What Should You Never Do Inside a Tornado-Damaged Home?

Entering a tornado-damaged home without a safety check is extremely dangerous. The structure may be unsound, with hidden weaknesses in walls, floors, or ceilings. Wait for authorities or a qualified inspector to confirm the building is stable enough for entry. Your safety is more important than retrieving possessions immediately.

Look for visible signs of danger like sagging roofs, cracked foundations, or leaning walls. These are clear indicators to stay out. If you have any doubt about the integrity of the structure, do not go inside. A professional assessment can identify hazards that are not obvious from the outside.

Resist the urge to begin tearing out wet materials or moving debris right away. This can disturb hazardous materials like asbestos or mold and compromise a proper damage assessment. Your actions could also affect an insurance claim. Document the damage thoroughly with photos and videos before anything is moved.

A water damage inspection is crucial to create a proper restoration plan. Moving items or starting demolition can hide the true extent of water intrusion. The pros need to see the undisturbed damage to plan effective drying and repairs. Let them guide the initial steps of the cleanup process.

• Do not remove soaked drywall or insulation yourself.
• Avoid using household fans on wet carpets or walls.
• Do not operate the HVAC system if ducts may be wet.
• Do not discard damaged items before documenting them.
• Avoid walking on sagging, water-logged floors.
• Do not use a wet-dry vacuum without checking for electrical safety.

Contact your insurance company to report the damage and understand your next steps. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Take extensive photographs and make a detailed list of damaged belongings for your claim. Keep all receipts for temporary repairs or living expenses if you are displaced.

For water and structural repairs, contact local water damage pros. They have the equipment and expertise to dry the building safely and prevent mold. They can also board up openings and secure the property. Wind-driven rain from storms can lead to hidden moisture problems that require professional attention.