Don’t Get Blown Away by Tornado Season

It’s tornado season here in Northwest Arkansas. Meteorologists do their best to predict severe weather before it strikes, but tornadoes sometimes happen suddenly. If the weather seems ominous, there are a few things you can look for that indicate conditions are right for a tornado:

• Large hail, followed by an eerie calm

• Greenish-gray, dark skies

• A low-lying, large dark cloud

People who have survived tornadoes report that it sounded like a freight train. By the time you hear it, you should already have taken shelter. special to the pea Ridge times • spoNsoR coNteNt

Prior to storm season, make sure your family knows where to go if there’s a chance of a tornado. Ideally, take cover in a basement or storm cellar, just be sure to choose an area that is away from windows. Wear sturdy shoes in case you need to navigate through debris after the storm.

If your house doesn’t have a basement or storm cellar go to a room on the lowest level. A bathroom without windows is a good option.

If you are a Shelter customer, report your claim at 1-800-SHELTER(743-5837) as soon as you safely can.

After catastrophic storms, we try to get on site as soon as possible. In addition to local claims adjusters, we send our Storm Response Team to affected areas. If it is safe to do so, try to take pictures of the damage, and create a temporary street address sign so adjusters can find you.

Scott Comiskey, Bella Vista, 479-855-7774; Matthew Hillis, Bentonville, 479-273-7793; Jamie Carter, Bentonville, 479-845-3657; Chris Taylor, Gravette 479-787-5421; Sean Garrison, Rogers, 479-621-0555; Derek Wardlow, Rogers, 479-631-0899