{"id":14504,"date":"2024-04-02T07:47:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T13:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/?p=14504"},"modified":"2024-03-26T16:23:09","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T22:23:09","slug":"a-tornado-can-strike-in-seconds-are-you-ready","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/a-tornado-can-strike-in-seconds-are-you-ready\/","title":{"rendered":"A Tornado Can Strike in Seconds. Are You Ready?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>While we can\u2019t prevent tornadoes, we can help you craft a safety plan and prepare.<br>And know that if a tornado has damaged your property and you need to file a claim,<br>Shield Insurance Agency is here to help you online or by phone (616-896-4601).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Shield Insurance Blog \">Shield Insurance Blog <\/a>| Tornado | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/michigan-home-insurance.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Home Insurance\">Home Insurance<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/app.usecanopy.com\/c\/Shield-Insurance-Agency\" title=\"Start A Quote Today!\">Start A Quote Today!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tornado season is upon us and could bring more storms in the months ahead. In fact,<br>the U.S. experiences the most tornadoes of anywhere in the world. Last year alone<br>1,197 tornadoes tore through the country, costing over $1 billion in property damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While we can\u2019t prevent tornadoes, we can help you craft a safety plan and prepare.<br>And know that if a tornado has damaged your property and you need to file a claim,<br>Shield Insurance Agency is here to help you online or by phone (616-896-4601). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before a Tornado<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Designate a Shelter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best shelters are sturdy, windowless spaces with room for you, your family,<br>and pets.<br>A basement is ideal, though any low\u2011level, windowless room works, including<br>closets, hallways, interior stairwells, or a bathtub if you have a heavy blanket or<br>mattress as cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create an Emergency Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be sure your kit includes:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Food and Water for 72 hours, such as canned soup, granola bars, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shelf\u2011stable goods, plus a can opener<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whistle or horn to attract attention should you become trapped<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery or generator\u2011powered lights to conserve mobile phone power<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic, and essential medicines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery or crank radio because cell towers may be down<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important documents, including copies of your ID, insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>information, Social Security cards, a small amount of cash, and other<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>legal documents, such as wills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extra pet food if needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Know the signs of a tornado:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dark green or sickly\u2011looking sky<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Large hail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low clouds, especially if they\u2019re rotating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A roar often compared to a train whistle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Do:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you hear or see these signs, or there\u2019s a local tornado warning, shelter with family<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and pets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re far from that shelter, try to find a sturdy community building, such as a church<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or office building nearby.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re in a vehicle and can\u2019t find shelter, stay inside, and cover your head.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">After the Tornado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use your horn or whistle, or another implement to attract help if trapped.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check your structure\u2019s integrity. If you see cracks, rubble, or fallen beams,<br>exit until it\u2019s deemed safe to return.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may need shelter. If so, text &#8220;Shelter&#8221; and your zip code to FEMA (43362).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid downed powerlines. Even if they look inactive, wires may still carry a<br>live current.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid using lighters or flames. Even if you don\u2019t smell gas, there may still be<br>a leak.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use generators safely. Vent generators outside. Carbon monoxide poisoning<br>comes fast and can be deadly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor the radio. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay informed and safe by tuning your radio to reliable local news or emergency services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/file-a-claim-carriers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"File your claim from the Shield Insurance Agency website.\">File your claim from the Shield Insurance Agency website.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shield Insurance wants to help you get your life back on track as fast as possible. We\u2019ll be there after<br>a disaster \u2013 and anytime you need us. You can reach us 24\/7 online or at 616-896-4600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check out More Shield Insurance Agency Blogs<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__list wp-block-latest-posts\"><li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/what-happens-if-your-vehicle-is-totaled-understanding-the-auto-insurance-claims-process\/\">What Happens If Your Vehicle Is Totaled, Understanding the Auto Insurance Claims Process<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/why-now-is-a-smart-time-for-michigan-businesses-to-review-liability-coverage-before-spring-foot-traffic-increases\/\">Why Now Is a Smart Time for Michigan Businesses to Review Liability Coverage Before Spring Foot Traffic Increases<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/snowstorms-and-roof-damage-is-your-michigan-home-covered\/\">Snowstorms and Roof Damage: Is Your Michigan Home Covered?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/do-you-need-recreational-insurance-for-your-snowmobile-in-michigan\/\">Do You Need Recreational Insurance for Your Snowmobile in Michigan?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/the-importance-of-giving-back-during-the-holiday-season\/\">The Importance of Giving Back During the Holiday Season<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A tornado can not be prevented, however we can craft a safety plan and prepare for the season and know what action to take.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14509,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[344,342,1],"tags":[4,62,1529],"class_list":["post-14504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flood-insurance","category-home-insurance","category-insurance","tag-home-insurance","tag-shield-insurance-agency","tag-tornado"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14504"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14510,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14504\/revisions\/14510"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}