Tornadoes are among nature’s most destructive forces, capable of leveling entire communities in minutes. For those living in tornado-prone areas, the threat of these powerful storms is a constant concern. Indeed, this type of wind storm can change your life overnight.
While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we prepare for and respond to tornado damage. Part of this preparation involves filing an insurance claim. That’s why it’s important to understand the process - from understanding the risks to retaining help from a property damage lawyer.
Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, you need to be prepared. It can make a significant difference in the aftermath of a tornado. Not only should you know the steps for being storm-ready, but you also need to know what post-storm activities you need to follow.
How a Property Damage Lawyer Can Help
Property damage lawyers can help support insurance claimants receive fairer settlements. That’s why it’s important to have a fairly comprehensive understanding of what it takes to protect your property and rights when facing tornado damage.
For example, you might be covered for flood damage, but your policy might not cover water damage from wind-driven rain. A property damage attorney can review your policy with you to adequately cover your costs.
Understanding Tornado Risks and Damages
Tornadoes are violent, rotating air columns that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in the United States, particularly in an area known as “Tornado Alley,” which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. They also often occur in Kentucky, with an average of 20 tornadoes occurring in the state yearly.
The damage caused by tornadoes can be catastrophic and wide-ranging:
- Structural damage: From broken windows to completely demolished buildings
- Vehicle damage: Cars can be tossed, crushed, or damaged by debris
- Landscape destruction: Uprooted trees, destroyed gardens, and erosion
- Utility disruption: Downed power lines, broken gas mains, and damaged water systems
- Personal property loss: Furniture, appliances, clothing, and irreplaceable personal items
Understanding the potential extent of tornado damage is necessary for adequately preparing your insurance coverage and knowing what to expect in the aftermath of a storm.
Preparing Before a Tornado Strikes
Preparation is critical to minimizing damage and streamlining the claims process if a tornado does strike. Below are some essential steps to take before severe weather hits:
- Review your insurance policy: Ensure you have adequate coverage for your property and personal belongings. Consider adding if your standard policy does not include specific tornado or wind damage coverage.
- Create a home inventory: Document all your belongings with photos, videos, and descriptions. Store this inventory safely, preferably digitally, in cloud storage.
- Secure important documents: Keep insurance policies, identification, and other critical documents in a waterproof, portable holder.
- Establish an emergency kit: Include basic needs like water, food that won’t perish, first-aid items, flashlights, and batteries.
- Develop an evacuation plan: Know where you’ll go and how you’ll get there if you need to leave quickly. Creating an evacuation plan will ensure you’re ready during an emergency.
- Strengthen your home: Consider storm shutters, reinforced garage doors, and proper roof attachments to minimize potential damage.
- Stay informed: Invest in a weather radio and familiarize yourself with your local warning systems.
By taking these steps, you’re increasing your chances of safety and setting yourself up for a smoother claims process if disaster strikes.
Immediate Actions After a Tornado
In the immediate aftermath of a tornado, your priority should be safety. Once the danger has passed and authorities have given the all-clear, take the following steps:
- Check for injuries: Attend to any injuries and seek medical help if needed.
- Be aware of ongoing dangers: Watch out for downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable structures.
- Contact your insurance company: Report the damage as soon as possible to start the claims process.
- Prevent further damage: Cover broken windows and damaged roofs with tarps to prevent additional water damage if it is safe.
- Find temporary housing if necessary: If your home is uninhabitable, your insurance may cover temporary living expenses.
- Begin documenting the damage: Take photos and videos of all the damage to the structure and your personal property.
- Keep all receipts: Any immediate repairs or temporary lodging expenses should be documented for potential reimbursement.
Remember, your safety is paramount. Don’t take unnecessary risks to salvage property or begin cleanup until it’s safe. That means wearing thick-soled shoes, masks, gloves, and long pants if you’re working with mold or mildew.
Documenting the Damage
Thorough documentation is imperative for a successful insurance claim. Here’s how to effectively document tornado damage:
- Take extensive photos and videos: Capture wide shots of entire rooms or areas and close-ups of specific damage. Don’t forget to document damage to the exterior of your property, including landscaping.
- Make detailed lists: Write down all damaged items, including their approximate value and age. Cross-reference this with your pre-storm home inventory.
- Save all receipts: Keep records of any expenses related to temporary repairs, lodging, or replacement of essential items.
- Document conversations: Keep a log of all conversations with insurance adjusters, contractors, and other officials. Note the date, time, and key points of each interaction.
- Obtain police reports: If available, get a copy of any official reports about the tornado damage in your area.
- Don’t dispose of damaged items: Keep damaged property until the insurance adjuster has seen it unless it poses a health or safety risk.
- Get written estimates: If you start getting repair estimates, keep copies of all written estimates and contracts.
The more thoroughly you document your damage, the stronger your position will be when your property damage attorney negotiates with your insurance company.
Reach Out to a Property Damage Lawyer Now
If you’re faced with a property damages claim that is delayed or has been denied, contact a property damage attorney right away. Whether you have a claim now or file a claim in the future, you should contact a lawyer for support.
By working with an experienced property damage attorney, you can make filing easier and get what you need for compensation. Don’t risk a lowball settlement. Contact a lawyer to ensure a fairer outcome.