Tornadoes are destructive and often unpredictable, so having an emergency preparedness plan in place can save lives and protect your home and property. This tornado preparedness guide will help you understand the risks and safeguard your home and property from tornado damage.

While a tornado can develop anywhere under favorable conditions, tornadoes are most likely in southwestern Ontario and parts of the southern prairies. Summer is peak tornado season, but a tornado can happen any time of year.

Before tornado season begins: Review your policies and coverage

Unlike flooding, most property insurance policies include coverage for tornado damage to your home and personal property. Talk to your Gallagher broker so you understand what your current property policy covers and, if needed, can add the appropriate insurance coverage.

Prepare your home and property before a tornado

Tornadoes are among the most violent atmospheric storms, so it's wise to have an emergency plan and kit ready before a tornado strikes.

Create a tornado emergency plan and kit

Before tornado season starts, create an emergency plan to ensure everyone in your household is prepared if a tornado is likely or confirmed. Review these steps each year.

Create an emergency kit. Assemble an emergency supply kit that will sustain your household members for three days. The Canada Red Cross has recommendations for what to include in an emergency supply kit.

Practice moving quickly to a designated safe location. Conduct a tornado drill so members of the household practice moving to the safest area of the house and other structures on the property.

Have an evacuation plan. In case household members aren't together during a tornado or become separated during an evacuation, agree on primary and secondary places to reunite when danger has passed.

Have a communication plan. In case all household members aren't together during a tornado watch or warning, have a plan for how to reach each other and other essential people, such as relatives, friends and employers. Don't rely solely on the contacts list in mobile phones — all household members should carry a printed contact list. Designate someone within the household and someone outside the household that all members should contact to let them know they're safe.

Practice first aid skills and emergency responses. Attend training classes and practice response skills so you know how to administer first aid to any injured parties before professional help arrives.

Secure important documents. Keep important documents — such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage licenses, financial papers and insurance policy information — in a safety deposit box or fireproof and waterproof box. Also include photocopies of your passport, driver's license and credit cards.

Shelter during a tornado

During a watch or warning, seek shelter immediately and follow the safety guidelines below.

  • Go to an interior space without windows, such as a basement, bathroom or stairwell. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
  • Don't open windows to "equalize the pressure" — that outdated practice is dangerous.
  • Check local emergency news sources for updates about the tornado.
  • Don't stop under an overpass or bridge.
  • If possible, shelter in a sturdy building. If no shelter is available, do one of the following:
    • Stay in your vehicle with the seatbelt on and your head lower than the window. Cover your head with a blanket or jacket if available. Use your arms to protect your head and neck from debris.
    • Leave the vehicle and lie in a ditch or other low area, as far from trees as possible.
  • Lie in a ditch or other low area, as far from trees as possible.
  • Cover your head with a blanket or jacket if available. Use your arms to protect your head and neck from debris.

File a claim after a tornado

If your home or property was damaged during a tornado, notify your insurance carrier to begin your Homeowners Insurance claim. It's important that your claims handler receive your information as quickly as possible so the handler can begin the claim resolution process. If you need help reporting your home insurance claim, contact your Gallagher advocate.

CLAIMS CONTACTS FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY AND AUTO

Starting a Homeowners Insurance claim after a tornado

To start a Homeowners Insurance claim after a tornado, provide as much detail as possible to your claim adjuster, including photographs and/or videos of the damage and a preliminary list of damages.

Claim process for insurance: What to expect

Throughout the claim investigation process, reach out to your Gallagher advocate with specific policy and claim questions. During this high-volume claim-reporting period, you should expect the following:

  • Initial contact may take some time. Some insurers may use adjusters under contract, so the adjuster's contact information may be different from what you expect.
  • Access to affected areas may be limited.
  • Competition for labor and materials will be high, which may affect the timeframe and costs associated with repair and remediation.
  • You'll work closely with your claim adjuster. If you have questions about the resolution process, Gallagher is here to help and to ensure you're in control of the claim process.
  • Your insurance company's website contains important information about how to handle claims and manage losses. We've listed many insurance companies in case you don't have the contact information readily available.

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