Storm season approaching

March 21-- Mar. 21--Odessa already saw one storm hit the city last week with 63 mph wind gusts, and as spring begins, insurance experts are saying more storms could be on the way, and Odessans should be prepared.

Mark Hanna, a spokesman with the Insurance Council of Texas, has been traveling across the state in areas most likely to be hit by tornadoes or hail storms, including Abilene, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Odessa.

"All of these areas have been hit by hail and tornadoes and flooded over the years," Hanna said. "What we're trying to do is simply educate homeowners and vehicle owners what they can do prior to the storm, during a storm, and after a storm."

Prior to the storm, Hanna said it's important for homeowners and vehicle owners to make sure they have insurance coverage, and to know what all your policy covers should your home or vehicle be damaged in the storm.

"Call your agent, it's a free phone call," Hanna said. "That way, you're gonna know who you're dealing with in the event that you do have anything happen."

During the event, the most important thing to do is take shelter, Hanna said. Everyone should focus on taking care of themselves and not worry about their insured property.

In the event that someone's home or vehicle has been damaged, they should document the damage through photos or videos, Hanna said, to show their insurance agent so they can prioritize getting an insurance adjuster to deal with the damage.

Insurance adjusters may not be the only people in contact after the storm, however. Hanna said to be wary of storm chasers who will be circling neighborhoods after storms. These are people, typically in pickup trucks with a ladder in the back and a sign on their truck, going around looking for repair work.

"The key thing to know is they're gonna be the nicest people in the world because they want your business," Hanna said. "You don't know if they've ever put a roof on a house in their lifetime. They could have just gotten out of prison as far as you know."

Hanna recommended homeowners work with people who have worked on their homes in the past, or to ask friends and family for references. If all else fails, they should call their insurance agents for recommendations, or turn to the Better Business Bureau.

Chris Wray, a local State Farm insurance agent, said many people got taken advantage of by storm chasers during the hail storm in June 2017, which caused an estimated $480 million worth of damage.

"They would come in and promise to get a job done and they'd either not do the work or they'd do a half-job and take off with all of the money," Wray said.

Wray also recommended having plastic on hand to cover broken windows, and to fasten down outdoor furniture so it doesn't blow away.

While Odessa isn't known for tornadoes, Wray said there have been a few, including one that hit West Odessa in September 2017, and one in Gardendale about five years ago. Hail is much more common, and Wray said Odessa averages about one major hail storm every eight years. Hanna said hail season has already started, and can often last through October.

"Never say never when it comes to catastrophic weather in Texas," Hanna said.

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