Phone answered 24/7 · Arlington, VA and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (703) 462-1739
Four Mile Run Water Damage HelpArlington, VA · Answered 24/7

What Should I Do Immediately After a Tornado Hits?

Last updated October 26, 2026

Call Now (703) 462-1739

The short answer

Check for Injuries

Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and anyone with you for injuries. If someone is hurt, call for emergency medical help right away. Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger. Once you confirm everyone is safe, take a moment to calm down. Tornadoes are terrifying, and adrenaline can cloud your judgment. Breathe, then proceed with the next steps carefully. Keep a first aid kit handy and know basic first aid, but for serious injuries, professional medical help is essential.

Once you confirm everyone is safe, take a moment to calm down. Tornadoes are terrifying, and adrenaline can cloud your judgment. Breathe, then proceed with the next steps carefully. Keep a first aid kit handy and know basic first aid, but for serious injuries, professional medical help is essential.

Leave the Shelter Carefully

When you exit your shelter, move slowly and watch your step. Debris can be sharp, and floors may be unstable. Look for hazards like broken glass, exposed nails, and fallen beams. Use a flashlight if it is dark, and be aware of your surroundings.

Check for gas leaks by smelling for gas. If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve if you can do so safely, and leave the building immediately. Also, look for downed power lines. Never touch them or anything they are touching. If you see a power line, stay far away and report it to the authorities.

  • Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from debris
  • Use gloves when moving any wreckage
  • Do not enter a room if the ceiling looks sagging or cracked
  • Avoid using matches or lighters until you are sure there is no gas leak
  • Be alert for wildlife that may have been displaced

Document the Damage

Before you clean up or move anything, take photos and videos of all damage. This includes your home's exterior, interior, and any personal belongings that were affected. Detailed documentation helps with your insurance claim, so capture wide shots and close-ups.

Write down a list of damaged items and their approximate value if you can. Keep receipts for any emergency purchases, like tarps or bottled water. This information will be useful when you talk to your insurance company. Remember, policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as you can. Report the damage and ask about the next steps. They will guide you on what to do and what information they need. Be honest and thorough in your description of the damage.

Your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage. Until then, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows with plywood. Keep all receipts for these repairs, as they may be reimbursable. Do not make permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen the property.

  • Take photos before making any temporary repairs
  • Save all receipts for materials and labor
  • Ask your insurer about deadlines for filing a claim
  • Do not throw away damaged items until the adjuster has seen them

Address Water Damage

Tornadoes often bring heavy rain, and your home may have water damage from broken windows or roof damage. If it is safe, start drying out wet areas to prevent mold growth. Use fans and dehumidifiers if you have power, and open windows if the weather allows.

If water has soaked into drywall, flooring, or insulation, it may need to be removed to prevent mold. A water damage inspection can identify hidden moisture. For extensive water damage, consider contacting local water damage pros for flood damage cleanup and water-damaged flooring removal. They have the equipment to dry out your home properly.

Water damage does not wait

Every hour counts once water gets into floors and walls. One call starts the response.

Call Now (703) 462-1739

Frequently asked questions

How soon should I file an insurance claim after a tornado?

File your claim as soon as you safely can, ideally within a few days. Many insurance policies have time limits for reporting damage. Taking photos and documenting everything helps speed up the process. Check your policy for specific deadlines.

Can I start cleaning up before the insurance adjuster's visit?

You can make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, like covering holes in the roof. But do not throw away damaged items or start major renovations until the adjuster has inspected the property. Take photos and keep a list of everything you remove.

What should I do if I smell gas after a tornado?

If you smell gas, evacuate the building immediately. Do not use any electrical switches, phones, or flashlights, as they can ignite the gas. Once you are outside and safe, call the gas company or emergency services to report the leak. Do not re-enter until it is declared safe.

Call Now (703) 462-1739