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Tornado Disaster Tips

Did you know:

• That tornadoes strike every month of the year and in almost every state.  
• Peak tornado season:  April to August.
• States by the most tornadoes in 1993:  Texas (117); Kansas (113); Florida (85); South Dakota (85); Colorado (71); and Nebraska (70).  Total number of U.S. tornadoes in 1993:  1,173.

Before a Tornado:

• Make a written or videotaped inventory of household possessions/property and store in a safe place with insurance policies, documents and other valuables.
• Identify a safe location in your home--a basement, center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor.
• Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross Chapter.
• Assemble a disaster kit including:  first aid kit, medications, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, canned food, can opener, bottled water, sturdy shoes and work gloves.
• Make a utilities checklist with instructions on how to turn them off.
• Conduct periodic tornado drills.
• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information and for instructions if a disaster occurs.
• Check your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you're covered for damage due to tornadoes.

After a Tornado:

• Call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
• Delay permanent repairs until you speak to your adjuster.
• Get any necessary construction permits from your community.
• Keep all receipts.
• Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.
• Take photos of damaged areas.
• Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
• Meet with your adjuster first, before signing anything with contractors.