Tornado Safety: Know the Signs
Tips to be prepared
Tower Group Companies offers a
broad range of specialized property
and casualty insurance products
and services to small to mid-sized
businesses and to individuals. By
targeting select market segments
and expeditiously delivering needed
products and services, Tower is
able to offer favorable policy terms,
conditions and pricing, creating
opportunities for agents and
protection for policyholders.
When most people think about the spring and summer seasons, visions of beaches and warm weather
come to mind. For a large population of the U.S., however, the seasons bring on the thought of tornadoes.
While tornadoes are typically associated with the Great Plains and the South, the fact is tornadoes have
been known to occur in almost every state. Though tornadoes can strike at any time, the peak season for
these severe storms is between the months of April and July. Here are some tips to help keep you safe if
a tornado should strike:
Before a tornado hits:
• If you live in a tornado-prone area, make your home as resistant as possible before tornado season.
Steps include:
• Replace your existing windows with impact-resistant window systems, which have a much
better chance of surviving extreme weather conditions
• Entry doors should have at least three hinges and a lock bolt that is at least an inch long
• Your garage door can be very susceptible to wind damage, especially doors that are wider
than eight feet. Have an inspector come and see if your garage door and track system can
withstand high winds. If necessary, replace it with a stronger system
• Make repairs to your roof and consider replacing it with more wind resistant materials and
designed to resist high winds
• Have an emergency kit ready at all times in your home. Items in your kit should include water,
battery powered radio, extra batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food and first aid kit
• Have an evacuation plan in place for your family and make sure you know the warning sirens in
your area
Do you know the terms?
Tower Group Companies
120 Broadway, 31st Floor
New York, New York 10271
Ph: (212) 655-2000
Fax: (212) 655-2199
www.twrgrp.com
MKT 04-392 (10/13)
Knowing the terminology that weather forecasts use will help you be more prepared.
Server thunderstorm warning: Thunderstorms that produce hail that is 3/4 inches or larger and winds of 58
mph or stronger.
Tornado watch: Weather conditions can produce tornadoes in your area. This is the time to pay close attention
to weather forecasts to be the most prepared.
Tornado warning: A tornado has been spotted on the weather radar in your area.
During the tornado:
• If you are in a building or house, go to the lowest floor and the furthest room from the exterior. Stay out of
rooms that have windows or glass doorways
• Do not leave the building or house until you know conditions outside are safe. Multiple tornadoes can
form during a storm
• If you are outside, try to find shelter immediately. Avoid going into buildings such as gymnasiums
or shopping malls which are usually supported by outside walls. These structures are not as sound
during severe weather conditions
• If you are in your car, only leave the car if shelter is elsewhere. If you must stay in your car, keep it running
so airbags will activate if necessary
After the tornado:
• Stay away from power lines that might have come down during the storm
• Stay out of buildings and houses until emergency personnel have verified that the structure is safe to
re-enter
• If your house or building has suffered damage, shut off the electric power, gas and propane to avoid fire
and electrocution
• If you smell gas coming from inside a structure, leave it immediately. Contact your utility provider after
you leave the building
Sources:
•
http://michiganskywarn.com
•
www.spc.noaa.gov
•
www.ready.gov/tornadoes
©2013 Tower Group Companies. The information provided in this document is for information purposes only to aid the reader in
better understanding the topic. Tower Group Companies and its affiliates do not guarantee the information contained herein and
assume no liability in connection with the information provided in this document.