Three Tornadoes Tear Across Northern Arizona. Are You Prepared?

From Yahoo News:

BELLEMONT, Ariz. – Two tornadoes touched down in northern Arizona early Wednesday (10/6), derailing 28 cars of a parked freight train, blowing semis off the highway and smashing out the windows of dozens of homes. A third touched down later, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Associated Press

Fifteen homes were so badly damaged that they were uninhabitable and the estimated 30 people who lived in them were evacuated. About 30 RVs were damaged at a business in Bellemont that sells the vehicles and runs a campground for RVs.

No serious injuries or deaths were reported.

Tornadoes Happen Every Year. Are You Prepared?

In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide. Oftentimes, homes and businesses close to a tornado are damaged or destroyed by wind, rain and flying debris. Property Insurance covers repairs or rebuilding costs for windstorm or hail perils. Be sure to review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.

Take Action to Reduce Damage

You can’t make your home or business tornado-proof, but you can take steps that improve the odds of surviving the high winds. You may want to call on professionals for the more technical jobs.

• Start at the top—your roof. Fix any areas that need repair. If you are planning to replace your roof, select materials that are designed to withstand high wind.
• If you are planning to replace your windows, select impact-resistant window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm.
• Anchor door frames securely to wall framing. Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock with a bolt at least one inch long.

If a Tornado is Headed Your Way

• If you are in a building, move to an underground shelter, or interior room or hallway on the lowest floor.
• Stay away from windows and corners.
• If you’re in your car, get out immediately and find safe shelter or lie flat in a ditch. Do not take shelter under an overpass or bridge.
• Flying debris causes most injuries and fatalities, so use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Resources and information courtesy of Safeco Insurance

–JK