Sunday, April 26, 2015

WITH SEVERE STORM SEASON UPON US, HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO PROTECT AGAINST PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY IN TORNADOES, HAILSTORMS, WINDSTORMS







With storm season in full swing, Oklahomans are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves, their families and their property from damage caused by tornadoes, high winds and hail.

Hail
Hail alone causes approximately $1 billion in damage to property each year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance offers these tips in the event of a hailstorm:

• Know what’s covered under your policy. Homeowners and automobile insurance generally provides coverage for property damage caused by hail, but not all policies protect against hail damage. Double check your policy and contact your agent to ensure you have comprehensive coverage before damage occurs.
• Protect against further damage. If your property or vehicle is damaged due to severe weather, take immediate action to prevent further damage or theft as soon as it is safe to do so. Use plywood, tarps or other materials to cover broken windows and damaged rooftops, and save receipts of any materials used to make repairs. Provide these receipts to your adjuster for review and reimbursement of expenses covered by your policy. Take photos or video of the damage, and keep them on file in case you need to reference them later.
• Choose a reputable repair company. Once approved by your insurance company, select a contractor or repair shop to help fix any damage that has occurred. Be wary; it’s not unusual for scammers to pose as a repair company after a damaging storm. Choose a company that has operated in your area for several years, is insured and bonded and will give you a written guarantee for the work performed.
• Prevent damage with weather-resistant products. Advances in roofing material production have led to the development of hail and wind-resistant roofing materials, which can be an effective method for homeowners to mitigate roof damage. The national standard for roof impact resistance is a material rating system of Class 1 through 4, based on their resistance to impact testing with steel balls simulating 90-mph hailstones of varying sizes, with a Class 4 rating being the toughest.





Tornadoes and high winds
Those who find themselves driving in a tornado or high winds are encouraged to follow these safety tips from AAA Oklahoma:

• If a tornado warning is issued for your area, leave your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a sturdy building.
• Never try to outrun a tornado. Your car or pickup will offer no protection from a twister. It is impossible to know which direction a tornado may decide to go.
• Seek shelter indoors. A basement is safest. Closets or small interior rooms are best. Stay away from south walls, west walls and all windows. Get under a solid piece of furniture or a mattress.
• If you are caught in the open with no substantial buildings available, find a ditch, ravine or low-lying area and lie flat. Stay away from roadway overpasses.
• Do not seek shelter in a mobile home. These structures, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.
• Remember, wet roads mean poor traction. Conditions are most dangerous during the first 10 minutes of a heavy downpour as oil and debris wash away. Driving on wet roads in the rain is like driving on ice. Slow down. Take it easy. Allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Never use your motor vehicle’s cruise control feature in rainy weather.