Severe Weather is Back; But Nearly Half of Americans are not Well Prepared

The temperature in the Midwest is yo-yoing from great to downright cold and people don’t know whether to wear coats or shorts. With the first pitch having been thrown at Fenway, the long hard winter is now a distant memory for Red Sox fans and the residents of New England. Gladly, the prospect of a beautiful spring is ahead and the last thing anyone wants to think about is more bad weather, right?

But, as spring comes into full bloom in the north and temperatures continue to heat up in the south, you are sure to see severe weather watches, warning and the full furry of tornadoes and damaging hail storms. Without a doubt weather is a big part of our lives and it plays a major role in just about everything we do. But are you really prepared for rapidly changing weather like you should be? Well if the answer is no, you’re certainly not alone.

A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of PCI shows that only 51 percent of Americans say they are well prepared for the aftermath of natural disasters or severe weather. The survey conducted online within the United States from March 20-24, 2015 among 2,021 adults ages 18 and older found that residents in the Midwest are least likely to feel they are well prepared.

Additionally only 21 percent of Americans said they have a disaster response plan that includes an emergency supply kit with food, water, first aid, as well as safely storing important documents and having a family communications plan with agreed upon meeting places.

These figures are a little alarming, considering the impact weather has on our lives and how much damage occurs. According to NOAA, the U.S. has sustained 178 weather and climate disasters since 1980, resulting in a cumulative cost exceeding $1 trillion dollars. In 2014 NOAA reported that there were eight weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each across the United States. These events included a drought event, a flooding event, five severe storm events, and a winter storm event. The western drought reached historic proportions in California and made headlines throughout the region and in Texas, and Oklahoma. In August heavy rainfall in Michigan, Maryland and New York resulted in a billion dollar flooding event. Among the five severe storm events in April there was an outbreak of 83 Tornados across the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast that produced significant damage.

As we reflect on the past it’s important to focus on the future and the approaching spring storm season. Tornadoes can develop quickly and without much warning. Because they can arise so fast, it’s important to prepare in advance of a storm. Make sure you’ve had a conversation with your insurance agent on determining the right amount of coverage you may need to repair or rebuild your home. Review your property insurance policy and keep the name, address and claims reporting telephone number in a safe and accessible place. As a homeowner or renter it is important that you secure your property before a storm hits, and have taken the time to understand how your insurance policy works.

For starters, the good news is that most damage from tornadoes, windstorms, and hail is generally covered by your homeowners, renters, or business insurance policies. Tornado damage to a vehicle is generally covered under the comprehensive portion of the auto insurance policies.

Insurers are well prepared for storm season and are ready to respond to policyholders as soon as possible following a weather event.

Many standard homeowners and renter’s policies provide for reimbursement of additional living expenses when the property is determined to be uninhabitable due to damage. This provision helps in paying for increases to necessary living expenses such as temporary housing and restaurant meals. In addition, extra expenses such as overnight parking and laundry services may also be covered. Additional living expense coverage does not pay for all living expenses, so contact your insurance company or agent for a list of what your policy will cover.

It’s also important to be prepared with a disaster response plan, emergency kit, as well as food and other supplies that will last for three days.

It is comforting to know that insurers will be there to help you put your life back together in the event that you need them, but it’s also important to use them as a resource for information to help you prepare before the storm.

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) offers quick tips to help you prepare for whatever weather event may be in our future.

Quick Severe Weather Tips-

• Conduct a detailed inventory of your possessions including receipts, descriptions and photos of your home's contents.

• Keep your insurance policy and agent information along with other important information with you or in a secure place.

• Keep a cell phone charged and with you for emergencies.

• If you have one, keep a laptop computer close by. Most insurance companies allow claims reports to be submitted via the Internet.

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