Tornadoes Whip Up Claims in Texas, Virginia

April is living up to its reputation for being the busiest month for tornado activity after two states ‘ citizens begin the claim process and restoration efforts in the aftermath of twister devastation.Late last week, the suburban area of Fort Worth, Texas was struck by a tornado that the National Weather Service described as leaving a path of damage almost half a mile long and 100 yards wide. News reports indicated that wind speeds reached 115 mph, putting the tornado in the F2 class on the Fujita Scale. According to this scale, an F2 tornado would cause “considerable damage, with roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars pushed over; large trees snapped or uprooted; and light object missiles generated.”The Texas Department of Insurance Consumers urged affected policyholders to contact their insurance companies or agents to file claims as soon as possible. They said in a release that consumers should make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect their home and property from further damage. That included taking action such as covering broken windows and holes to keep rain out, but not making permanent repairs before a claim adjuster inspects the damage.Meanwhile, Virginia’s Governor Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency after at least three tornadoes touched down the cities of Colonial Heights and Suffolk yesterday afternoon, causing severe damage. While no deaths have been confirmed, several news reports note that more than 200 people have been injured . The Virginia Department of Emergency Management said via its web site that 145 homes already have been deemed destroyed, damaged, or uninhabitable. Claim adjusters from several companies have already reported to the scene.