The short version
- Damage ranges from missing shingles to total loss
- Debris impact adds to wind damage
- Safety comes before everything else
- Cover the building and document first
What tornadoes do
Extreme winds and flying debris strip roofing, break decking and can lift roofs from walls. Pressure changes and impact can damage buildings that look intact from the street.
Even a nearby tornado that does not hit directly can leave serious damage.
Safety after the storm
Do not enter a damaged building until it has been checked. Watch for downed lines, gas smells, broken glass, unstable walls and sagging ceilings. Call emergency services for hazards.
Property can be replaced. People cannot.
Protecting what remains
Once it is safe, cover the open areas with board-up and tarps to stop rain from adding to the damage. Move belongings from wet areas where you can.
Take photographs before moving things.
Recovery
Recovery takes organization. Get a structural assessment if framing is involved, document the damage and plan repairs or a rebuild in the right order.
Demand after big events can affect timing, so ask early.
General information, not engineering, legal, insurance or safety advice. Roofs, policies and local requirements vary, and every situation should be judged on its own facts. If anyone is in danger, call emergency services first.
