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By Mike Causey

February will be over soon. And we’ve all heard the phrase, “March roars in like a lion.”

That’s because we’re likely to see the transition from wintry weather to warmer temperatures. As we finish digging out from the snow that fell across much of North Carolina, we need to make sure we’re prepared for potential extreme weather this spring.

We should never underestimate the power of dangerous storms and flooding. To protect our homes and families, we need to have an emergency plan in place.

North Carolina experiences about 40 to 50 thunderstorm days per year, according to the National Weather Service. Many of those thunderstorms can produce strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, hail and, in some cases, tornadoes.

Now is a good time for you and your family to develop a plan in case disaster strikes. You can even have your own tornado drill, so that you’re prepared in case one strikes. Here are a few tips:

• Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A watch means weather conditions are favorable to produce a tornado. A warning means a tornado has been spotted.
• If a tornado warning has been issued for your area, seek shelter immediately. Go to the basement or storm shelter of you have one. If not, go to an inner room in your house, away from windows. Avoid areas where heavy objects (such as a piano or refrigerator) are on the floor.
• If driving, leave your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in an adequate structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. Do not stop under an overpass or bridge.

Preparation before a storm is key to increasing the likelihood that you and your family will remain safe and survive a severe storm. It’s also critical to making sure you emerge from a storm in good shape financially.

Here are a few tips to help prepare for a disaster financially.

• Make an inventory of the things you own, such as appliances, clothing and furniture. Go room-to-room. Write down the items, take pictures or take videos. Make sure your inventory is stored somewhere you can access should a disaster strike.
• Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have the appropriate coverage.
• Consider purchasing flood insurance. Standard homeowners’ insurance, renters’ insurance and dwelling policies do not cover damage from floods, although mobile homeowners’ and comprehensive automobile policies do. The National Flood Insurance Program has a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance policies to take effect. Waiting to take out a flood policy once a storm or hurricane is in motion will be too late.

Spring, with its longer days and warmer temperatures, can be one of the most enjoyable times of the year. A little bit of preparation can help keep us safe and financially secure.

Mike Causey is the insurance commissioner for North Carolina.

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