Many in Texas are scared of the weather

IRVING, Texas, April 8 (UPI) -- Thirty-seven percent of Texans say spring storms scare them, and more than a third say they feel the weather is getting worse, a survey indicates.

The survey by Allstate Insurance Co. found among Texans who said spring storms in the state have scared them, 54 percent said tornadoes concerned them the most, 18 percent said wind and 15 percent said hail.

Eighty-eight percent of Texans said they were prepared for this year's spring storm season, but 60 percent said they have not cleaned out their garages so they can protect their cars during a storm.

Sixty-five percent said they haven't gone over a safety plan with their families and 61 percent haven't prepared areas in their homes to take shelter in case of a tornado.

Allstate officials said homeowners can take steps to reduce risks of damage to people and property such as having a spot for automobiles during a hail storm and removing dying tree limbs and outside furniture that can go airborne.

The number of Texas hail and wind related homeowner insurance claims increased 5 percent and lightning related claims increased 52 percent for Allstate customers last year, officials said.

The survey of Texas residents was conducted March 3-14 among 3,200 adults, ages 20-69. The margin of error was 3 percentage points.