A Tornado Can Strike in Seconds. Are You Ready?

Name: Shield Insurance Agency
Address: 3214 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, MI, 49426
Telephone: 616-896-4600

Posted on April 2, 2024March 26, 2024 by Shield Insurance Agency

While we can’t prevent tornadoes, we can help you craft a safety plan and prepare.
And know that if a tornado has damaged your property and you need to file a claim,
Shield Insurance Agency is here to help you online or by phone (616-896-4601).

Shield Insurance Blog | Tornado | Home Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Tornado season is upon us and could bring more storms in the months ahead. In fact,
the U.S. experiences the most tornadoes of anywhere in the world. Last year alone
1,197 tornadoes tore through the country, costing over $1 billion in property damage.

Before a Tornado

Designate a Shelter

The best shelters are sturdy, windowless spaces with room for you, your family,
and pets.
A basement is ideal, though any low‑level, windowless room works, including
closets, hallways, interior stairwells, or a bathtub if you have a heavy blanket or
mattress as cover.

Create an Emergency Kit

Be sure your kit includes:

Food and Water for 72 hours, such as canned soup, granola bars, or
shelf‑stable goods, plus a can opener
Whistle or horn to attract attention should you become trapped
Battery or generator‑powered lights to conserve mobile phone power
First aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic, and essential medicines
Battery or crank radio because cell towers may be down
Important documents, including copies of your ID, insurance
information, Social Security cards, a small amount of cash, and other
legal documents, such as wills
Extra pet food if needed

Know the signs of a tornado:

Dark green or sickly‑looking sky
Large hail
Low clouds, especially if they’re rotating
A roar often compared to a train whistle

What to Do:

If you hear or see these signs, or there’s a local tornado warning, shelter with family
and pets.
If you’re far from that shelter, try to find a sturdy community building, such as a church
or office building nearby.
If you’re in a vehicle and can’t find shelter, stay inside, and cover your head.

After the Tornado

Use your horn or whistle, or another implement to attract help if trapped.
Check your structure’s integrity. If you see cracks, rubble, or fallen beams,
exit until it’s deemed safe to return.
You may need shelter. If so, text “Shelter” and your zip code to FEMA (43362).
Avoid downed powerlines. Even if they look inactive, wires may still carry a
live current.
Avoid using lighters or flames. Even if you don’t smell gas, there may still be
a leak.
Use generators safely. Vent generators outside. Carbon monoxide poisoning
comes fast and can be deadly.
Monitor the radio.
Stay informed and safe by tuning your radio to reliable local news or emergency services.

File your claim from the Shield Insurance Agency website.

Shield Insurance wants to help you get your life back on track as fast as possible. We’ll be there after
a disaster – and anytime you need us. You can reach us 24/7 online or at 616-896-4600.

Check out More Shield Insurance Agency Blogs

Tips Following Northern Michigan Tornado

Posted on May 23, 2022May 23, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

FROM: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Offers Insurance Tips Following Northern Michigan Tornado

Media Contact: Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, DIFS-press@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2022

(LANSING, MICH) As residents across northern Michigan assess the damage and begin to recover from Friday afternoon’s tornado, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is providing tips to assist residents when working with insurance companies to file claims and repair damages.

“DIFS stands ready to assist the residents of northern Michigan as they begin to recover from the incredible devastation wrought by Friday’s tornado, hailstorm, and power outages,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “It is important that those who have experienced damage understand their rights and responsibilities when filing insurance claims. They should carefully review their policies and work with their agents and insurers to see what coverage is available to them. DIFS is available to answer questions and assist consumers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.”

Anyone impacted by storm damage should:

Contact their insurance company’s claims hotline and/or agent to report the claim. Have the policy number and other relevant information readily available. DIFS has prepared an Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet to make this process easier.
Take steps to protect the property and prevent further loss. Be sure to keep receipts for any purchases of supplies that are needed to protect the property.
Document the loss. Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until instructed to do so by the insurance company.
Review insurance policies to understand their coverage and discuss with their agent or insurer if there are any questions.
If there is water damage to a home or other structure, consumers should tell their insurance company that there is water damage and they are looking to determine what coverage is available. Consumers should not simply state that the damage is due to a flood as there may be additional causes for water damage, such as storm-related rainwater intrusion, sewer backup, or failing sump pump, that may be covered under the policy.
If there is damage to a vehicle, consumers should contact their auto insurance company. They may have coverage for the damage if they carry comprehensive coverage on their auto policy.

More Information

Additional disaster recovery information is available on the DIFS website.

DIFS encourages consumers to first attempt to resolve any claim disputes directly with their insurance company. If a resolution cannot be reached, DIFS will help try to resolve disputes. To learn more and file a complaint, visit Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints. Anyone with questions or concerns about their insurance coverage is asked to call the DIFS toll-free hotline 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Stay Safe During a Tornado: Essential Tips for Seeking Shelter

Posted on August 14, 2019August 30, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Seeking Shelter | Start A Quote Today

Seeking Shelter: Tornadoes are some of the most devastating storms anyone can witness – and they’re also a reminder that a disaster can strike quickly, with little warning. What makes these storms extremely dangerous is that they are in a concentrated area, and although they appear to move slowly, tornadoes can have wind speeds up to 100 mph or more. Even if you’re not in the path of the tornado, you still have the chance to get hit with flying debris, which can cause serious injury or death.

It’s hard not to worry about the safety of my own family and consider what I would do if my house is in the path of a tornado. But I counter that fear by telling myself I don’t live in tornado alley, so it can’t happen where I live.

Wrong.

Tornadoes can happen anywhere in the U.S. at any time of the year. According to the National Weather Service, 46 different states experienced a tornado in 2012 with property and crop damage of an estimated $1.6 billion. OK, but the greatest threat for tornadoes is in Tornado Alley and I don’t live there.

Well, where exactly is Tornado Alley? It typically includes the plains states from South Dakota down through central Texas. But did you know that as of last year, researchers at CoreLogic Storm Prediction Center have questioned the geography of Tornado Alley and suggest expanding its footprint? According to their data, only one tornado alley state —Kansas — fell in the top five states for tornado occurrences from 1980 to 2009. The others in the top five were Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Based on that frequency and the severity of the storms, here’s an article from USA Today that illustrates CoreLogic’s suggested “new tornado alley.”

While the new tornado alley doesn’t encompass my home in Michigan, this graphic from the National Weather Service does. It maps the EF5/F5 tornadoes in this country since 1950. See number eight, that tornado’s path was about fifteen miles from my house. Just ask the resilient people of Moore, OK if a tornado can strike the same place twice.

What’s your plan should a tornado strike quickly? Take some time to become “Red Cross Ready” for disasters. Preparing now could be the difference when you only have seconds to respond. For me, I would go to the basement. While it’s completely below ground, it has a few basement windows to get away from. My tornado plan now includes taking shelter in this small bathroom.

We do have plans to do some work on our basement eventually, so I will definitely make it a priority to have a safe place to hide. Where will you take shelter? I can’t reiterate how important it is for you to know where you will go should disaster strike. Your safety is important to us.