After a tornado strikes, utilize these guidelines to aid recovery and ensure safety.
Here’s what to do in the immediate aftermath of a tornado.
Prioritize the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
Conduct a quick assessment for injuries and administer basic first aid. Seek medical attention promptly. If someone is not breathing and you are trained, perform CPR until professional help arrives. Address bleeding by applying direct pressure, cleaning wounds with soap and water, and applying antibiotic ointment.
If trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth to avoid inhaling dust and seek alternative methods of signaling for help.
Stay tuned in for emergency alerts via phone notifications, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alert systems. Continue to listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes are possible during severe weather outbreaks.
Let your family and close friends know you’re okay so they can help spread the word. Text messages or social media are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls.
Assess the damage.
After the threat of tornadoes has ended, check to see if your property has been damaged. Stay out of damaged buildings. Wait for clearance before entering. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes when walking through storm damage. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down.
Inspect your property for structural damage and document it thoroughly. Make sure to check for roof damage, as well as fallen limbs and branches. Contact a local roofer, such as Muth Roofing.
High winds from a tornado can cause a wide range of damage. At the lower end, shingles may loosen and several may be blown off your roof. Wind can also damage roof flashing, loosening the seal between the flashing and vents or chimneys. And they can cause gutters to pull away from the edge of the roof.
Very high winds can cause “wind lift,” a situation in which the roof is lifted off the framework of your home. If this occurs, serious repairs are required to help restore the integrity and safety of the roofing system.
Contact the professionals.
Contact your insurance provider to initiate the claims process. Beware of tornado and storm chasers. They will be in your neighborhood sooner than you can imagine.
Muth & Company Roofing has decades of experience in working with homeowners and their insurance companies. Our team is familiar with the process of filing claims and can provide all the documentation necessary, including photographic evidence, written assessments, and written estimates.
Help your neighbors.
If you come across injured people and you are properly trained, provide first aid to victims if needed until emergency response teams arrive.
If driving, steer clear of downed power lines and call emergency services. Expect power outages and conserve phone battery for emergencies. Use battery-powered lanterns instead of candles. Report suspected gas leaks or electrical issues to professionals.
Address the emotional impact
Be aware of potential emotional effects such as fear, anxiety, and depression. Seek support from trusted individuals and consider professional counseling if needed. Recognize signs of stress in pets and provide reassurance and care.
Moving forward
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and businesses devastated by the mid-March 2024 tornado that struck Logan County, OH. United Way of Logan County has launched the Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund to help meet the immediate and long-term needs of Logan County families impacted by the storm.