(Associated Press) — Deadly storms over the past two weeks have spawned dozens of tornadoes across the United States, mostly in the South and Midwest, killing at least 63 people and damaging or destroying hundreds of homes.
The severe weather early this year, especially in the Midwest, is part of a trend over the past few years, said Bill Bunting, forecast operations director at the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
“The potential for severe weather increases throughout the year, putting more areas of the United States at risk,” Bunting said in an email this week.
According to a recent study, an average of 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States each year, and as the world warms, the United States may see more deadly supercells that produce tornadoes and hail. study.
The study also warned that deadly storms would move eastward, hitting densely populated southern states such as Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee more frequently. but tornado Can happen any time of year Such conditions were reported in all 50 states, according to NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory.
If your home is destroyed or severely damaged, what should you do once you are safe?
Pay attention to your safety
The word most commonly used to describe the state of mind after a natural disaster is “overwhelmed.” joint policyholders, A non-profit organization that advocates for insurance consumers.
“Our basic guidance is to focus on the safety of you and your family first,” said Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders.
Debris is scattered in and around a creek in Glen Allen, Missouri.
Next, if possible, she recommends photographing and documenting damaged and destroyed property — without entering severely damaged buildings — and determining whether further damage can be prevented by using tarps, fans or other methods .
Finding safe and comfortable temporary housing and obtaining a copy of your current policy are important next steps. When you are safe, learn the extent of damage to your home, find shelter and notify your insurance company.
How is your insurance?
Damage from tornadoes is often covered by homeowners and renters insurance policies. But Bach says you need to read your policy to find out how much your deductible will cost and what's covered. If the damage is minor to moderate, repairs may not cost as much as the deductible in your policy.
“We tell people not to rush, but to take stock and orient themselves before making any decisions,” she said. “You know, you're going to be invited by (the contractor), and for the first 48 hours, the shock and trauma usually means you're not in the best decision-making mode.”
To obtain temporary, immediate housing, people often turn to shelters run by local governments, i.e. American Red Cross or other organizations.
In addition to providing a place to sleep, water, and meals, Red Cross services (all of which are free) can sometimes include child care, information about disaster-related resources in your community, and social workers to help you respond to disaster recovery .
People may also need to obtain insurance to cover long-term housing, rebuilding their home, and/or replacing property including vehicles.
Keep hotel bills, clothing and meal receipts from the time you were displaced, and record calls you made to your insurance company, including the phone number you called, who you called, the date and time, and the content of the call.
Continue to pay
If your home is temporarily uninhabitable or damaged, the Red Cross recommends notifying utility companies and other services so they can stop billing you immediately. According to the Red Cross, paying your insurance premiums and your rent or mortgage should be your top priorities.
Call all creditors and ask for more time to pay them back. The Red Cross says most creditors are willing to work with you, especially if you notify them before a payment is due.
Overall, most people have a very steep learning curve after a tornado or other natural disaster because people think that if they have insurance, they'll be fine.
“But for a lot of people, it's just part of getting back to the way things were,” Bach said. “Losing a home is like a death in the family.”
This April 5, 2023 photo shows downed trees and other debris in Glen Allen, Missouri.
The Red Cross also has a dedicated chapter website Work on emotional recovery after disaster.
“Try to accept any reactions you may have. Find ways to take one step at a time and focus on caring for you and your family's disaster-related needs,” the organization advises on its website.
