by Jonathan Wallace
FB Mutual Insurance Co. of Arkansas

Arkansas, indeed, is “the Natural State.” Nature has been good to it.

However, like all things natural, bad comes with the good. A tornado is one of the bad things.

A violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a strong thunderstorm to the ground, a tornado can spawn winds of 250 miles per hour or more. On average, the United States experiences about 1,000 of them a year — more than any other country on the globe — typically from March through May.

However, these violent storms can, and often do, occur at other times. In years past, tornadoes have visited Arkansas in December and January. Therefore, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of what such storms can do to property and to lives.

Maybe you’ve been through a tornado before and already have a family safety plan in place. With the storm that cut a 100-plus-mile swath across Arkansas in February freshly on our minds, now may be a good time to look at some basic ways we can prepare ourselves for another.

Keep in mind that storms can approach very quickly, and sometimes with little or no warning. Therefore, it’s important to watch closely for unusual changes in weather patterns. Before February’s storms, for example, we had unseasonably warm days, followed by a strong cold front.

Any time such conditions occur, pay attention to local radio and television newscasts for information on possible tornado watches or warnings in your area. If a warning is issued, immediately seek cover to protect yourself.

If you have friends, neighbors or family members who may not be around a radio or television, try to let them know about any tornado watch that’s been issued.

Watch the sky if you can. Often, dark greenish clouds, low-lying and rolling, signal tornado danger. Also, large hail and a loud freight train-like roar or rumble means it’s a better-than-good idea to seek cover.

If a tornado is confirmed to be approaching or is already in your area, immediately put your storm safety plan into action. At home, go to a pre-designated safe room or storm cellar or to the safest area you have. That probably is an interior room in the center and lowest level of your house, a large interior closet or bathroom, perhaps.

The idea is to put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.

If you’re in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately. Go to the lowest floor of the nearest sturdy building or storm shelter.

Mobile homes, even if tied down, won’t protect you in a tornado.

If you are outside with no close shelter, lie down in the first ditch or depression you can find, and cover your head with your hands to protect yourself. Flying debris causes the most fatalities and injuries from tornados.

Also, watch for fast-rising waters. You don’t want to be caught in a flooded creek bed or ditch.

After a tornado passes and you’ve survived, the aftermath can be overwhelming. A plan should include where you and your family members meet after the storm. That way, you can account for everyone and make sure they’re safe.

If someone is missing or injured, notify the authorities so they can send help. Check with local officials after the storm and with state and federal agencies that often set up rescue missions and storm-assistance stations.

Be patient. It often takes a lot of work to get back on your feet when your house and property are damaged.

There are upsides, though. Often, the destruction of storms brings out the best in local communities. (Please see “Food for Thought,”) They may set up teams to clear roadways and remove debris. Local churches and civic-minded groups seem to rise to the occasion in times of need.

If your damaged property is insured, call in your claims early. Insurance companies often send in extra adjusters and claims personnel to those areas hardest hit or with large numbers of claims.

Some adjusters come from other areas, so make sure your property is clearly marked with your address. A temporary marker, such as a large piece of plywood with your address clearly marked on it, can be very useful in locating you.

When you call in the claim, be specific. List the damaged areas and items so if you’re not there when adjusters inspect the property, your losses won’t be overlooked.

The storm season is upon us. If you don’t have a good tornado safety plan, gather your family tonight and discuss one.