Tornado recovery guide

First 15 minutes — safety check

1. Account for every person.
2. Check for injuries. Call 911 for anything serious.
3. Do NOT re-enter damaged structures until inspected.
4. Watch for downed power lines — assume every wire is live.
5. Turn off gas at the meter if you smell it.
6. Turn off electrical main if wet.
7. Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves — nails, glass, insulation everywhere.

First hour — communication

1. Text, don't call — cell networks are jammed.
2. Register on Red Cross Safe & Well: safeandwell.communityos.org.
3. Turn on FEMA app for local emergency information.
4. Locate community shelter if home is uninhabitable.
5. Do NOT drive through damage zones unless emergency.

First 6 hours — documentation

1. Photograph EVERYTHING with your phone. Wide, medium, close-up.
2. Include license plate of damaged vehicles.
3. Photograph serial numbers of damaged appliances.
4. Photograph the exterior from all 4 sides.
5. Video-walk the interior.
6. Do NOT throw anything away yet — insurance adjusters want to see damage.
7. Store photos in cloud (Google Drive, iCloud) so they survive further loss.

First 24 hours — insurance

1. Call your insurance carrier. Filing early gets adjuster assigned faster.
2. Get a claim number in writing.
3. Ask about additional living expense (ALE) coverage — many policies cover hotel bills.
4. Do temporary repairs to prevent further damage: tarp the roof, board windows.
5. Save receipts for everything: tarps, tools, hotel, food, transportation.
6. Do NOT sign contracts with any contractor without insurance approval.

First 48 hours — assistance

• FEMA registration: apply at disasterassistance.gov if federal declaration issued.
• Red Cross emergency assistance.
• Salvation Army disaster services.
• State emergency management (varies by state).
• Local churches often coordinate volunteer help.
• Bring: ID, insurance policy number, damage photos.

First 72 hours — scam avoidance

• Door-to-door contractors demanding cash upfront.
• Contractors with out-of-state licenses.
• Anyone who pressures you to sign immediately.
• Anyone who offers to file insurance claim on your behalf without disclosing terms.
• "Assignment of Benefits" contracts — assign your insurance payout to them.
• Contractors without local address or references.

• Verify contractor licenses with your state licensing board.
• Get 3 estimates minimum.
• Never pay more than 10% upfront.
• Never pay cash.
• Contract in writing, with materials specified.

Emotional recovery

• Sleep will be broken for weeks. This is normal.
• Kids may regress developmentally. This is temporary.
• PTSD is common in tornado survivors. Free counseling is available through FEMA Crisis Counseling and Red Cross.
• Substance use spikes post-disaster. Reach out for help early.
• Grief support groups exist for tornado communities.

Learn more

• Tornado emergency kit
• Tornado insurance guide
• Tornado safety checklist
• Mobile home tornado safety