A Wild and Crazy April

The United States has experienced double the number of tornadoes than “normal” during this year’s spring storm season, and the National Weather Service and catastrophe risk experts see no reason for a slow down in violent storms.

Wildfires have scorched the Southwest and floods have inundated the Midwest – and there’s no end in sight to either scourge.

From April 1 through April 22, there were 5,000 severe weather events across the nation, including tornadoes, hail, high winds and flooding – that’s one wild and crazy month, weather-wise.

Then there’s hurricane season looming at the end of May.

All of this catastrophic weather and nature-related activity is a reminder of the importance mitigation and risk management. April 18 – 22 was Severe Weather Awareness Week, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), which took the opportunity to remind folks that the time to protect one’s property is before disaster strikes.

“April already has been a truly extreme month in terms of severe, damaging weather – and the month isn’t over yet,” said Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. “Wildfires are burning from border to border in Texas, destroying nearly 200 homes. And tornadoes, high winds and hail continue to pummel the Midwest, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.”

Preparation for natural catastrophes not only includes making improvements to safeguard properties from disasters as the IBHS advises, but it also means buying the right insurance protection in case disaster should strike.

In the aftermath of the recent tornado that devastated the small town of Tushka in Oklahoma’s Atoka County, it was found that 65 percent of residents whose homes were destroyed by the EF3 twister did not have insurance for the contents of their homes. Around half did not have insurance coverage at all, according to Associated Press reports.

Insurance regulators in every state, including Missouri Department of Insurance Director John M. Huff, say consumers should annually review their homeowners or renters insurance policies to make sure they understand what’s covered and what’s not. While most standard policies cover losses from fire, theft, tornadoes and strong winds and hail, they don’t cover damage from flooding, earthquakes, or sewer and drain backups.

“Consumers should talk to their homeowners insurance agent to determine whether they need these extra protections,” Huff said.

Agents take note: You can make a difference – by educating your customers and helping them to make the right choices when buying insurance coverage for their homes and businesses.