Oklahoma, often referred to as the heart of "Tornado Alley," is no stranger to the devastating power of tornadoes. With its unique geographical and climatic conditions, the state witnesses some of the most violent tornadoes in the United States.
Understanding the dynamics of tornado season and the critical importance of tornado insurance is beneficial for residents and property owners, but it’s also essential for safety and financial security.
WHEN IS TORNADO SEASON IN OKLAHOMA?
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that contact the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud.
Oklahoma's tornado season typically runs from early spring through late summer, with May historically being the peak month for tornado activity. However, if the weather conditions are right, tornadoes can occur at any time of year.
Oklahoma's geographical location plays a significant role in its susceptibility to tornadoes. Situated where the moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets the dry air from the Rockies, it provides the perfect breeding ground for severe storms.
THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF TORNADOES IN OKLAHOMA
The history of tornadoes in Oklahoma is marked by numerous tragic events, such as the Moore tornado in 2013, which claimed dozens of lives and caused billions of dollars in damage. These events are stark reminders of nature's power and the importance of being prepared.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR TORNADO SEASON IN OKLAHOMA
Preparing adequately for Tornado Season in Oklahoma is crucial in minimizing the risks to life and property. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare:
1. Create a Detailed Safety Plan
Identify safe places in your home, away from windows, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Conduct tornado drills with your family so everyone knows what to do if a warning is issued. Then, designate a family meeting point outside your home in case you get separated.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit
Your kit should include:
- Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days.
- Food: A three-day supply of non-perishable food items and a can opener.
- Communication: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
- Power: Flashlights, extra batteries, or emergency charging devices for phones.
- First Aid Kit: Include basic supplies to treat minor injuries.
- Important Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof container.
- Special Needs Items: Prescription medications, glasses, infant formula, diapers, pet supplies, and any other unique needs your family may have.
3. Designate a Safe Room or Underground Shelter
Ensure your safe room is well-constructed and able to withstand high winds and flying debris. Stock the shelter with emergency supplies, including water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and blankets.
If you don't have a safe room or storm cellar, identify a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of your building.
4. Stay Informed
Install a reliable weather app on your smartphone that provides real-time alerts. The National Weather Service (NWS) offers several options for receiving updates.
Sign up for community alerts and pay attention to local news outlets for the latest weather forecasts and instructions during tornado season. Consider investing in a NOAA Weather Radio for specialized weather warnings.
5. Take Additional Measures
- Make sure you know the difference between a tornado watch (tornadoes are possible) and a tornado warning (a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar).
- Reinforce your home by securing heavy furniture and anchoring objects that could be thrown by tornado winds.
- Keep trees and branches trimmed away from your house to reduce the risk of them falling onto your home during a storm.
By taking these steps, Oklahoma residents can prepare themselves and their homes for tornado season, significantly reducing the potential for harm.
TORNADO INSURANCE IN OKLAHOMA
In Oklahoma, homeowners insurance typically includes coverage for damage caused by tornadoes, encompassing the destructive winds, hail, and driving rain that often accompany such storms. This means that if a tornado damages your home, your insurance policy should cover repairs for the structure of your home, replacement of personal belongings, and even additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable during repairs.
Additionally, it's important to note that some policies in Oklahoma may have a separate windstorm deductible specifically for tornadoes and other wind-related damage. This deductible is usually a percentage of the home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount and must be paid before your insurance coverage kicks in for tornado damage.
It's crucial for homeowners to review their insurance policies closely and understand the specifics of their coverage and any deductibles that may apply to ensure they are adequately protected against tornadoes.
Tornado season in Oklahoma demands respect and preparation. Residents can mitigate the impact of these powerful natural disasters by understanding when and how tornadoes occur, taking steps to prepare for them, and securing financial protection through insurance. Remember, while we can't control the weather, we can control how well we prepare.
If you live in Oklahoma or another tornado-prone area, now is the time to review your insurance policies and consider whether you have adequate coverage. Don't wait until it's too late; protecting your family and property should always be a top priority.
If you need help finding the best homeowners insurance coverage for the best price, speak to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a homeowners insurance quote online now.
