Preparing for Tornadoes
Why Prepare?
The potential for tornado damage in the U.S. remains strong.
Just three years ago, the country was overcome by a series of
particularly destructive storms, including a tornado outbreak
in late April 2011 that killed more than 300 people across seven
states, and one in May that devastated Joplin, Missouri. That
year was one of just three since 1950 with more than $25 billion in
damage, and the 560 deaths in 2011 were the most fatalities since
1925, when 794 people died. The average annual U.S. property
losses caused by tornadoes, from 1950 to 2013, is $5.9 billion in
today’s dollars.
What is a Tornado?
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that makes
contact with the ground. If it does not make ground contact, it is
called a funnel cloud. If it makes contact with water, it is called a
waterspout. Funnel cloud and waterspout tornadoes may last only
a few seconds, or they may continue for over an hour.
continued
Tornadoes cause an average of 70
fatalities and 1,500 injuries in the
U.S. each year.
Technical Information Paper Series
So which state has the most tornado damage?
In total damage suffered since 1950, Texas has
the melancholy distinction of leading the way,
followed by Indiana, Missouri and Oklahoma. If
we look at damage per square mile, the leaders
are Connecticut, Massachusetts and Indiana, and
Texas drops to 29th. There are fewer tornadoes
in New England, but high populations and
development mean a risk of more damage. The
only state with no tornado losses during this
period is Alaska.
While tornadoes occur throughout the year, their
destructiveness is most intense in April, May and
June, with 66% of total damage and 55% of total
tornadoes in those three months. Only 20% of
annual damage occurs after July 1.
How Do Tornadoes Form?
Most tornadoes are associated with thunderstorms
and develop in the right rear quadrant of
the storm. They are believed to be created when
warm, moist air is rapidly lifted upward by a cold
front, or from hot air rising from daytime heating.
Tornadoes can also occur during hurricanes.
The average tornado produces winds in the range
of 150 mph; it typically cuts a path 200 yards wide
and travels about nine miles. However, some
tornadoes have produced winds with speeds of
up to 500 mph. The very strongest tornadoes may
cut paths up to several hundred yards wide and
may travel for up to 30 miles.
What Warnings Might Be Given?
Know tornado terminology:
A tornado watch means that weather conditions
are right to produce a tornado in the area.
A tornado warning means that a tornado has
been sighted and may be heading toward your
area. Go to safety immediately. When the tornado
warning is issued, all employees should move to
the designated secure area.
Business Continuity Management:
Before a Tornado
It is not economically feasible to design a
structure to withstand the forces of a severe
tornado, but certain measures can be taken to
prevent some damage and injuries.
• Establish a Business Continuity Management
(BCM) Plan that takes prevention, crisis
management and business recovery into
consideration. If a BCM plan is already in
place, review and update it as needed for
tornado readiness.
• Designate a BCM coordinator and a BCM team.
Assign responsibility to specific employees for
advance arrangements to initiate the plan.
• Develop a contingency plan to allow for
continued business operations.
• Practice periodic tornado drills so everyone
knows how to respond if a tornado is
approaching.
• Find an interior area in the building that
is secure.
• Stay tuned to a local weather station for
updated storm information.
• Use spotters with two-way communication
to provide a tornado watch and premise
information.
• Secure large exterior appendages that could
cause major damage if torn free.
• Tie down items that could be blown over in
high winds.
• Inside buildings, move objects that could
become airborne by winds that come inside.
• Close and secure all doors and windows.
PREPARING FOR TORNADOES
continued
PREPARING FOR TORNADOES
The information provided in these materials is intended to be general and advisory in nature. It shall not be considered legal
advice. The Hartford does not warrant that the implementation of any view or recommendation contained herein will: (i) result
in the elimination of any unsafe conditions at your business locations or with respect to your business operations; or (ii) will be
an appropriate legal or business practice. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for the control or correction of hazards or legal
compliance with respect to your business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute
our undertaking, on your behalf or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that your business premises, locations or
operations are safe or healthful, or are in compliance with any law, rule or regulation. Readers seeking to resolve specific safety,
legal or business issues or concerns related to the information provided in these materials should consult their safety consultant,
attorney or business advisors. All information and representations contained herein are as of May 2014.
14-0532 © May 2014 The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
For more information, contact your local Hartford agent or visit
thehartford.com/losscontrol.
Business Continuity Management:
During a Tornado
• If inside, stay in a safe place until the storm
has passed.
• If outside, get to a basement, a sturdy building,
or lie in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If in a vehicle or mobile trailer, get out and go
to safety.
• Listen to the weather station to obtain
updated information.
Business Continuity Management:
After a Tornado
• Conduct a roll call.
• Check all damaged areas for injured people.
• Assess the damage.
• Take steps to mitigate further damage.
• Make emergency repairs.
• Document all damage with photographs
and descriptions.
• Initiate salvage operations.
To learn more
Visit these websites:
American Red Cross Tornado Safety
Ready.gov Tornadoes
