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Peak Tornado Season Traditionally Begins in March and Ends in May

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INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org
Washington, D.C.: 202-833-1580

NEW YORK, March 4, 2009 — The 2009 tornado season is off to an inauspicious start. The tornadoes that recently swept through Oklahoma and Georgia offered a grim reminder of how deadly and destructive twisters can be, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

The February tornadoes in Oklahoma killed nine people and prompted the declaration of a federal disaster for three of the state’s counties, while the tornadoes in Georgia caused insured losses of up to $35 million, early estimates indicate.

“Last month’s tornadoes were highly unusual. Peak tornado season in the United States usually runs from March through May,” said Michael Barry, vice president of Media Relations for the I.I.I. “Though not generally as destructive as hurricanes, tornadoes are more frequent and can also cause severe damage.”

The annual U.S. tornado count over the past decade has averaged around 1,270; however the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that 1,685 tornadoes hit the U.S. in 2008.

Standard homeowners and business insurance policies cover wind damage caused by tornadoes to the structure of the building and its contents. Homeowners insurance policies also traditionally provide for additional living expenses (ALE). ALE coverage pays the costs of living away from home if you cannot inhabit your house due to damage from an insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt.

Damage to cars from a tornado is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of a standard auto insurance policy.

If your business has been damaged, and you have business income (also known as business interruption) insurance, it covers the profits your business would have earned, based on your own financial records, had the disaster not occurred. The policy covers additional operating expenses incurred as a result of the disaster, such as the extra expenses involved in operating out of a temporary location.

The I.I.I. offers the following tips for preparing for and dealing with a tornado.

Before a Tornado

If a tornado watch has been issued, move cars inside a garage or carport to avoid damage from hail, which often accompanies tornadoes. Keep your car keys and house keys with you at all times.

Move lawn furniture and yard equipment, such as lawnmowers, inside. Otherwise they could be damaged or act as dangerous projectiles causing serious injury or damage.

Be sure to always have an up-to-date inventory of your possessions and store it in a safe place, with at least one copy off the premises—with a family member, in a safe deposit box, or with an online storage service. The I.I.I.’s free home inventory software, Know Your Stuff, is available at KnowYourStuff.org.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recommends that, as a tornado approaches, you go to the closest identified shelter immediately. If you do not have a storm cellar or in-residence “safe” room and do not have time to get to a community shelter, head to the centermost part of your basement or home, away from windows and preferably under something sturdy like a workbench or staircase.

During a Tornado

Do not open windows because you will put yourself at risk of injury from breaking glass, according to IBHS. You also may make the damage to your home worse by giving wind and rain a greater chance of getting inside.

If you are in your car, abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in the nearest ditch if no other facility is available. Do not get under a bridge or overpass. You are safer in a low, flat location. If you live in a mobile home, you should vacate the premises and seek shelter elsewhere.

After a Tornado

The I.I.I. offers the following advice to speed the insurance claims settlement process following a tornado:

  • Be prepared to give your agent or insurance company representative a description of the damage to your property. Your agent will report the loss immediately to your insurance company or to a qualified adjuster who will contact you as soon as possible in order to arrange an inspection of the damage.
  • If it is safe to access the area, take photographs of the damaged property. Visual documentation will help with the claims process and can assist the adjuster in the investigation.
  • Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Make two copies—one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.
  • Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.
  • Make whatever temporary repairs you can. Cover broken windows and damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save the receipts for any supplies and materials you purchase as your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.
  • Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home or business from a licensed contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.
  • If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep a record of all expenses, such as hotel and restaurant receipts.

For more information about insurance, go to the I.I.I. Web site.

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.

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