The short answer
First Steps After the Storm
Right after a tornado passes, your first job is to check for immediate dangers. Look for downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable walls or ceilings. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave the home and call the utility company from a safe distance. Do not enter a room where the ceiling sags or water is pooling near electrical outlets.
Once the area is safe, start documenting the damage with photos and notes. This helps your insurance company understand what happened. Move valuable items to a dry spot if you can reach them without risk. Then, begin clearing small debris from walkways and the entrance so that you and the pros can move around safely.
- Turn off the main water valve if pipes are broken
- Wear thick gloves and boots while handling debris
- Keep children and pets away from the work area
- Cover broken windows with plywood or tarps
- Separate wet belongings from dry ones
- Keep a list of damaged items for your records
How Long Does Debris Removal Take
Debris removal is often the most time-consuming part of tornado cleanup. A few small branches and shingles might take a day to clear, but a collapsed garage or a tree through the roof can take a week or more. The size of your lot and how much the storm threw around matters a lot. You can speed things up by moving small items yourself, but leave heavy lifting to the pros.
Local water damage pros usually bring in equipment like chippers and loaders for large debris. They also handle the disposal, which saves you trips to the dump. Keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can cut water quickly after a storm. That simple step can prevent extra flooding while you wait for help.
Water and Moisture Cleanup
Tornadoes often bring rain, and broken roofs or windows let water pour into your home. Even a small leak can soak carpets, drywall, and insulation. The longer moisture sits, the more damage it does, so you want to start drying things within a day or two. Use fans and dehumidifiers if you have them, but they only help on small areas.
For serious water intrusion, the pros use industrial pumps and air movers to dry out the structure. They also check hidden spots like wall cavities and under floors. If you have flooding in a crawl space or a plumbing overflow from broken pipes, those need special attention. You can read about flood damage cleanup and plumbing overflow cleanup for more details.
Structural Repairs and Rebuilding
Once the debris and water are gone, the rebuilding phase begins. This can take weeks or even months depending on how much of the structure is damaged. A roof replacement, for example, might take a few days, but rebuilding a whole wall or a room takes longer. The pros coordinate with electricians and roofers to get the work done safely.
You might not need to rebuild everything at once. Prioritize the areas that keep your home weatherproof, like the roof and windows. Then move to interior repairs like drywall and flooring. If you had a sewage backup or a hazardous chemical spill from a damaged garage, those need special cleanup before any rebuilding starts.
Working with Your Insurance
Your insurance policy may cover some tornado damage, but it depends on your specific plan. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. You should call them soon after the storm and file a claim. They may send an adjuster to inspect the damage, so keep all your photos and receipts ready.
While you wait, do not throw away damaged items that could be evidence. Take photos of everything, including the debris pile. The pros handle the physical cleanup, but they do not manage your claim. You handle communication with your insurance company. Make a list of questions for them, like what is covered and what your deductible is.
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Phones are answered 24/7 for Rowlett and nearby communities.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
Can I clean up tornado damage myself?
Small debris and minor water you can handle with basic tools and safety gear. But if there is structural damage, downed power lines, or deep water, leave it to the pros. They have the equipment and training to work safely. Your safety comes first.
What should I do about broken windows?
Cover them with plywood or a tarp as soon as you can to keep rain and animals out. That also helps prevent further water damage. If the window frame is damaged, a professional may need to replace it. Take photos before you cover it for your records.
How do I know if my home is safe to enter?
Check for visible hazards like sagging ceilings, exposed wires, or gas smells. If you see any of those, stay out and call the utility company or a professional. When in doubt, wait for a building inspector or the pros to check the structure. Do not risk injury.