Tornado preparation and safety tips for businesses

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Fast facts
The states with the highest number of tornados are Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Illinois and Iowa. (iii) 
The most expensive U.S. tornado event was in August 2020 with an outbreak over several days which included the August 10 Midwest Deracho. Over $9 billion in insured losses were incurred and 16 states were impacted. (iii)

Prepare today
Have a plan in place - Develop a written business continuity plan that includes tornado preparedness. Make sure employees know what to do if a storm is coming.
Purchase a weather radio – Obtain a radio with local discrimination capability. 
Stay alert - Sign up for and pay attention to weather alerts.
Back it up - Have emergency backup power lined up for your facility before a storm is forecast. 
Assess security needs - Depending on the type of business you run, you may need additional security at the site following a storm. 
Check your coverage - Review your business insurance coverage. 

If a storm is coming
Select a shelter and make a plan.
Keep your eye on the sky – Watch for heavy, dark clouds with thunder and lightning.
Listen to weather updates – Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
Move items inside – Outdoor materials may around during the storm and cause damage. 

During the storm
Seek shelter immediately - Head to a designated and stocked area.
If you are in a car, stop and get out – Seek shelter away from your vehicle.
Stay away from trees, power lines and utility poles.
Keep low – If you are in a high rise, head to the lowest floor possible.
 
After the storm
Check for employees – Locate individuals who may be trapped or injured. Do not move injured people; call 911.
Inspect gas, electrical and water lines – Carefully look for structural damage such as foundation cracks. If unfamiliar with what to look for, call a professional or emergency services.  
Document any property damage – Take photos and videos and save receipts for immediate repairs made to prevent further damage.
Stay out of damaged buildings – Do not enter until it is safe to do so.
Avoid touching power lines – Assume all downed power lines are live.
Wait to dispose of any items – Don’t throw items away until you have met with your insurance adjuster.
Notify our claims team if there is damage – We can help you prevent further damage and assist you in getting back to pre-tornado conditions. 

How to report a claim

Online at www.hanover.com

By phone: 800-628-0250

By mobile app: Hanover mobile

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.