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Preparing for the Storm-Tornadoes
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Business Owner Preparedness
If you're a business owner, develop a contingency plan to allow for continued business operations:
 Practice periodic tornado drills so everyone knows how to respond if a tornado is approaching
 Secure large exterior / interior objects that could cause major damage if torn free
Close and secure all doors and windows during approaching storms
Evacuate personnel from mobile home-size buildings. These structures offer no protection from tornadoes. Also, auditoriums, cafeterias and gymnasiums that are covered with a flat, wide-span roof are not safe and should not be utilized as a shelter
Home Owner Preparedness
Designate an area in the home as a shelter or safe room, and practice having
everyone in the family go there in response to a tornado threat, a basement,
storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center
of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners,
windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Rehearse a tornado drill with your family. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
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What is a "Safe Room"?
A "safe room" is a reinforced small room built in the interior of a home, which are fortified by concrete and/or steel to offer extra protection against severe weather. They can be built in a basement, or if no basement is available, on the ground floor. In existing homes, interior bathrooms or closets can be fortified into "safe rooms" also.
See FEMA's recommendations for "Taking Shelter from the Storm."
What to Do if a Tornado is Spotted
Do Not Open Windows
Put on Sturdy Shoes
Turn refrigerator/freezer thermostat to very low so to protect the food in case of power outage
Gather your First Aid/Emergency Kit (see previous page for "what you need")
Move to a pre-designated shelter area, such as a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls
Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible
Once you'e in your shelter, find a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a workbench or table, and stay under it
Curl into a ball on the floor, and lock your hands behind your head to protect it from flying debris
If you can't find a table to get under, crouch under a door frame because the beams will offer some protection. If furniture is not available, cover yourself with a heavy blanket
If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture
Stay clear from windows
What to Do After a Tornado
Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Carefully render aid to those who are injured. Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity! Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby. Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.
Know Your Insurance Coverage
Most homeowner insurance policies include coverage for tornadoes, so tornado policies don't have to be bought separately as they do for earthquakes, floods and, in some states, hurricanes. According to the .png)
studies have shown that 96% of people have homeowners insurance; yet, an incredible 64% of U.S. homes are undervalued for insurance purposes. So in the case of damage to your home due to a tornado, will your coverage give you enough money to rebuild?
It is true that home values have decreased nationwide in the past five years. This leads policy holders to think they don't need to upgrade their insurance. But building costs, in most areas, have likely gone up. What can you do? Talk to your Emil Rummel Insurance Agent. Review your insurance policy with your agent to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild. Call us today 800-572-0930
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