In the 1996 film "Twister," Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton are two storm chasers trying to invent a better warning system for tornadoes, motivated by the trauma for Hunt's character of having lost her parents when a twister struck without warning. The rapid pace at which tornadoes and damaging wind storms can occur makes advance preparation critical for residents in the Midwest, especially those in the area called "Tornado Alley."
Many residents in these areas feel like Hunt's character: unprepared. The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) encourages homeowners, renters and business owners to plan in advance where they will take cover and maintain an emergency storm kit, at a minimum.
A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of PCI shows that residents in the Midwest are least likely to feel they are well prepared for natural disasters or severe weather, however. The survey, conducted online within the United States from March 20 to 24, 2015 among 2,021 adults ages 18 and older, found that 56% of Midwesterners say they are not well prepared for the aftermath of natural disasters or severe weather compared to 49 percent of Americans overall.
One of the keys to being prepared is having a disaster response plan that includes an emergency supply kit with food, water and a first aid kit, as well as safely storing important documents and having a family plan with agreed upon meeting places. The survey found that only 16% of Midwesterners have taken these steps compared to 21% of Americans overall.
Most have insurance but no survival kit
The survey did find that 76% of Midwesterners were most likely to say they have enough insurance to cover home damage or a total loss in the case of a natural disaster or severe weather event. But only 25% have conducted a yearly insurance review of their insurance policy and limits.
"This gap in preparedness could be the difference in how smooth your recovery will be in the aftermath of a storm," said Chris Hackett, director—personal lines policy for PCI in a statement. The best way to be prepared for possible damage due to a severe weather event, "is to talk with your insurance agent or company each year to go over your coverage. Additionally, there are a few simple steps people can take in advance of a storm to make the recovery process easier. We encourage consumers to know the severe weather warning signals used in their community and be prepared to take cover when alerted. Maintaining an emergency storm kit with a radio, flashlight, batteries and first-aid items is the first step in preparation. Other steps include conducting tornado drills with your family and ensuring that your property is adequately insured."
Having adequate insurance should be part of being prepared for natural disasters or severe weather, according to 89% of survey respondents. Agents and brokers should discuss with their clients steps they can take to prepare for spring storms–both financially and physically.
Most homeowners, renters or commercial insurance policies generally cover tornado, windstorm, hail and similar severe weather-related losses. Tornado losses to a home are covered by the "windstorm" peril under the homeowners' insurance policy. Renters' insurance also provides coverage to policyholder possessions under this peril. Business owners are covered under their commercial policies. Protection from windstorm or hail damage for cars is covered under the "comprehensive" portion of an automobile insurance policy.
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