Severe weather threatens several states, how to protect your property

Severe weather is expected across several states later this week. Weather experts say a line of powerful storms could affect an area from Texas and Louisiana in the south to the Midwest states of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.

The most significant threat will be Friday further south and Friday evening as the system moves north. This spring storm comes just days after a deadly tornado killed at least 23 people in Mississippi last weekend.

Those storms also caused widespread damage in the rural communities of Rolling Fork and Amory in Mississippi.

With the new rounds of storms expected, we wanted to share some important tips on protecting your home or business from severe weather damage.

1. Maintain your roof: Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, so keeping it in good condition is essential. Regularly check for loose or missing shingles, and have any necessary repairs made promptly.
2. Secure doors and windows: High winds can easily cause doors and windows to break or come loose. Make sure they are properly secured with locks and/or shutters.
3. Reinforce your garage door: The garage door is often the weakest point in the home during a tornado. Consider installing a specially designed garage door that can withstand strong winds, or reinforce your existing door with a retrofit kit.
4. Clear debris from around your property: Loose objects like lawn furniture, toys, and branches can become projectiles in high winds. Keep your yard and surrounding areas clear of debris that could cause damage.
5. Invest in storm shutters: Storm shutters can protect your home's windows from flying debris and high winds. There are several types of shutters to choose from, including roll-down, accordion, and panel shutters.
6. Have a plan: Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of severe weather. Designate a safe room in your home where you can take shelter during a tornado or other dangerous weather event.
7. Install a backup generator: Power outages are common during severe weather, and a backup generator can provide you with the power you need to keep your home safe and comfortable.

HOW TO STAY INFORMED DURING SEVERE WEATHER

It is critical that you have a plan to stay up to date when extreme weather is moving through your area. Staying informed about the latest movements and storm tracks during severe weather can save your life. Here's some advice for anyone who lives in an area threatened by a tornado.

1. Local news: Watch or listen to your local news for weather updates and warnings. Most news stations will break into regular programming to provide updates on severe weather.
2. National Weather Service (NWS): The NWS provides weather forecasts, watches, and warnings for the entire country. You can find your local NWS office by visiting their website.
3. Weather Apps: There are many weather apps available for smartphones that can provide you with up-to-date weather information and alerts. Some popular ones include AccuWeather, WeatherBug, and The Weather Channel.
4. NOAA Weather Radio: NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts continuous weather information from the nearest NWS office. You can purchase a weather radio and tune into the frequency for your area.
5. Social media: Many local news stations, emergency management agencies, and the NWS have social media accounts where they post weather updates and alerts.
6. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): If you have a smartphone, you can receive emergency alerts via WEA. These alerts are sent by authorized government agencies and can include severe weather warnings, AMBER alerts, and Presidential alerts.
7. Community notification systems: Some communities have notification systems that can send alerts via phone, email, or text message. Check with your local government to see if they have such a system in place.

Stay informed, and take action quickly if severe weather is approaching. Remember, it's important to have multiple ways of receiving weather updates and alerts in case one method fails or is unavailable. You should ALWAYS follow instructions from local authorities. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A TORNADO

If a tornado hit your property it can cause significant damage, Here are steps you can take to protect your property.

1. Create a plan: Develop an emergency plan for your family or employees that includes a designated safe area and evacuation route.
2. Secure loose items: Secure loose items outside that could become flying debris, such as lawn furniture, bicycles, or trash cans.
3. Reinforce your home or business: Consider reinforcing your home or business by installing impact-resistant windows or shutters and reinforcing garage doors.
4. Install a safe room: Consider installing a safe room that meets FEMA criteria. This can provide a safe space to shelter during a tornado.
5. Keep an emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit in your safe area that includes water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and a battery-operated radio.
6. Stay informed: Stay informed about severe weather conditions by monitoring local weather reports and alerts.
7. Practice tornado drills: Conduct regular tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Remember that the best way to protect yourself and your property from a tornado is to take action before it strikes. By planning ahead and taking preventive measures, you can minimize the impact of a tornado on your home or business.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PROPERTY IS DAMAGED BY A TORNADO

Tornadoes are one of the most destructive natural disasters, leaving behind a trail of destruction that can take years to recover from. Your property could be devasted by wind damage.

If a tornado has damaged your home or business, you may wonder how to file a tornado insurance claim and get the compensation you need to repair the damage.

For business owners, Sill recommends you immediately take these 5 actions after a loss:

• Make sure your guests and staff are safe
• Prevent further damage by containing the results of the disaster
• Document the damage by taking photographs and video
• Save all receipts for immediate expenses
• Hiring a public adjuster means you'll have an expert to guide you through complex insurance claims

Sill works for property owners throughout an insurance claim. Our team will review every aspect of your claim and your existing policy to ensure you get the settlement you deserve.

READ MORE | 5 things to do if a tornado damages your property

Sill can uncover issues and coverage limitations that may go unnoticed or may not be disclosed by your insurance company's adjuster. Your claims adjuster works for the insurance company, but a public adjuster from Sill works for you. A public insurance adjuster is your advocate when you file a claim. They will guide you through the claims process and provide an expert review of your insurance coverage.

When Sill works for you, we prepare, present, and defend your claim by generating a complete report about the damage, your insurance terms, and the value of your settlement.

Our clients receive a much larger claim when they work with Sill, and we can help you to settle much faster. We handle home insurance claims and business insurance claims. We can help our clients understand personal property coverage, living expenses, dwelling coverage, and covered perils.

If you experience property damage, email Sill at info@sill.com or by calling 844-650-SILL.

SOURCE | Weather.com