Severe Weather Information

Throughout the year various types of weather affect our daily lives. Builders Mutual Insurance Company has compiled the following information so our policyholders will be aware of how to respond in any weather situation.

The information contained on this page was obtained from the Red Cross Website. For more comprehensive information on natural disasters and how to deal with them search the Red Cross Website.

Please report any BMIC claims to: 1-800-809-4862 or
1-866-307-5302 (SC Workers' comp claims only).

Winter Weather, Ice and Snow
Tornado
Thunderstorm
Hurricane
Flood

Winter Weather, Ice and Snow

A winter storm can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding snow that can last several days. Some winter storms are very large and affect several states. Others, however, may affect only one community.

Winter storms have a variety of possible components:

Sleet is raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before it hits the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects; however, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to drivers.
Freezing rain is rain that falls onto a surface that has a temperature below freezing. This causes the rain to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a glaze of ice.
An ice storm occurs when freezing rain falls and freezes on impact; communications and power can be disrupted for days, and even small accumulations of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians.

How to prepare for a winter storm

Have your car winterized before winter
If you have a cell phone keep the battery charged and keep the phone with you wherever you are.
Keep a windshield scraper in your car for snow and ice removal
Keep your car's gas tank full Keep canned and non-perishable food stores on hand
If you have a fireplace, keep a good supply of firewood on hand
If you have a space or kerosene heater, only use the correct fuel for your unit
Keep extra fuel on hand and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Keep a battery operated radio on hand with extra batteries in case of a power outage

What to do during a winter storm WATCH

Listen to local radio or television stations for updated weather information
Be aware of changing weather conditions
Avoid unnecessary travel

What to do during a winter storm WARNING

Stay indoors
Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for updated emergency information
Conserve fuel

If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards:

Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves and watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite; keep dry
Walk very carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks
What to do after a winter storm
Continue listening to local radio or television stations for updated information and instructions
Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved
Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside.

Tornado

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes have winds of 250 miles per hour or more. They can cause extreme destruction, including uprooting trees and well-made structures, and turning normally harmless objects into deadly missiles. Most tornadoes are just a few dozen yards wide and only briefly touch down. However, highly destructive violent tornadoes may carve paths over a mile wide and more than 50 miles long.

Tornadoes develop from severe thunderstorms in warm, moist, unstable air along and ahead of cold fronts. Such thunderstorms also may generate large hail and damaging winds. Tropical storms and hurricanes that come on shore also generate tornadoes.

How to prepare for tornadoes

Learn about your tornado risk
Pick a safe place in your home where family members can gather during a tornado
If you are in a high-rise building, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building
If you live in a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building
Conduct tornado drills periodically, so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching
Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm
Remove any debris or loose items in your yard
Keep a battery operated radio on hand with extra batteries and listen for important weather information
If planning a trip or extended period of time outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible
Watch for tornado danger signs:
- A dark often green colored sky
- Large hail
- A cloud of debris
- A funnel cloud
- A loud, roaring noise

What to do during a tornado WATCH

Listen to local radio or television stations for updated information
Be alert to changing weather conditions - large hail, blowing debris, or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you

What to do during a tornado WARNING

Listen to local radio stations, on a battery operated radio, or television stations for updated information
If you are inside, go to your safe place to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects
Stay away from windows
If you're outside or in a mobile home, go immediately to the basement of a nearby sturdy building
If there is no building nearby, lie flat in a low spot. Use your arms and hands to protect your head
Try to avoid places with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.

What to do after a tornado?

Watch out for fallen power lines and broken gas lines and report them immediately
Avoid disaster areas as much as possible
Stay out of damaged buildings
Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims
Use the telephone only for emergency calls

Thunderstorm

Thunderstorms are considered severe if they produce hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, have winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or if they produce tornadoes.

Thunderstorms may occur individually, in clusters, or in lines. During a thunderstorm, lightning is a huge threat. Lightening produces the thunder in a thunderstorm and is very unpredictable, which increases the risk to individuals and property

How to prepare for a thunderstorm

Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are predicted
If you see or hear a thunderstorm coming, go inside a sturdy building
Stay away from tall things like trees, towers, fences, telephone lines, or power lines
Stay away from metal things that lightning may strike, such as umbrellas, baseball bats, fishing rods, camping equipment, and bicycles
If you are boating or swimming, get to land immediately
Stay away from running water inside the house; avoid washing your hands or taking a bath or shower
Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm
Remove any debris or loose items in your yard
Keep an eye on the sky
Stay aware of your surroundings
Listen for the sound of thunder.

What to do during a thunderstorm WATCH

Listen to local radio or television stations for updated information
Avoid natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, fishing poles, tractors, bicycles, and camping equipment
Be prepared to seek shelter if a severe thunderstorm approaches
Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture that could blow away or cause damage or injury
Avoid electrical equipment and telephones
Avoid bathtubs, water faucets, and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity

What to do during a thunderstorm WARNING

Draw blinds and shades over windows
Unplug appliances
Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose

What to do after a thunderstorm

Continue listening to local radio or television stations for updated information and instructions
Stay away from storm-damaged areas
Watch out for fallen power lines and report them immediately
If you have damage from the storm, take pictures for insurance purposes

Hurricane

Hurricanes are cyclones that form over warm tropical oceans and sustain winds greater than 74 miles per hour. Hurricanes are capable of producing dangerous winds, torrential rains and flooding. Inland flooding is a common occurrence during hurricanes and torrential rains from weakening hurricanes can lead to extensive land and river flooding.

How to prepare for a hurricane

Learn about your community's risk from hurricanes
If you are at risk from hurricanes, talk to your insurance agent
Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm
Remove any debris or loose items in your yard
Install protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors
Well ahead of time, buy any items you need to board up windows and protect your home

What to do during a hurricane WATCH

Continue listening to local radio or television stations for updated information
Listen to the advice of local officials, and evacuate if they tell you to do so
Prepare your property for high winds
Fill your car's gas tank in case you must evacuate
Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting in case the electricity goes out
Store valuables and personal papers in a safety deposit box in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home
Turn off propane tanks
Unplug small appliances

What to do during a hurricane WARNING

Listen to a portable, battery-powered radio or television for updated information and official instructions
If you are not advised to evacuate stay indoors on the first floor away from windows, skylights and glass doors, even if they are covered
Close all interior doors; secure and brace external doors
Have a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy
Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, sinks, plastic bottles, and cooking utensils
If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce the power "surge" when electricity is restored
If you live in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately
Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over
Watch out for flooding

What to do after a hurricane

Continue listening to local radio or television stations for information and instructions
If you evacuated, return home only when local officials tell you it is safe
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding, even after the hurricane or tropical storm has weakened
Stay away from flood waters
If you come upon a barricade, follow detour signs or turn around and go another way
Stay on firm ground
Avoid disaster areas
Avoid loose or dangling power lines; immediately report them to the power company, police, or fire department
Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage
Look for fire hazards and check for gas leaks
Check for sewage and water line damage
Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims
Check refrigerated food for spoilage
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated
Use the telephone for emergency calls only.

Flood

Floods occur in known floodplains during a period of prolonged rainfall, intense rainfall over a short period of time, or when ice or debris cause a river or stream to overflow and flood the land around it.

Flash floods happen within six hours of a heavy rain or after a dam or levee failure. Rarely is there warning of these floods.

Several different factors contribute to flooding. Two elements are the intensity and duration of rainfall. Most flash flooding is caused by thunderstorms that move slowly or repeatedly over the same area. They can also be caused by heavy rain from hurricanes and tropical storms. Floods, on the other hand, can rise slowly or quickly; however, they usually develop over a period of hours or days.

No matter how a flood occurs, the rule for safety is to head for higher ground and stay away from flood waters. Do not try to walk, swim or drive through flood waters.

How to prepare for a flood

Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box
Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home
Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks
If outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there
If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood
Use a portable, battery-powered radio (or television) for updated emergency information
Listen for distant thunder

What to do during a flood WATCH

Everyone in a WATCH area should be ready to respond and act quickly
Be alert to signs of flooding, and if you live in a flood-prone area, be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice
Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities
Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic bottles with clean water
Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors
Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home
If you are instructed by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve
Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued
Be prepared to evacuate

What to do during a flood WARNING

Listen continuously to a portable, battery-powered radio (or television) for updated emergency information
Be alert to signs of flooding - a WARNING means a flood is imminent or is happening in the area
If you live in a flood-prone area or think that you are at risk, evacuate immediately
Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately
Follow recommended evacuation routes
Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads

What to do after a flood

Avoid disaster areas
Continue to listen to your local radio or television stations and return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so
Stay out of any building if flood waters remain around the building
Avoid entering ANY building (home, business, or other) before local officials have said it is safe to do so
Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities
Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters
If water is of questionable purity, boil or add bleach, and distill drinking water before using.