According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website, 1,200 tornadoes typically hit the U.S. each year, causing an estimated $4.9 billion in property claims and killing an average of 70 people a year.

Last year was one of the deadliest and active tornado seasons on record. NOAA reports a total of 1,691 tornadoes across the country in 2011 and an estimated 550 fatalities. 

Having the proper insurance for a home, car, business and other property and valuables is essential in case of a tornado or other catastrophe, of course — but people’s safety comes first and foremost.

Here is some additional information for customers, along with safety tips from the Insurance Information Institute and the NOAA:

• Make sure you know what the warning signals sound like in your community and take cover immediately. Basements are best, but if that is not an option, the central part of a building, in a bathroom, closet, interior hallway or under a heavy piece of furniture, away from windows, is the next-best place. If one is available, a mattress can be used as additional protection. 
• Anyone in a vehicle should leave it and head to the nearest ditch, face down, if no other facility is available. 
• People inside mobile homes should get out of them and find shelter elsewhere. As with someone in a car, if no other shelter is available, they should lie in a ditch. 
• Clubs, churches or members of other organized groups should conduct tornado-safety meetings. Those meetings should include provisions to get word out to elderly community members and others who may need help when tornado warnings are sounded.

With Snapshot, Progressive’s usage-based insurance program, you could turn your good driving into huge savings—of up to 30 percent—on your car insurance.

Enjoying your savings
On day 31, your initial Snapshot savings—which can be anywhere from 0 to 30 percent— kicks in. After six months, you’ll send back the device, we’ll finalize your driving snapshot, and you can keep saving for as long as you’re insured by Progressive.

You can only save money with Snapshot—your rate won’t go up—but if at any point, you decide Snapshot isn’t right for you, just call us and then send back your device.

Quote and enroll in Snapshot to try usage-based insurance today!

Call us at 610-565-4500

Spring ahead with these home maintenance tips.

Inspect your smoke detectors, and make sure that there is one on each floor of your

home. Test them monthly, and change the batteries annually or as needed.

 Check the light bulbs in all your fixtures to be sure they are the correct wattage as

recommended by the manufacturer.

 Replace all high-intensity bulbs (such as incandescent) with fluorescent bulbs that don’t

produce as much heat.

 Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting

plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other

power service.

 Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible, filled and ready for operation.

 Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the

manufacturer.

 Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from

accumulating.

 Check water heater for leaks and corrosion.

 Clean or replace your furnace filter.Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust,

and pieces of material.

 Remove all dead trees in your yard, and keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and

away from utility wires.

 Safely store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, locked area.

 Repair cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walkways to provide a level walking

surface.