Are You Prepared If a Tornado Hits?

Photo credit: iStock/smdesigner125

Hoosiers are no strangers to tornadoes, but 2023’s tornado season was unusually active. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Indiana averages 22 tornadoes a year, but 65 tornadoes were reported in Indiana through November 2023.

“2023 was one of the worst storm seasons we’ve seen,” says Kent Deeter, executive director of investments. “Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance paid more in claims than any year in the company’s history due to the damage resulting from so many tornadoes and severe storms.”

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Living in a state where tornado activity occurs, it is prudent to know what to do before, during and after a tornado.

A tornado watch occurs when conditions are present that make a tornado possible, and you should prepare to act quickly if circumstances worsen.

When a tornado warning is issued, it means that a tornado has been sighted and you should seek immediate cover. The best way to be prepared is to plan ahead. Have a safety plan in place that includes a safe space in the home or nearby, as well as a meetup space outside the home after a storm.

See more: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Offers New Smart Home Protection Program

During storms, listen to local news to stay informed. Safety is your top priority in the event of a tornado, so quickly get to a safe space underground or in an interior room. Stay away from windows and keep your head protected. If you are caught outdoors or in your vehicle and cannot make it to a safe building, seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine. After a tornado, ensure everyone is safe and stay put until first responders arrive.

Assess the damage to your home after a storm – you may need to file an insurance claim. Another way to be prepared is to plan for your financial protection by ensuring you have a homeowners insurance policy with up-to-date coverage before severe weather hits.

Renters also need to plan ahead. If you rent, your landlord’s policy does not cover your belongings, so be sure to get a renters policy to cover your property inside your home. Review your insurance policies with your agent regularly to ensure you have proper coverage before disaster strikes.

To help with your insurance claim, prepare a list of damaged or lost items and any receipts or documentation on the items (such as serial numbers, photographs, etc.). Save any damaged items for the claims representative to inspect before you throw them away.

Before the next storm strikes, find a local agent by visiting infarmbureau.com. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has agents and employees in every county who are here to help you when severe weather strikes. The company prides itself on its claims service and helping clients recover after a devastating event.

We will be there for you. As our claims motto says, “After the Unexpected, Expect Us.”

See more: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Responds Quickly and Helps Rebuild