As residents in NY, NJ, PA and other spots have learned, tornado and severe wind storms are not reserved for the Tornado Valley alone. A tornado can erupt anywhere in the US very suddenly.

The insurance people understand the potential impact of a tornado on a home. Aside from protecting the interior of your home by investing in window shutters, securing heavy appliances and furnishings and designation of a safe room, it’s vital that residents understand how to shield their exterior property as well.

Protecting Your Exterior: Tips from Insurance Professionals

• Lawn Furniture, Decor and Toys
  Strong winds can lift and drop even heavy items. Avoid associated damage by removing and/or securely tying down lawn chairs, picnic tables, figurines, kids’ toys and so on.
  
  
• Transportable Plants
  Bring these plants indoors at the first indication that a major wind storm may be brewing.
  
  
• Dismembered Tree Limbs
  Check your lawn to see if there any large tree limbs on the ground. These can easily become flying debris and removing them from your property will prevent related damages
  during a tornado.
  
  
• Hazard-Prone Trees
  A tree that is near enough to a house’s structure or electrical lines poses a genuine threat during a wind storm. Consider hiring a professional tree service company to down and remove any such tree to eliminate the exposure.
  
  
• Loose or Broken Parts of your Home Exterior
  Examine the exterior of your home for damage. Look over the roof, chimney, siding, brick, fascia, porch, balcony or other type of overhang. Make necessary repairs immediately. Fix leaky spots that can allow damaging rain to seep in.

For more on tornadoes, hurricanes and other type of windstorms, and how insurance can protect your home, property and family, speak to the professionals at Prime.

PRIME Insurance is a three-generation family-run independent agency. We’re proud to partner with many of the leading underwriters – recognized companies like ACE, AmTRUST, ASI, ASSURANT, CHUBB, CNA, Employers, FOREMOST, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, PROGRESSIVE, Safeco, StillWater, Travelers, THE HARTFORD, USLI, ZURICH and more. This gives us the ability to provide all forms of nationwide coverage and bonds at competitively lowest quotes. Visit us on our online insurance website or email us at PRIME [at] primeins [dot] com or call us at 732-886-5751 and HAVE A PRIME DAY™!

Summary: A tornado can occur anywhere in the US. Aside from protecting your family and the interior of your home, learn the steps from the insurance people on how to shield your property’s exterior.