Tornadoes are amongst the most serious, terrifying types of natural disasters. The National Severe Storms Laboratory defines a tornado as “a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.” While the Midwest is the region most heavily affected by tornadoes, they can and do impact communities throughout the Gulf Coast.
It is imperative that all homeowners and business owners are ready for the safety risk (and property risk) posed by tornadoes. At Insurance Claim HQ, we want to make sure that you are ready for the risk—and that includes knowing how to protect your property. Here, our Gulf Coast tornado damage lawyer provides a tornado preparedness guide.
Tornadoes are a Safety Risk in the Gulf Coast Region
Tornado Alley is a loosely defined region in the central United States where tornadoes occur most frequently. While there is no official boundary, the core states typically include parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. These are regions that see some of the highest rates of tornadoes in the entire world. With that being said, tornados are a serious safety hazard in many other areas as well. Indeed, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy explains that tornadoes are a natural disaster threat that affects states throughout the Gulf Coast region . Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico can fuel severe storms. While hurricanes dominate concerns, tornadoes can form rapidly within these systems. Beyond that, they can also form during intense, non-tropical thunderstorms.
The Highest Tornado Risk is in the Spring: The peak months for tornadoes in Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states are March, April, and May. That is consistent with the tornado trend in the United States more broadly. However, these storms can happen during any month. Further, there is a secondary spike in tornado activity in November and December.
How to Prepare for a Tornado at Home
One of the scariest things about tornadoes is that they can strike with relatively little warning. Hurricanes and other tropical storms—which are the biggest natural disaster threat in the Gulf Coast region—are also frightening, but they do tend to come with more warning time than tornadoes. While they can strike on relatively short notice, that does not mean that you cannot prepare for a tornado. Quite the contrary, there are absolutely steps that you can take to get ready for the risk of a tornado. Here are key things to keep in mind:
- You Should Create a Tornado Emergency Plan: Every household in New Orleans and elsewhere in the Gulf Coast region should have a tornado plan that includes a designated safe place—such as a basement, a storm shelter, or a well-protected interior room without windows—that can provide protection. Ensure all family members know the plan.
- Put Together an Emergency Kit for Tornados: You should also prepare a tornado emergency kit with essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and necessary medications. You may want to include important documents in a waterproof container.
- Keep Up-to-Date On Weather Alerts: Finally, it is best practice to monitor local weather reports and use a NOAA weather radio or mobile alerts for tornado warnings. A tornado watch means that you need to be on alert. Bad storms could form. A tornado warning means that there is an immediate emergency, and you need to take shelter.
What is the Difference Between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?
A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, but no tornado has been confirmed. It is a time to stay alert, review safety plans, and be prepared to take shelter if needed. Tornado watches typically come first, cover more expansive geographic areas, and last for several hours.
In contrast, a tornado warning means there is a serious, immediate problem. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. It is an urgent signal to take immediate action—seek shelter in a safe place, such as a basement or interior room. Tornado warnings are far more localized than tornado watches. In most cases, they last less than one hour.
How to Prevent Tornado Damage: Tips to Protect Your Home
A tornado—especially a powerful one like an F4 or F5 storm—has the potential to cause catastrophic property damage. Even well-protected homes and businesses could sustain some major damage. With that being said, there are some proactive measures that you can take to reduce the risk of your property sustaining bad damage in a tornado. Here are five tips that you can use to help prepare/protect your home from this type of natural disaster risk:
- Reinforce Doors and Windows: Doors and windows are “weak” points for your home. High winds can shatter windows and force doors open, allowing debris inside. To best protect your home, you should consider installing impact-resistant windows and strong storm shutters. You may also want to cover windows with plywood when severe weather is expected.
- Secure Your Roof and (and Your Gutters): Roof damage is another one of the most common types of tornado damage. A strong roof is crucial for protecting your home. You may want to use hurricane straps or hurricane clips to anchor the roof to the walls. You should also keep gutters and downspouts clear to prevent water buildup.
- Anchor Outdoor Structures and Remove Debris: When a storm is coming, you need to prepare your yard as well. Indeed, loose objects in your yard—such as patio furniture, grills, or potted plants—can become dangerous projectiles in a tornado. Secure outdoor items with heavy-duty fasteners or store them indoors before storms.
- Take a Close Look at Your Garage Door: Many tornado damage claims include garage door damage. Indeed, garage doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of a home during a tornado. You should strengthen them with bracing kits or install a wind-resistant door to prevent collapse. Structural failure is a risk.
- Review Your Home Insurance Policy: Finally, one of the best ways to protect your home is to be sure that you have the proper coverage. The reality is that you cannot completely eliminate the risk of tornado damage. A standard policy will generally provide coverage for tornado damage—but it may not be sufficient for your specific needs. You should carefully review your policy to make sure that you have adequate coverage for tornado risks.
Why Trust Insurance Claim HQ for Help With a Tornado Damage Claim
A tornado can cause terrible damage. It is normal to have a ton of questions about your rights and your options if your home or business in the Gulf Coast region was struck by a tornado. At Insurance Claim HQ, we know how to hold insurance companies accountable for paying claims for major storms, including tornadoes. With a proven record of case results, we know how to hold the big insurance companies accountable. Your initial consultation is free and completely confidential.
Contact Our New Orleans Tornado Damage Attorney for Immediate Help With Your Case
At Insurance Claim HQ, our New Orleans property damage lawyer has the skills, knowledge, and experience to handle all types of tornado damage claims. We put property owners first. If your home or business sustained serious damage in a tornado, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. We represent homeowners and business owners in tornado damage claims in New Orleans and throughout the entire Gulf Coast region.
