Last year Minnesota led the nation in tornados and they keep popping up all over the country. Here are some tips from Travelers Insurance Company to protect your family and your property.

BEFORE

• Learn the warning signs and alert signals of your community.
• Understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A watch means that tornadoes may develop, while a warning means that a tornado has been sighted and you should seek shelter immediately.
• Prepare a survival kit.
• Conduct drills with your family. Designate an area of your home as a shelter and practice what the plan would be should a tornado occur.
• Move cars and other outside objects inside the garage.

DURING

• At home: Seek shelter away from windows in the center of the room. Basements and storm cellars are the best havens, but if there is no basement, take cover in a bathroom, closet, or under a sturdy piece of furniture.          
• At work or School: Go to the basement or an inside hallway at the lowest level. Keep away from large, open areas such as auditoriums, cafeterias and gymnasiums. Lie low and use your arms to protect the head and neck.                                                                                                                 
• In a car: Do not try to outrun the tornado. Stop the car, get out, and if there is no facility nearby to take shelter in, lie in a low area such as a ditch.

AFTER

• Keep calm. Stay in your shelter until after the storm is over.
• Listen to the radio or television for the latest storm information.
• Check for gas leaks or electrical system damage.
• Watch for downed power lines when going outside.
• Promptly report the loss to us and your insurance company.