United States has averaged more than 1,300 tornadoes.1 Deaths and property damage from tornadoes are not limited to the most severe storms: 109 people were killed in 2011 by Federated Insurance storms rated EF3 or lower.2 So what can we do? In a word, PREPARE! Tornado season lasts from March to August, but tornadoes can occur year-round. More than 80 percent of tornados occur between noon and midnight, and one quarter occur from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. While tornadoes have been reported in every state, they are most prevalent in the area known as “Tornado Alley,� which includes states located between the Rocky Mountains and Appalachians.
Are Your Property Limits Accurate?
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magine you get that middle-of-the-
When discussing insurance values
your time and expertise. Yes, it may be
with your provider, be sureScale, you include time-consuming dowind a walk-through night strength call every businesson owner Tornado is measured the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Intensity which correlates damage to with speed. The anything that could affect value: new to list floor-to-ceiling contents and dreads: There’s smoke coming scale has six wind-damage levels, from as shown on the accompanying chart. Operational EF Scale
the roof at your main location. When you machines or equipment, inventory (raw determine accurate costs, but it is the best EFtoNumber Gustensure (mph) calculate true3-Second value to help arrive, the entire building is in flames. material, in-process and finished product, way How can you prepare for a tornado? Plan with a PURPOSE  0 65-85 etc.), property of others, remodels, etc. you’re adequately covered if you have The fire gets put out shortly after dawn, 1 86-110 And, don’t forget to consider inflation a claim. Federated Insurance uses one but it’s evident thefor  firetand water damage Know  the  risk  ornadoes  in  the  area.  Although tornadoes have been and other valuation factors. The amount of the finest building value estimation 2 111-135 is extensive. That shiny new equipment reported throughout the United States, some areas are clearly at higher risk than help business is now scrap, the shelves, light fixtures, you have on your balance sheet or the tools in 3the marketplace to136-165 others. inventory, carpet, family photos— item’s cost new may not be an accurate owners 4 determine adequate 166-200values. of your contents’ replacement Doing what sure you are anything everything—ruined. 5 you can to make Over 200 Identify and a “safe� room where others canreflection gather during a tornado. In the costs. Remember, you probably had time insured to value offers an added layer of Joplin, stormsout of 2011, people survived by taking initems a walk-in to shop around andshelter buy the at the peace of mind. Now Missouri, imagine finding that, while cooler. Whatever you designate as your safe room, it should be determined have you need it. Examine your property— the walls and roof were insured at their best possible price, but you won’t before The extra time spent nowIfwill beismuch bothreplacement your home and business—and createthat a plan. A basement location from all windows is preferable. there no luxury when you need toaway get your full value, not much else appreciated in the unfortunate event business back up and running as fast as was. Not calculating valueon the lowest floor is best. A nearby sturdy building is another option. Once youof a basement, an interiorreplacement hallway or room loss. And, to protect all your hard work, possible. if possible, for additional protection. for property contents is consider a costly mistake designate a safe room, having it reinforced, you will want to store the documentation some business owners make when Determining the replacement cost in a safe, off-site location to make sure valuing their business insurance limits. of your business personal property you can readily access it when it’s needed Don’t be one of them! (contents) is involved, and it requires most.
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It’s Our Business to Protect YoursŽ .... ‌.. ......................
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This publication is intended to provide general recommendations regarding risk prevention. It is not intended to include all steps or processes necessary to adequately protect you, your business, or your customers. You should always consult your personal attorney and insurance advisor for advice unique to you and your business. Š 2012 Federated Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. Federated Mutual Insurance Company Federated Service Insurance Company* Federated Life Insurance Company Home Office: 121 East Park Square • Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 Phone: (507) 455-5200 • www.federatedinsurance.com *Federated Service Insurance Company is not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, RI, and VT.
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Federated Mutual IOTVSBODF $PNQBOZ r 'FEFSBUFE 4FSWJDF Insurance Company r 'FEFSBUFE -JGF Insurance Company Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 | Phone 507.455.5200 | www.federatedinsurance.com *Not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, and VT. Š 2015 Federated Mutual Insurance Company
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