severe weather, have a financial plan, family communications plan, and an emergency kit. During a tornado, go to a predetermined shelter area where you will be safe from flying debris.
Because the direct impact of a tornado is violent, the impulse after a tornado has passed is usually to check for injuries. Many injuries however, can result from walking around damaged buildings. Besides the risk of stepping on sharp objects, cleanup and rescue attempts are particularly hazardous due to fallen power lines that cause risk of electrocution and damaged gas lines or electrical systems that cause risk of fire. In some cases as many as half of the injuries reported were suffered after the severe weather had passed.
One does not have to look far to find a story about how long some insurance company took to finally settle a claim for tornado loss, especially if the loss is widespread. Calling your insurance company immediately will help as the companies generally take care of claims in the order they receive them. If you find yourself waiting on repairs because of this reason, you may also find yourself attempting to make temporary repairs on your own. The insurance company will not be responsible for any personal injury that results. So for example, if you decide not to wait for the insurance company to take care of your repairs and you get on the roof of your house to inspect the damage or attempt to repair, you will probably not be covered if you fall and injure yourself. It is important to plan and prepare, however, some unexpected losses simply cannot be prevented.