Tornadoes most commonly occur between March and June, meaning tornado season has officially begun. Whether you live in “Tornado Alley” or not, everyone should prepare for severe tornado weather this spring. After all, tornadoes have hit every state in the country, and they’re most likely to catch people off-guard and cause more damage when they occur in unexpected places. So don’t wait until a tornado watch is issued in your area—prepare for tornado season today! Here’s how.

• Inspect your roof: Most roof damage is undetectable from the ground. That’s why you should climb up and inspect it (or hire a company to do so) before severe weather hits. After all, a well-maintained roof is more likely to survive high winds than a damaged one.
• Trim trees and shrubs: Branches are liable to fall on your roof or become dangerous flying debris during a tornado. Keep your trees and shrubs trimmed to minimize the risk.
• Clean the gutters: Having clean gutters when a rainstorm arrives helps water drain from your roof properly. As long as no severe flooding occurs, this simple step could be enough to keep your basement dry.
• Inspect your windows: Arrange to complete necessary repairs before severe weather arrives. If you live in a tornado-prone region, consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant glass. Otherwise, keep plywood on hand to board up the windows when a tornado is imminent.
• Store or cover outdoor items when not in use: Bring in lawn chairs, kiddy pools, and toys after each use. Then, weigh down patio furniture, grills, and trampolines with sandbags to prevent strong winds from picking them up.
• Park your car in a covered or enclosed location: If this is not possible, protect your car with a hail-resistant cover when a storm is in the forecast.
• Assemble an emergency kit: Make sure every family member has an emergency kit with everything they need to survive on the road or at home without power for 72 hours.
• Check your insurance policy for tornado coverage: Be aware of what damages your policy covers and what you’ll have to pay for out-of-pocket. Consider buying extra coverage so you are fully protected from the damage a tornado could do to your home.
• Conduct a home inventory: If you end up filing an insurance claim, having photos of your property and receipts of expensive belongings can help you prove the losses you sustained. Take advantage of home inventory apps to make cataloging your possessions easier.

Once you and your family are safe following a tornado or other natural disaster, get in touch with DKI. Our emergency response team will arrive onsite within two hours to assess the damage, recommend a course of action, and offer a comprehensive restoration estimate. Our licensed service providers will help you file a claim with your insurance company to relieve some stress and uncertainty during this time. To request emergency restoration services, please call 877-533-0210 or contact us online today.