When it comes to staying safe and keeping your family shielded from the impacts of disaster, ignorance is definitely not bliss. Below are the most common weather- and crime-related risks in the state of Missouri.  

Weather 

Everyone who lives in Missouri knows just how unpredictable the weather patterns can be. Take a look at these most common weather hazards and tips for preparing for them.  

Tornadoes   
Missouri experiences an average of 32 tornadoes per year, with a record of 102 in 2006 (Missouri Tornado). While there is no way to prevent an environmental disaster like this, it is entirely possible and very important to make sure your property is covered for the types of damages tornadoes cause.

Staying safe during a tornado… 

1. Know where you and your family will take shelter, and make sure everyone is aware of the plan. 
2. Stay away from windows. 
3. Prepare an emergency kit ahead of time, including a flashlight, radio, non-perishable foods, and water. 

Flooding 
Floods and flash floods are very common hazards for the state of Missouri, having killed 27 people in one 2015 occurrence, alone. Flash floods, as indicated by the name, develop very quickly, making them the most dangerous form of flooding. Flash floods kill an average of 140 people in Missouri every year (Flooding).

Staying safe during a flood… 

1. Avoid driving if possible. 
2. Don’t drive over flooded roads, as cars can be carried away by a current even less than a foot high. 
3. If your vehicle is stalled by a flood, vacate the vehicle as soon as possible to reach higher ground.  

When faced with a natural disaster, remember that everything is replaceable except for your life. Never prioritize your possessions over your personal safety or the safety of those you love.  

Crime

The chances in Missouri of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 35. Understanding the risks of your geographical location will help you become more prepared to avoid them. 

Burglary
The burglary rate in Missouri was 4.92 per 1,000 people in 2017, compared to the national average of 4.30. Over 30,000 burglaries occurred in the same year (Missouri). Burglary is defined by apparent, forceful entry of a premises. In contrast to theft, those who commit burglary are not defined by their intention to steal once entering a building. The crime is defined solely by the act of breaking and entering.

To avoid becoming part of this statistic…  

1. Always keep your doors and windows locked.  
2. Limit the number of people you inform of upcoming travel, and avoid posting your vacation dates to social media, as burglars will see this as an opportunity to attack.  
3. Prominently display a home-security sticker. Even if you don’t have a security system, the threat of one’s presence will help ward off unwanted visitors. 

Theft 
The rate of theft in Missouri was 20.16 per 1,000 people in 2017, compared to the national average of 16.94. Over 123,000 thefts occurred in the same year (Missouri). Theft is an umbrella term, encompassing both burglary and robbery, and is defined as the removal of any object without the consent of the object’s owner.

To avoid becoming part of this statistic…  

1. Don’t hide spare keys outside of your home. 
2. Veil any outdoor equipment like bikes and lawn mowers. 
3. Place your in-home valuables out of sight, removing them from visibility through windows. 

Motor Vehicle Theft 
The rate of motor vehicle theft was 3.26 per 1,000 people in 2017, compared to the national average of 2.37. In the same year, nearly 20,000 automobile thefts occurred (Missouri).

To avoid becoming part of this statistic…  

1. Park your car in the garage. 
2. Don’t leave your car running unattended, especially to warm up in the morning for a long period of time. 
3. Keep valuable items out of your vehicle to avoid break-ins.  

It can be scary to think about the various risks that threaten your livelihood, but preparation is the best trick for avoiding and minimizing the impacts of a disaster. Follow these tips to improve your odds against the statistics. 

The best and simplest way to stay protected against the above risks is to get insured! Find a BMI agent, and get protected, today.