Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate neighborhoods in seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of a single mile wide and 50 miles long. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

There are some simple steps you can take to protect your home and family from tornadoes:

Before a Tornado

  • Monitor your cellphone, the radio and the television for the latest information regarding local tornado risks.
  • Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
  • Look for the following danger signs with a dark, often greenish sky, large hail, a large, dark, rotating cloud, and a loud roar
  • If you see any danger signs or an approaching storm, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately. Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

  • Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level.
  • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • Do not open any windows.

After a Tornado

Injuries may result from the direct impact of a tornado, or they may occur afterward when people walk among debris and enter damaged buildings. Because tornadoes often damage power lines, gas lines and electrical systems, there is a risk of fire, electrocution or explosion. Protecting yourself and your family requires prompt treatment of any injuries suffered during the storm and the use of extreme care to avoid further hazards.

Inspecting the Damage

You may be tempted to inspect the damage a tornado causes after a storm, but keep these safety tips in mind:

  • After a tornado, be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in your home. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards.
  • In general, if you suspect any damage to your home, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fires, electrocution or explosions.
  • If you see frayed wiring or sparks, or if there is an odor of something burning, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker if you have not done so already.
  • If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows and leave the house immediately. Notify the gas company, the police or fire department and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke or do anything that could cause a spark.
  • Do not return to your house until you are told it is safe to do so.

Safety During Cleanup

Keep these points in mind when cleaning up after a tornado:

  • Wear long sleeves, gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots.
  • Learn proper safety procedures and operating instructions before operating any gas-powered or electric-powered saws or tools.
  • Clean up spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids and other potentially hazardous materials.

Lawley is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe when disaster strikes. For more guidance, contact us today.

,