Lawley Insurance

Author: kturner

  • Lawley Named “Top Employee Benefits Consultant”

    Lawley Named “Top Employee Benefits Consultant”

    Mployer, the leading independent platform for employers to research, review, and evaluate insurance advisors has named Lawley a winner of its fourth annual “Top Employee Benefits Consultant Awards” for 2024.

    Mployer’s Top Employee Benefits Consultant Award Program evaluates each benefits broker and consultant office based on their depth of experience across employer industries, sizes, and plan design features, as well as employer client ratings and reviews.

    For over 65 years, Lawley’s goal has been to protect assets and minimize risk to help their customers avoid financial hardship. Lawley serves as a strategic partner in assessing the benefits program that best fits business needs, so you can spend more time worrying about maintaining what you have built, not what healthcare plans to consider.

    With experts in various business categories, Lawley’s Employee Benefits team focuses on understanding the nuances of how you do business, what your employees really need and how to reduce risks and costs to your bottom line. From developing customized healthcare programs to helping you understand and execute compliance audits and claims management, Lawley’s team of consultants act as your Human Resources department or as a partner to your current HR team.

    “We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to provide the best employee benefits for our clients and their employees,” says Brian Murphy, Partner of Lawley.

    “We are proud to recognize this distinct group of 2024 top-rated insurance advisors as part of our fourth annual Top Employee Benefits Consultant Awards,” said Brian Freeman, CEO of Mployer.

    About Mployer:

    Mployer is transforming employee benefits by empowering employers and leading benefit consultants to easily assess, rate, and communicate the value of employee benefits. Providing industry-first transparency through unbiased research, benchmarking, and advanced analytics, our goal is to support employers and brokers in providing benefit plans that optimize costs and employee-employer relationships. Disclaimer: Rankings are dynamic, and this report may not reflect the rankings currently listed on Mployer’s website.

  • Lawley Welcomes New Hires – October 2024

    Lawley Welcomes New Hires – October 2024

    As we continue to expand throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, Lawley is proud to welcome our newest hires. Adding additional employees in all departments, specifically in employee benefits and business insurance, provides us with more opportunity to deliver quality, personalized service to our clients.

    Abriah Baker, Business Insurance Assistant Account Manager | Serves the business insurance department by creating summaries, certificates, policies & proposals, and completing coverage reviews.  Abriah holds a NYS Property & Casualty License.

    Caroline Bristol, Retirement Account Executive | Supports the Retirement Plan Advisors by facilitating client relationships and managing a robust book of business to align with strategic initiatives. Caroline holds a Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) license and earned a bachelor’s degree from Mercyhurst University.

    Carrie Kesler, Business Insurance Account Manager | Carrie provides excellent customer service and ensures effective working relationships with current and prospective clients.

    Ellen Madsen, Client Service Specialist | Bringing 10+ years of experience, Ellen conducts plan analysis and proposal preparation, processes enrollment applications, and oversees renewal packages. Ellen earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Niagara University.

    Evan Doheny, Surety Service Associate | Responsible for responding to bond placement and marketing requests for the surety team. Evan earned a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College.

    Jack Cryan, Business Insurance Certificate Technician | Jack serves the business department by resolving compliance issues, reviewing insurance documents, and ensuring alignment with project requirements.  He holds a NYS Property & Casualty Brokers License and earned a bachelor’s degree from Canisius University.

    James Marotta, Employee Benefits Analyst | Works with carriers and vendors by gathering financial data and rates for prospective and current clients. James earned a bachelor’s degree from University at Buffalo.

    Joe Moran, Insurance Advisor | With 10+ years of experience, Joe works with clients to provide creative and efficient solutions that best meet their property and casualty insurance needs.  Joe is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS), and earned a bachelor’s degree from The State University of New York at Fredonia.

    Lindsy Solano, Business Insurance Account Manager | Serves as a liaison between carriers and clients and ensures collaboration throughout the business insurance department.  Lindsy brings 5+ years of experience and holds a Life, Accident, & Health License and a Property & Casualty License.

    Matthew Siva, Retirement Account Executive | Matthew coordinates fund and plan design changes, conducts plan review meetings, and works with Retirement Plan Advisors to identify and make recommendations that are beneficial to each client’s needs.  He holds FINRA Series 6,63, & 65 licenses and a Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification.

    Megan Rowland, Surety Service Representative | Responsible for addressing client inquiries, processing renewals, and issuing performance and bid bonds. Megan holds a NYS Property & Casualty License.

    Miranda Winch, Personal Insurance Account Technician | Ensures comprehensive account reviews by identifying and communicating any gaps in coverage to the account manager.  Miranda brings 5+ years of experience and holds a Property & Casualty Brokers License.

    Nicholas Ratajczak, Business Insurance Marketing Assistant | Supports the business insurance marketing team through the development of supplemental applications, new business applications, and reviewing all submissions for accuracy. Nicholas earned a bachelor’s degree at West Virginia University.

    Owen Stanton, Captive Account Associate | Owen facilitates the renewal process for existing group members, oversees new business applications, and performs analyses to assess overall captive performance. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Canisius University.

    Phil Scaffidi, Employee Benefits Consultant | Serves as a trusted advisor to provide employee benefits needs that align with the company’s goals. Phil holds a Life, Accident, & Health License and earned a bachelor’s degree from Nazareth University.

    Robert Meyer, Loss Control Consultant | With 30+ years of experience, Robert performs consultation and evaluation of hazards and controls and conducts walkthroughs of worksites.  Robert is authorized in OSHA 30 hour – Construction and is Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certified.

    We encourage you to stay tuned as we feature new employees every quarter. To learn more about current positions available, including remote and hybrid positions, visit our careers page here.

  • Lawley Partners with Sgroi Financial

    Lawley Partners with Sgroi Financial

    Sgroi Financial joins Lawley to combine expertise and create Sgroi Lawley Group, LLC

    Buffalo, NY, (October 1, 2024) | Lawley, an independent family-owned insurance broker and employee benefits firm, is proud to partner with Sgroi Financial creating a new financial planning firm, Sgroi Lawley Group, LLC. With a combined 118 years of expertise, this partnership merges two multi-generational businesses committed to serving families and businesses in the Western New York community.

    This partnership was orchestrated by Sgroi Financial President Patrick J. Sgroi and Senior Vice President John G. Clouden and Lawley Principal Chris Ross.

    For over 65 years, Lawley’s goal has been to protect assets and minimize risk to help their customers avoid financial hardship. For 25 of those years, the employee benefits strategy has been focused largely in the 401(k) space with the goal of creating better outcomes for retirees and providing plan governance to plan sponsors. Now, with the addition of the Sgroi team, they are able to offer holistic financial planning to each of their clients.

    This merger follows a strategic partnership formed in 2016 between Sgroi Financial and Lawley to expand product offerings including property and casualty insurance and Medicare solutions to Sgroi Financial clients. Sgroi wealth management clients will continue to work with the same financial advisor, the same support staff, and all aspects of investment accounts will remain unchanged, including account numbers and investment products.

    “We want to make it clear that this merger is not based on our desire to scale back or retire, rather it has energized us even more to continue in our growth trajectory,” says Patrick J. Sgroi, Sgroi Financial President.

    “All of us at Sgroi Lawley Group, LLC are excited about our new partnership and the benefits it will bring our clients,” says John G. Clouden, Sgroi Financial, Senior Vice President.

    “We’re excited to partner with Sgroi Financial LLC and expand our product offerings and our footprint throughout the northeast,” says Chris Ross, Lawley Principal.

    “As Sgroi holds similar values to Lawley, we’re proud to bring them on board and excited to work together to provide the best service to all clients,” says Bill Lawley, Jr., Lawley Principal.

    ABOUT SGROI FINANCIAL LLC
    Founded in 1971 by Joseph Sgroi, Sgroi Financial LLC is a full-service firm providing all of your financial planning needs. This includes everything from your investments and retirement plans to life insurance and long-term care. Sgroi Financial LLC provides Investment Management, Insurance & Risk Management, Retirement Plan Design, Diversifying Assets, Estate Planning, Tax Planning, Retirement Planning, Charitable Planning, and Succession/Exit Planning. Sgroi Financial LLC understands that each client’s circumstances are unique and is committed to helping people achieve financial independence.

  • Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Businesses

    Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Businesses

    Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that form over tropical or subtropical waters. As a result of the high winds and water they bring ashore, hurricanes can destroy or damage homes, businesses and public infrastructure, as well as cause injuries or loss of life.

    The number of severe tropical storms and hurricanes is increasing, and businesses in coastal areas are especially susceptible to their effects.

    Significant portions of the United States are at risk of experiencing the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes. While the greatest threat to life and property is along the coasts due to storm surges and large waves, the impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms can be felt hundreds of miles inland. Heavy rains, strong winds, wind-driven rain, coastal and inland flooding, tornadoes and coastal storm surges can pose risks to businesses, homes and people.

    While it may not be possible to prevent the occurrence of a hurricane,
    there are measures you can take to protect your business. 

    Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Businesses

    Before a Hurricane

    A hurricane watch will be issued 48 hours before hurricane conditions are expected to reach land. Be prepared to act when the watch is issued and protect your physical property from the upcoming storm. The following should be taken into consideration when assessing the potential scope of hurricane damage.

    People—It’s essential to keep an accurate, up-to-date employee contact list. This is particularly important if many employees work remotely, as they may be scattered throughout the country and need different types of assistance when a hurricane hits

    Suppliers—Even if a hurricane does not directly damage your business, it can affect other organizations you rely on to conduct operations. When conducting your assessment, address how you’ll communicate with suppliers to account for business interruptions and potential delays.

    Locations and assets—To minimize downtime after a hurricane hits, back up your data on-premises, at a remote site and in the cloud; identify a separate, more secure location where you can move physical assets to help to minimize damages; and be sure to review your disaster and flood insurance policies to ensure you meet all documentation requirements

    • Be aware of the unique threats to your operational area. Businesses within 50 miles of the shoreline are at a greater risk of property damage and business interruption since they are more susceptible to storm surge flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes and inland flooding from rainfall.
    • Understand what type of damage to expect from hurricane winds. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a rating that ranges from 1 to 5 based on a hurricane’s sustained miles-per-hour (mph) wind speed and estimates potential property damage. The rating scale is as follows:
    • Review and practice your plan. One of the most effective ways to minimize the impact of a hurricane is to have a plan in place that is reviewed and practiced regularly. Be sure to test the plan and educate employees through training, drills and mock disasters.
    • Develop a business continuity plan. A business continuity plan establishes protocols on how your business should respond in case of an emergency or natural disaster. To prepare a business continuity plan

    During a Hurricane

    If necessary, evacuation arrangements should be made before the hurricane hits land. If it’s determined that it’s safe to stay on-site during the storm, complete the following:

    • Watch for roof leaks, pipe breakage, fire or structural damage, and make repairs as necessary.
    • Check the sprinkler water pressure and watch for loss of pressure.
    • Turn off electrical switches if a power outage occurs to avoid reactivation before necessary checks are completed.
    • Shelter in place, if necessary.

    After a Hurricane

    Hurricanes pose a serious threat to the economy when business owners aren’t prepared following a storm. To return to normal operations as quickly as possible:

    • Follow all instructions from local authorities.
    • Perform a status check on employees to see if they are in need of help.
    • Wait until the area your business is located in is declared safe before surveying the damage.
    • Use caution on the roads, and turn around if a road is flooded or barricaded.
    • Set up a phone number or website to communicate with employees and customers.
    • Take photographs of any damage.

    Contact a professional to survey for safety hazards, including live wires, gas leaks and damage to foundations or underground piping.

    Lawley is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe when disaster strikes. To discuss options right for you,  contact us today.

  • The Importance of Insurance to Value for Commercial Property Coverage

    The Importance of Insurance to Value for Commercial Property Coverage

    When purchasing or renewing commercial property insurance, it’s vital to ensure such coverage includes correct property valuations. Doing so can make all the difference in providing sufficient protection and preventing coinsurance penalties amid covered property losses. Conducting an accurate insurance-to-value (ITV) can provide an approximation of the full cost to replace or restore insured property.

    Factors Impacting Property Value

    • Direct and indirect expenses | Property valuations should incorporate both direct and indirect costs to ensure all aspects of rebuilding are included.
    • Property age | Any additional construction costs needed to upgrade outdated building materials and equipment should be included.
    • Building codes | As older properties may also require certain modifications to comply with modern building codes, these adjustments may further compound construction costs and thus increase property valuations.
    • Property accessibility | Properties situated at steep locations or adjacent to neighboring structures may need to have bracing or other safety measures put in place during demolition and rebuilding operations to ensure accessibility. These measures should also be factored into property valuations.
    • Unique features | Custom property elements (e.g., stained glass) could require specialized construction work, elevating rebuilding costs.

    Ways to Improve Property Valuations

    Here are some additional best practices to help ensure accurate ITV calculations and improve property valuation measures:

    • Find a reputable appraiser | Third-party appraisals are considered the gold standard in property valuations by insurers, as they offer reassurance that calculations were conducted by experienced and objective professionals. As such, it’s vital to secure a trusted and reputable appraiser. Be sure to find a firm that follows the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and the Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice from the Appraisal Institute.
    • Seek additional resources | In addition to getting an appraisal, there are additional industry resources, reference guides and validated tools available to help ensure accurate property valuations. Specifically, the Marshall & Swift Valuation Service Cost Manual is a tool that is widely accepted by insurers. This resource features more than 30,000 component costs across 300 building occupancies that can be referenced when conducting valuations.
    • Consult other parties | Determining the value of a property should be a team effort. Make sure to compile a variety of property data from multiple qualified parties when making valuation decisions.
    • Make updates as needed | The value of a property is always changing. This means it’s imperative to update property valuations on a regular basis. For instance, appraisals should be conducted at least every three to five years. The frequency will depend on factors such as changing property exposures, altered operations, building upgrades or modifications, the implementation of new technology or equipment on-site, shifting market conditions, and property construction trends (e.g., inflated labor and material costs).

    Consequences of Property Undervaluation

    Businesses could face a number of ramifications if they conduct inaccurate ITV calculations and undervalue their properties. Your business could be lacking sufficient coverage following property losses, forcing out-of-pocket expenses & result in coinsurance penalties. Most commercial property insurance policies include coinsurance clauses, which encourage policyholders to carry reasonable and accurate amounts of coverage.

    Ultimately, it’s clear that correct property valuations are critical in securing adequate commercial property insurance. By better understanding how to conduct accurate ITV calculations, businesses can stay protected when covered events occur and avoid potential coinsurance penalties.

    At Lawley, our dedicated real estate team understands the importance of correct property valuations, understands specific risks, and will work you every step of the way. Contact us today to find out how we can help protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.

  • How to Avoid Repair Scams Amid Connecticut’s Historic Flooding

    How to Avoid Repair Scams Amid Connecticut’s Historic Flooding

    At Lawley, we want to help protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.

    With historic flooding throughout Connecticut, we encourage homeowners to stay diligent and to be aware of the potential increase in fraudulent repair scams during this vulnerable time. As stated in the Connecticut Insurance Department Consumer Alert, “severe weather events often attract scammers who prey on vulnerable homeowners in need of urgent repairs.” Taking precautions and ensuring that a contractor is legitimate can prevent further financial loss.

    Tips for Recognizing Repair Scams:

    Avoid Red Flags

    There’s a few telltale signs that indicate a contractor may be fraudulent:

    1. Asks for payments in cash or by wire transfer
    2. Does not provide a written contract
    3. Offers a special price off of a repair, before providing the final estimated price
    4. Solicits business directly at your door, without prior contact
    5. Unable to provide references or proof of credentials

    Take Precautions

    1. Do your research and compare multiple contractors. You can confirm if a contractor is appropriately licensed and registered. In Connecticut, you can check this information by going to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website here.
    2. Retrieve estimates from several licensed and reputable contractors before committing to the best option for you. Ask for references and contact previous clients to discuss if work was done in accordance to contact price and work expectations.
    3. Ensure you receive a detailed written contract, review all aspects, and ask questions if needed before signing.

    Lawley has several locations in Connecticut including Darien, North Haven, Norwalk, Shelton, and Stamford as well as 10+ locations throughout New York and New Jersey.

    To learn more about our personal insurance options, contact us today.

  • Lawley Named in Business Insurance’s Annual Best Places to Work in Insurance

    Lawley Named in Business Insurance’s Annual Best Places to Work in Insurance

    Buffalo, NY, (September 9th, 2024) | Lawley, an independent family-owned insurance broker and employee benefits firm, has been named to Business Insurance’s annual Best Places to Work in Insurance list, which recognizes employers for their outstanding performance in establishing workplaces where employees can thrive, enjoy their work, and help their companies grow.

    “This recognition represents the great teamwork that is needed to create our culture, where we share one voice and one vision,” says Lawley Principal, Bill Lawley, Jr. “We’re so proud of our associates, our greatest asset, who work diligently to deliver exceptional service to our customers.”

    Established and headquartered in Buffalo for over 65 years, Lawley’s story has been one of steady, well-managed growth with deep community involvement. We protect assets and minimize risk to help our customers avoid financial hardship and understand that being a partner of choice is dependent upon all of us working together. Lawley’s core values – relationship building, respect & integrity, passion, accountability, and community partners – are in action each and every day collectively shaping our culture of inclusion.

    Best Places to Work in Insurance is an annual sponsored content feature presented by the Custom Publishing unit of Business Insurance and Best Companies Group that lists the agents, brokers, insurance companies, and other providers with the highest levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. Harrisburg, PA-based Best Companies Group identifies the leading employers in the insurance industry by conducting a free two-part assessment of each company. The first part is a questionnaire completed by the employer about company policies, practices, and demographics. The second part is a confidential employee survey on engagement and satisfaction.

    The program divides employers into the categories of small, 25-249 employees; medium, 250-999 employees; and large, 1,000 or more employees. This year’s report features 100 companies of various sizes, from 25 employees to more than 4,000.The ranking and profiles of the winning companies will be unveiled in the November issue of Business Insurance Magazine and online at BusinessInsurance.com.

    Lawley strives to be the partner of choice for customers, insurance carriers, and employees looking for long-term relationships built on a foundation of trust. This recognition signifies our efforts to actively and continuously work to build and grow a diverse and equitable team of associates who will strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients and the communities we serve.

    “We are so proud of the commitment to teamwork and honored to create an environment where all can succeed across our footprint,” says Director of People Strategy and Recruitment, Kim Navagh.

    “As we continue to expand across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond, it’s amazing to see the collaboration and shared focus on our core values and vision so that we can serve our clients in the best possible way, says Director of Operations, Reggie Dejean.

  • Lawley expands across footprint. Welcomes Phil Scaffidi, Joe Moran, and new role for Carl Belizaire.

    Lawley expands across footprint. Welcomes Phil Scaffidi, Joe Moran, and new role for Carl Belizaire.

    Lawley, an independent family-owned insurance brokerage and employee benefits firm, continues its growth across the Northeast by welcoming Phil Scaffidi, Employee Benefits Consultant in Buffalo, NY, Joe Moran, Insurance Advisor in Florham Park, New Jersey, and Carl Belizaire, Insurance Advisor in Buffalo, New York. These additions aid in several growth initiatives across the agency.

    Skilled in creating meaningful relationships with clients, Scaffidi will serve as an advisor providing employee benefit solutions. Prior to Lawley, Scaffidi held leadership roles in business sales in the Western New York community for 10+ years. He will use his previous software industry experience to help clients navigate the various benefits administration solutions that Lawley offers. He holds a Life, Accident, and Health License, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Nazareth University.

    Lawley is also growing their Property & Casualty sales division by adding Joe Moran to Florham Park and Carl Belizaire to Buffalo. Both Moran and Belizaire will provide creative solutions to meet the needs of their clients and help them understand the various business insurance solutions Lawley offers.

    With nearly a decade of experience, Moran brings vast industry expertise, which will enable him to effectively work with clients and streamline the insurance evaluation and implementation process. Moran was previously a Property & Casualty Vice President and held several roles in the insurance industry. Moran was inducted into the Top Producer’s Club, is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), a Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS), and earned a bachelor’s degree from The State University of New York at Fredonia.

    Bringing his skillset to the sales team, Belizaire will transition from Surety Specialist to Insurance Advisor serving the Buffalo community. Through his previous role, Belizaire built strong relationships with agents, brokers, and carriers, and assisted with strategies for Lawley’s surety and bond business. Belizaire possesses diverse leadership experience and will continue to develop relationships with clients to minimize their cost of risk. Belizaire holds a NYS Property & Casualty Brokers License, a NYS Notary License, and earned degrees from Medgar Evers College and Baruch College.

    With 15+ locations and continued growth efforts across the footprint, Lawley protects assets and minimizes risk to help customers avoid financial hardship. Lawley provides more than 50 specialized services, including business insurance, home and auto insurance, Medicare insurance coverage, retirement planning, wealth management, and employee benefits administration.

    “We’re excited for Phil and Joe to join our team and welcome Carl to the sales division. Their industry knowledge and expertise makes our team even stronger and will greatly benefit our clients in WNY and across our entire footprint,” says Mike Lawley, Principal of Lawley.

  • 2024 Midyear Market Outlook – Commercial Property Insurance

    2024 Midyear Market Outlook – Commercial Property Insurance

    The commercial property insurance segment has been characterized by ongoing premium increases for much of the past decade.

    In 2024, these difficult market dynamics have somewhat eased; however, most insureds are still experiencing double-digit rate increases. Looking toward the second half of 2024, existing segment challenges will probably press on, so insureds who conduct high-risk operations, have poor property management practices, or are located in natural disaster-prone areas may remain susceptible to continued rate hikes and coverage limitations.

    Developments and Trends to Watch

    Natural disasters

    According to a recent report from professional services firm, Aon, global natural disasters caused $17 billion in insured losses during the first quarter of 2024, representing a major increase from the median of $12 billion for this time period over the past 20 years.

    In the United States, these losses were largely driven by secondary perils, including severe convective storms (e.g., thunderstorms, hailstorms, and tornadoes), winter weather events, and flooding. The growing intensity of these catastrophes has posed concerns in the commercial property insurance segment and these trends are only expected to worsen as the year goes on. In particular, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is projecting that unusually warm land and sea temperatures will keep spawning severe storm systems throughout 2024, leading to more tornadoes in an already record-high season and contributing to “above normal” hurricane activity along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

    Consequently, natural disaster trends will likely continue to exacerbate commercial property losses and create market difficulties in the future.

    Parametric coverage

    As natural disasters become more severe, parametric coverage has risen in popularity. Contrary to the reimbursement method of standard commercial policies, parametric insurance offers protection based on a predetermined, measurable characteristic tied to a covered event.

    Under such coverage, the amount a policyholder is compensated isn’t decided by the exact cost of damages sustained but rather by the calculated intensity of the covered event itself. For instance, if a hurricane caused damage to a commercial property, a parametric policy might reimburse a set dollar amount linked to the storm’s wind speeds.

    Key advantages of this coverage include the ability to remedy possible property insurance gaps posed by large-scale natural disasters, more timely payouts (often less than three weeks) through the use of simplified proof-of-loss protocols, and greater policy flexibility and transparency. According to industry data, submission volume in the parametric segment has jumped by 500% over the last year, with the market projected to nearly triple in value by 2031.

    Tips for Insurance Buyers

    1. Keep your commercial property in good condition at all times and immediately address building issues that could lead to losses and subsequent claims. Provide all relevant loss control documentation to your insurer.
    2. Analyze your organization’s natural disaster exposures. If your commercial property is located in an area more prone to certain types of weather and climate events, implement adequate mitigation and response measures.
    3. Discuss with insurance experts how parametric coverage can complement traditional insurance offerings.

    At Lawley, we understand what it means to protect businesses in the real estate industry. We have a dedicated real estate team who understands specific risks and will work will you to help you protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.  To learn more, visit our real estate page or call us at 716.849.8618.

  • Tornado Warning? How to Stay Safe Before, During, and After

    Tornado Warning? How to Stay Safe Before, During, and After

    Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate neighborhoods in seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of a single mile wide and 50 miles long. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

    There are some simple steps you can take to protect your home and family from tornadoes:

    Before a Tornado

    • Monitor your cellphone, the radio and the television for the latest information regarding local tornado risks.
    • Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
    • Look for the following danger signs with a dark, often greenish sky, large hail, a large, dark, rotating cloud, and a loud roar
    • If you see any danger signs or an approaching storm, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

    During a Tornado

    If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately. Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

    • Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level.
    • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
    • Do not open any windows.

    After a Tornado

    Injuries may result from the direct impact of a tornado, or they may occur afterward when people walk among debris and enter damaged buildings. Because tornadoes often damage power lines, gas lines and electrical systems, there is a risk of fire, electrocution or explosion. Protecting yourself and your family requires prompt treatment of any injuries suffered during the storm and the use of extreme care to avoid further hazards.

    Inspecting the Damage

    You may be tempted to inspect the damage a tornado causes after a storm, but keep these safety tips in mind:

    • After a tornado, be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in your home. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards.
    • In general, if you suspect any damage to your home, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fires, electrocution or explosions.
    • If you see frayed wiring or sparks, or if there is an odor of something burning, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker if you have not done so already.
    • If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows and leave the house immediately. Notify the gas company, the police or fire department and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke or do anything that could cause a spark.
    • Do not return to your house until you are told it is safe to do so.

    Safety During Cleanup

    Keep these points in mind when cleaning up after a tornado:

    • Wear long sleeves, gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots.
    • Learn proper safety procedures and operating instructions before operating any gas-powered or electric-powered saws or tools.
    • Clean up spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids and other potentially hazardous materials.

    Lawley is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe when disaster strikes. For more guidance, contact us today.