What To Do After A Tornado

Being Texas natives, we know how common and scary tornadoes can be. If a tornado has recently come through your town or you’re expecting some (looking at you, North Texas), we’ll go over your next steps to make sure your home is safe and you’re ready for the next storm when it comes. After you check in on your friends and family, it’s important to know what to do after a tornado to ensure your home is safe and prepared for the future.

Take a Look

Before you take a look at any potential damage or hazards to your home, make sure it is safe to get close. At the first sign of any downed powerlines, call your local electric company and don’t try to do anything yourself. Once you’ve determined it’s safe, here are some basic damages you can look for.

1. Debris

   • Check your roof and surrounding areas for debris. Even if there isn’t a large, noticeable branch on your roof, if there is one nearby it may have first landed on your roof. If you are able to safely remove debris from your roof, do so. Keeping your roof clear will prevent anyone from getting hurt if it fell.

2. Wind Damage

   • Looking for wind damage can be a little trickier. If you can safely get onto your roof, you’ll want to look for shingles that look a little… off. Crooked, lifted, or missing shingles are clear indications of wind damage.
     

     Wind-damaged asphalt shingles.

3. Leaks

   • Take a look around the inside of your home for any leaks. If you have attic space, get in there! Look for any areas that may be dripping OR any areas where you may feel a draft. Be sure you place a small tarp anywhere you find a problem to keep it from affecting more parts of your home.

4. Gutter Issues

   • Look for dents in gutters and downspouts. Dents could point to hail that fell or debris nearby. Also look closely for areas where gutters are detached. All of these issues can lead to bigger roofing problems or even foundation issues.
     

     Hail damage on rain gutters.

     

     Your gutters should not hang low or wobble to-and-fro.

Document It

Our phones are so handy these days! Not only can you look up what to do after a tornado, you can snap photos of it all. Be sure to take pictures of everything! Take photos before you move large debris, then proceed with your pictures once the debris is cleared. Remember to use the buddy system if you have a ladder out. Then, take pictures like you’re the greatest Instagram boyfriend to ever live. Get every angle, wait for clouds to move so you get different lighting, and make sure you don’t miss a detail.

via GIPHY

Call:

1. Your Insurance Company

   • Call them first so they know you’ll be getting someone out to your home to do a certified inspection. Don’t let them send just anyone out! Let them know you have an in- Roof Experts. Ease their mind by letting them know the roof inspection is always free and we have decades of experience with every kind of roof. Heck, we even have experience in every kind of insurance!

2. Roof Experts

   • Roof Experts always offers free roof inspections. We have insurance specialists on hand to make sure nothing is overlooked and that you are getting the most of your insurance. As we introduce new technology into the roofing business, we are pleased to now provide AI Drone Roof Inspections to accompany our keen eye. The drone allows us to heat map your roof, highlighting signs of weakness or damage that may be invisible to the naked eye. Data from high tech devices like our drone are the perfect companion to our expertise.

Roof Experts’ AI Drone roof inspection.

Give us a call with all of your roofing needs! And be sure to follow along on social media for helpful hints and the perfect dose of silliness!

Roof Experts is here to inspect any commercial or residential roof you need. Contact us today and let us know what we can do for you!

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

Roof Experts (@roofexpertsusa) • Instagram photos and videos