Tornadoes are one of the most destructive and devastating natural disasters that can occur. They can cause widespread damage to homes, businesses, and entire communities, leaving people feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. If you have been affected by a tornado, it is important to know what steps you should take to stay safe and begin the process of recovery. In this blog, we will discuss what to do after a tornado.
Stay Safe
The first and most important step after a tornado is to ensure your safety. If you are in a damaged building, be aware of any potential hazards such as broken glass, downed power lines, or gas leaks. If you smell gas, turn off the main valve, leave the building, and call the gas company or emergency services. Do not use any electrical appliances or turn on the lights until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
Assess the Damage
Check your property for any structural damage or other issues, such as broken windows or doors. Take photos or videos of the damage for insurance purposes, and document any losses or damages.
If your home or property has suffered significant damage, contact your insurance company immediately to report the damage and begin the claims process. Your insurance company will assess the damage and determine the minimum amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Consider hiring a public adjuster to help you navigate the complicated process of filing an insurance claim and getting a fair settlement for your damages. Public adjusters work on behalf of policyholders, not the insurance company, and can help you with tasks such as assessing your losses, documenting the damage, negotiating with the insurance company, and ensuring that you receive the full amount you are owed under your policy.
Contact Family and Friends
If you have been separated from your family and friends during the storm, try to contact them as soon as possible to let them know you are safe. If you cannot reach them, keep trying or leave a message. Let them know where you are and how they can reach you.
Seek Assistance
If you require assistance, contact your local emergency services or relief organizations. These organizations can provide you with information on available resources and assistance programs, such as food, shelter, and medical care. They can also provide you with counseling services to help you cope with the emotional trauma of the disaster.
Begin the Cleanup
Once you have assessed the damage and ensured your safety, it is time to begin the cleanup process. If you have significant damage to your property, you may need to hire a professional cleanup crew to help you remove debris and repair the damage.
Plan for the Future
After a tornado, it is important to plan for the future. Take steps to prepare for future disasters by creating a disaster preparedness plan for your family or business. This plan should include steps for staying safe during a disaster, as well as steps for recovering and rebuilding after a disaster.
You may also want to consider investing in insurance or other financial protection to help you recover financially from a disaster. Be sure to review your insurance policies and coverage to ensure you are adequately protected.
Things to Remember
Tornadoes can be devastating, but with the right preparation and response, you can stay safe and begin the process of recovery. If you have been affected by a tornado, remember to stay safe, assess the damage, contact family and friends, seek assistance, begin the cleanup, and plan for the future. Recovery from a disaster is a process that can take time, so be patient and take things one step at a time. Reach out to your community for support and stay informed about available resources and assistance programs.
A tornado can leave behind a trail of destruction, but with the right steps and resources, you can begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.
SunPoint Public Adjusters, Inc. Advocates Only for the Insured’s Benefit
SunPoint Public Adjusters, Inc. (“SunPoint”) is the “Gold Standard” of the Public Adjusting industry. We comprehensively review and evaluate your insurance settlement, immediately deploy a team of specialists to assess and quantify your damages and customize a strategy around your recovery to promptly and properly maximize the resolution of your claim.
Our in-house experts and external veteran professionals are experienced in quantifying and negotiating building, personal property, inventory, or other additional coverages. We work solely on your behalf to favorably resolve your claim. Our team ensures your insurance company does not delay, diminish, or deny benefits that are rightfully owed to you. Industry authorities agree that having a public adjuster like SunPoint on your side early in the process expedites and maximizes your recovery.
Policyholders have been benefiting from our knowledge and advocacy for decades. We have handled, managed, and successfully navigated claims ranging from homeowner losses; corporate losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars; disaster losses involving government entities and entire municipalities; agricultural and recall losses, and virtually any type of disaster claim could be imagined.
Our team of Public Adjusters, building cost consultants, inventory specialists, forensic accountants, and equipment consultants are unmatched in our industry. It is easy to be big. But it takes dedication every day to be the best – we have that dedication. Our goal is aligned with yours. To obtain a free insurance settlement assessment of your specific circumstances and recovery please contact us and strategize your optimal means of recovery.