If you live in Kentucky, you need to be on high alert for tornadoes, especially during the months of April and May. A tornado can cause severe damage to your home and possessions, which can cost a lot of money to repair and replace.

The best thing you can do is be prepared for a tornado with a proper plan and insurance in case you experience losses. Whether you're purchasing a home in Kentucky or wanting to get ahead of tornado season, work with a Kentucky independent insurance agent to purchase coverage, and make sure to take these precautions.

How Many Tornadoes Does Kentucky Experience Annually?

The state of Kentucky is considered part of Hoosier Alley, which includes Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Missouri. Similar to Tornado Alley, the states located in Hoosier Alley are prone to destruction from high winds and tornadoes. 

On average, Kentucky experiences 21 tornadoes a year. Historically, these tornadoes have been very dangerous, resulting in billions of dollars in damage and even fatalities.

Kentucky tornado damage over the last five years

Is Kentucky Tornado Insurance Available?

In order to be fully protected from the damage that can be caused by a tornado, you need several different types of insurance. Fortunately, your Kentucky independent insurance agent will know the best coverage, but you can start by discussing the following.

• Homeowners insurance: Standard homeowners insurance policies include damage from wind and hail, including that which results from a tornado. Occasionally, policies will exclude wind damage, so it's important to double-check what's covered in your policy. Within your homeowners insurance, the structure of your home is covered by dwelling coverage, and the things inside your home are covered by property coverage.
• Car insurance: If your car is parked outside your house and damaged in a tornado, your home insurance will not cover it. You'll need car insurance, and specifically, comprehensive coverage. This insurance is not required by law in Kentucky, but is worth having since it covers damage from events outside of a collision, including tornadoes.
• Tornado insurance: If your home is in a high-risk area or your home insurance doesn't have sufficient policy limits, you can purchase separate tornado coverage. It is part of the property coverage within your homeowners insurance.

Is There Anyway to Prepare My Home for a Tornado?

Yes, there are several modifications you can make to your home that will make it more wind-resistant, ideally reducing the potential damage should a tornado strike. 

• Add wind-resistant materials to your roof: Straps, braces, ties, coverings and fasteners can all help keep your roof in place during a tornado. If you're in the market for a new roof, consider using wind-resistant materials.
• Install impact-resistant glass: Update any windows in your home with wind-resistant glass. You can also add storm shutters to further protect your windows.
• Modify your doors: Add heavy-duty hinges and security locks on your doors. 
• Build a safe room: Safe rooms are designated places you can go when a tornado hits. They keep you and your family 100% protected from the elements of the storm. FEMA has guidelines for building safe rooms.
• Know what parts of your structure are weak: Certain parts of your home are more likely to collapse or break down during a tornado than others. Check your siding, chimneys, roofs, and brickwork to make sure they're sturdy and can stand up to high wind.
• Trim trees near your home or power lines: If you have large trees that have branches that go over your home or are near a power line, consider cutting back the branches or removing the tree. 

How to Create a Preparedness Plan for a Kentucky Tornado

Preparing your home is one step in helping to minimize damage, but you also need a preparedness plan for you and your family if you learn a tornado is headed your way. In this plan, everyone should know what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Steps to creating a preparedness plan

Step #1: Learn the signs of a tornado and educate all family members. This includes how the sky may look and sound.

Step #2: Sign up for local emergency weather alert systems.

Step #3: Determine somewhere safe to go should a tornado come.

Step #4: Include tasks around the house to turn off electrical boards and water.

Step #5: Plan to bring protective belongings like mattresses, sleeping bags, and blankets with you to your safe room.

Step #6: Have a plan for your pets.

Step #7: Practice your tornado safety plan at least once a year.

If you live in a mobile home or are in your vehicle when a tornado strikes, never stay in the home or vehicle if possible. Try to relocate to an underground shelter or other secure location as quickly as possible.

Key Tips for Staying Safe If a Tornado Hits

Should a tornado hit and you don't have time to evacuate your home, these tips can help keep you safe.

• If you don't have a safe room, put as many walls and floors between you and the tornado as possible.
• Use something to protect your head, like a helmet or heavy material.
• Avoid windows.
• Crouch as low to the floor as possible.
• If in a basement, don't stand below heavy items that could come through the ceiling.
• If in your car, keep your seat belt on and duck your head lower than the windows.

How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

Making sure your home and possessions are protected from a tornado starts with having great insurance. A Kentucky independent insurance agent is local in your town and an expert in finding insurance to fit your needs.

Agents will speak with you, free of charge, to learn about you and the protection you need. They then shop multiple carriers in order to find the most affordable insurance options. Agents are there with you from beginning to end and even if you have to file a claim.