For release: April 12, 1999
For more information:  Mary Bonelli/Mitch Wilson
614-228-1593

TORNADO/DISASTER PREPAREDNESS KEY TO SAFETY AND LOSS PREVENTION

COLUMBUS--As many Ohioans in the Cincinnati area focus on clean up efforts following last Friday's tornado outbreak, others can turn this unfortunate situation into one that serves as an important reminder on making sure you're prepared to withstand such a disaster from both a safety and an insurance standpoint.

"Immediate concerns focus on making sure that those residents affected by the tornadoes are given all necessary assistance, " said Daniel J. Kelso, president of the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII). "We can also attempt to educate Ohio residents on protecting themselves and their assets, hoping that somehow this type of personal devastation can be minimized in future disasters."

Renters and home owners are protected by the insurance policy's "windstorm" peril coverage from losses arising from high winds, hail and tornadoes. Renters can obtain coverage to protect their belongings, while home owners typically protect both the structure (home) and its contents. The amount of coverage provided under a policy is based on the limits of coverage selected by the policyholder.

Kelso is quick to point out that individuals need to investigate whether current policy limits are adequate to replace their home and valuables in view of today’s higher construction costs. By reviewing the insurance policy with your company representative or agent, you can be sure that coverage is adequate before disaster strikes.

Although it may cost slightly more in premiums, Kelso suggests purchasing "replacement cost" coverage for your home and its contents. This provides for the rebuilding or replacement of damaged property at its current cost, rather than at its depreciated value.

Conducting a home inventory

The Institute recommends that you take a home video of your house and belongings before a disaster strikes. This can help you settle an insurance claim more quickly.

"If you have to rely on memory, you're likely to have an incomplete list of your damages or losses, especially at a time when you are under emotional duress," said Kelso. He also advises home owners to store receipts and appraisal information, along with the video or photos, off-premises in a safe deposit box.

Alternative approaches to maintaining property inventory include the use of photos, which provides a visual record of your household inventory, or maintaining a written inventory.

"If you choose the written inventory method, go through each room of your home and list each item, its purchase date, price, and model and serial numbers, if applicable. Be sure to include the appraised value of antiques, jewelry and other costly possessions," Kelso noted. "And don't forget to inventory the basement, closets and garage."

The OII offers additional inventory tips:

	If you are videotaping, pan the camera around the room in order to capture each item on film
	Narrate the video by noting purchase cost and dates, and model and serial numbers on appliances, computers and electronics
	Obtain close-ups of expensive items such as jewelry, fine art, stamp collections, china, furs, antiques and silver
	Consider grouping items for easier inventory
	Redo your inventory every time you move or every 2-3 years.

Auto coverage and preparedness tips

Vehicles are protected under the "other than collision" (comprehensive) portion of an auto insurance policy if damaged by windstorms or tornadoes. The Institute recommends that if severe weather threatens that you move your car under cover to prevent damage from high winds, flying debris and hail.

In the event of a tornado watch or warning, remember to grab your house and car keys before seeking shelter. Even if a tornado strikes, you may find your car still operable, but without keys you could end up in a long, futile search for them in rubble.

Other tornado safety tips

Know the difference between a tornado "watch" and "warning." A tornado "watch" means conditions are right for a tornado and be prepared to take shelter. A "warning" indicates a tornado has been sighted in the area so seek shelter immediately.

If a tornado hits your area, remain calm. Most tornadoes are short-lived, lasting only four or five minutes, traveling on the ground for about two miles.

Insurance tips

	Contact your insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible.
	Closely inspect property and cars for damage.
	Photograph any damage and inventory losses, especially if heavy, widespread damage has occurred. These will assist with claims handling.
	Secure property from further damage or theft and save any related receipts, since many insurers will reimburse you for these expenses.
	If required to seek temporary housing due to a covered loss such as a tornado, check your policy for "additional living expense" coverage. Many policies cover such expenses up to a stated amount.
	Beware of rip-offs. Carefully check the background of contractors and others who promise "cheap" repairs. There will always be those who try to profit from the losses of others.

The OII is a public information and trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty insurance industry. A primary objective of the OII is to help Ohioans achieve a better understanding of insurance and related safety issues. For a free tornado safety tips brochure, contact the OII, P.O. Box 816, Columbus, OH 43216 or download it from the Institute's website at www.ohioinsurance.org.

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