Vance Legal Office offers tips for filing natural disasters claims Published April 30, 2014 By 2nd Lt. Ali Garced 71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Three out of every four tornadoes on Earth occur in the United States, and the majority of them strike in Oklahoma. Although the average tornado may only last 15 minutes, they may cost a fortune when it comes to damage repair, so don't let a lack of preparation "blow" you away. The National Weather Service rates tornadoes using the Enhanced Fujita Scale. A tornados EF level is based on wind speed and surveyed damage. There are six intensity levels: EF0 - EF5, and their speeds range from 30 - 300 mph. The EF5 tornado that struck Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013, had peak winds of 210 mph, killed 24 people, injured 377, and caused an estimated $2 billion worth of damage. As Oklahoma enters the tornado season it is important that Team Vance members know the appropriate steps to file an insurance claim in the event of a natural disaster. Secure your property, especially during tornado season (storage sheds, yard equipment, etc.). Ensure your important legal documents are secured in a safe. Claims FAQs: Q: Can I file a claim for damages caused by a natural disaster? A: If you have private insurance that covers your loss you must first file with your insurance carrier (renters, homeowners, or vehicle). If you have damage resulting from a natural disaster and reside in base housing or the dorms, active duty service members can file a claim with the Air Force Claims Service Center (AFCSC). This includes privatized military housing. You may file a claim with the government without first filing with your insurance company only if your insurance policy does not cover the claimed damage or the amount claimed is less than your deductible (or you have only liability insurance on your vehicle). In the above situation, you will need to provide a copy of your insurance policy's declaration page showing the damage is not covered, the amount of your deductible, or your liability declaration. You may also file a reimbursement claim for your deductible. There is no guarantee, however, that you will be reimbursed your deductible. You have two years from the date of incident to file your claim for damages incurred as a result of a natural disaster. Q: Who are the proper claimants? A: Military members with damage to personal property on base at assigned quarters or other authorized locations. Also, USAF civilian employees with property damage at work site or other authorized duty locations incident to service. Military members or civilian employees can file a claim. Family members and other authorized persons must have a Power of Attorney or a signed letter authorized by the Military member or civilian employee. Q: How do I file a claim? A: Claims can be filed directly with the Air Force Claims Service Center online at https://claims.jag.af.mil, or 1-877-754-1212 (toll-free). Although Enid has only one tornado reported to be EF4 over the last 65 years (and no EF5s), it always better to know this and not need it, than to need it and not know it! For more information regarding tornadoes, visit www.ready.gov/tornadoes, or for more Vance-specific, visit http://www.vance.af.mil/severeweather.asp. For more information regarding claims, contact the Legal Office at 213-7404.