? Do you want to know how you can stay safe when a tornado comes?
How Can People Survive In A Tornado?
You can learn clear steps that help you stay safe. You can also learn how to protect your home and how to claim insurance after the storm. You can read this with simple sentences and friendly tone. You can act fast when you know what to do.
What is a tornado?
A tornado is a fast spinning column of air. It touches the ground and the cloud at the same time. It can lift objects and break buildings. It can move slowly or very fast. It can form suddenly.
You live in Florida. You can face tornadoes from storms or hurricanes. You should know the signs of a tornado so you can act quickly.
How do tornadoes form?
Warm air meets cold air. The air starts to spin. A thunderstorm can make the spin go down to the ground. The storm gives the air energy. The wind and rain can make the tornado stronger.
You do not need to know all science words to stay safe. You need to know the simple signs and the simple actions you must take.
Why Florida needs special attention
Florida has storms all year. You live near water and open low land. Storms can change quickly. You may get more than one warning in a day. You may see tornadoes during summer or during hurricane season.
You should prepare for quick changes in weather. You should keep a ready plan for your home and family.
Signs that a tornado may form
You can watch for simple signs. The signs can tell you to act now.
- The sky turns green or very dark.
- You see a low, spinning cloud.
- You hear a loud, continuous roar like a train.
- A wall of debris moves toward you.
- The wind suddenly shifts and becomes very strong.
You should treat these signs as urgent. You should move to your safe place when you see these signs.
Tornado Watch vs Tornado Warning
A tornado watch means conditions can make a tornado. A tornado warning means a tornado is seen or detected by radar. You should act when you get a warning. You should prepare when you get a watch.
You should listen for local alerts and weather apps. You should let all family members know the difference.
Prepare before a tornado
You can reduce risk with simple steps before a storm. You can make your home safer. You can protect your family and keep important items safe.
Make a family plan
You should pick a safe room in your home. You should pick a meeting spot outside if you leave the house. You should choose a friend or relative outside Florida who can be your contact.
You should practice drills so everyone knows the plan. You should tell children where to go and what to bring.
Build an emergency kit
You should pack basic items in a ready bag. You should keep one kit in your home and one kit in your car. You should check the kit every six months and replace old items.
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Water (one gallon per person per day for 3 days) | You need water to drink and cook |
| Nonperishable food for 3 days | You may not have power |
| Battery radio or hand-crank radio | You need weather updates |
| Extra batteries | You need power for devices |
| Flashlight | You need light if power goes out |
| First aid kit | You may need basic care |
| Whistle | You may signal for help |
| Copies of important papers | You need proof for insurance |
| Cell phone charger and power bank | You need to call for help |
| Extra clothing and blankets | You may be cold or wet |
| Local map | You may not have GPS |
| Small tools (wrench, pliers) | You may need to turn off utilities |
| Cash | Card machines may not work |
| Pet supplies | Your pet needs food and care |
You should store your kit in an easy place. You should tell all family members where to find it.
Make your home stronger
You should secure loose items outside your house. You should bring in lawn furniture, grills, and toys. You should trim weak branches near your home.
You should reinforce your garage door. Strong wind can damage the garage first. You should check your roof and fix loose shingles. You should close storm shutters or board windows if a strong storm comes.
You should store insurance documents in a safe, water-proof place. You should keep digital copies in the cloud or on a USB drive.
Know where to go in your home
You should pick an interior room without windows. You should pick a closet, bathroom, or hallway on the lowest floor. You should get under heavy furniture or use a mattress to cover your body.
If you have a basement, you should go there. If you have a safe room built to code, you should go there.
You should not stay in rooms with tall ceilings or large windows. You should avoid rooms with glass or heavy furniture that can fall.
Plan for special needs
You should include medicine and medical devices in your kit. You should plan for pets and service animals. You should plan for elderly family members and young children.
You should write down your medical needs and keep that list with your emergency kit. You should include contact numbers for doctors and pharmacies.
When the tornado warning comes
You should act immediately when you get a warning. You should not wait to see the tornado.
You should stay calm and move to your chosen safe place. You should help children move quickly. You should bring your emergency kit if you can take it fast.
If you are inside a sturdy building
You should go to your interior room on the lowest floor. You should protect your head and neck with your arms or a helmet. You should lie face-down under sturdy furniture if you can.
You should stay away from windows and doors. You should stay in your safe place until officials say it is safe to leave.
If you are in a mobile home
You should leave the mobile home. Mobile homes can break apart in strong wind. You should go to the nearest strong building or storm shelter.
You should find a friend or public shelter before the storm if you can. You should not wait until the last minute to find help.
If you are in a car
You should not stay in a car. Cars can roll or flip. You should drive to a sturdy building if possible. You should park the car and get inside that building.
If you cannot reach a building, you should find a low area like a ditch. You should lie down and cover your head. You should avoid sheltering beneath an overpass.
If you are outside
You should try to find a sturdy building. You should avoid trees and cars. You should lie down in a low area and protect your head if no building is near.
You should keep small children close to you. You should wrap them in a blanket if you have one.
How to protect your body
You should cover your head with your arms, helmet, or pillow. You should stay low and face down. You should protect your neck and spine.
You should put a mattress, heavy blanket, or sleeping bag over you if possible. You should wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and nails.
You should not stand up until you know the storm has passed.
What children should do
You should make children practice drills. You should teach them to go to the safe room fast. You should give them a small comfort item like a stuffed animal or a flashlight.
You should speak to children kindly and clearly. You should tell them the plan in simple words. You should thank them when they follow the plan.
After the tornado passes
You should wait for official word that the storm is over. You should check on family and neighbors. You should avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines.
You should do a quick check for injuries. You should treat small wounds with your first aid kit. You should call 911 for serious injuries.
You should take photos of damage. You should write down the time and what you saw. You should keep all receipts for emergency repairs.
Safety checks at home
You should turn off the main gas valve if you smell gas. You should turn off electricity if sparks or water are near outlets. You should avoid using a naked flame if gas may leak.
You should check your home for structural damage. You should not enter rooms that look unsafe. You should keep pets on a leash so they do not run away.
Temporary fixes
You should cover broken windows with tarp or plywood. You should paint exposed wood to stop water damage. You should move wet items out of the house to stop mold.
You should keep receipts for materials and labor. You should take photos of all repairs and damaged items.
Document everything for insurance
You should document damage carefully. You should take clear photos and videos of every damaged area. You should save all bills and invoices. You should write down what each lost item was and the date you bought it.
You should use a simple list with item name, age, and value. You should keep original receipts if you have them.
| Document | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Photos and videos | Show damage to your home and items |
| Receipts for repairs | Show costs you paid after the storm |
| Receipts for lost items | Prove value of items you lost |
| Insurance policy copy | Show coverage and limits |
| Police or emergency reports | Show official record of the event |
| Estimates from contractors | Show cost to repair the house |
| Names and phone numbers of witnesses | Help prove what happened |
You should send copies of these items to your insurance company. You should keep originals in a safe place.
How insurance works after a tornado
You should call your insurance company soon after the storm. You should report damage and losses. You should ask what the next steps are.
You should expect an adjuster from the insurance company to inspect the damage. You should also consider hiring a public adjuster to help you.
What a public adjuster does
A public adjuster works for you. A public adjuster reviews your policy and inspects your damage. The adjuster writes a claim and negotiates with your insurance company. The adjuster seeks fair compensation for your loss.
You should hire a public adjuster when damage is large or when the claim is complex. You should hire a public adjuster if the insurer denies part of your claim or pays less than you need to repair your home.
You should know that a public adjuster charges a fee. You should only pay when you get a settlement. You should compare options and ask for references.
Why hire Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
You should use Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals if you live in Florida. Otero is based in Pensacola, FL. Otero serves homeowners across Florida. Otero helps with hurricane damage, water damage, mold, roof leaks, and fire damage. Otero handles small and large claims.
You should call Otero for a free inspection. Otero inspects your property at no cost and with no obligation. Otero works to get you everything you are entitled to under your policy. Otero only gets paid when you do.
You should contact Otero at this address:
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
You should call this number: (850) 285-0405
You should visit this website: https://oteroadjusting.com/
You should ask Otero to help with documentation, estimates, and negotiations. You should let Otero speak to your insurer on your behalf. You should let Otero help you return your home to a safe state.
Steps to file a strong claim
You should follow these steps to file a claim that holds up.
- Take photos and videos of all damage.
- Save receipts for emergency costs.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage.
- Keep all repair receipts and photos of the repairs.
- Call your insurance company to report the claim.
- Call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals for a free inspection.
- Let Otero prepare a detailed estimate and negotiate for you.
- Keep records of all calls and written communication.
You should keep a simple log with date, time, and person you spoke to. You should note what they said. You should keep copies of emails and letters. You should not throw away paperwork.
Sample claim documentation checklist
| Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo every room and outside areas | Shows full extent of damage |
| Video walkthrough with narration | Adds context and dates the damage |
| Inventory list of lost items | Helps calculate replacement cost |
| Contractor estimates for repairs | Shows cost to repair or replace |
| Receipts for cleanup and board-up | Shows emergency expenses |
| Communication log with insurer | Shows claim timeline and responses |
You should give these items to your public adjuster. You should let the public adjuster use them to make your claim strong.
Working with a public adjuster
You should pick a licensed and local adjuster. You should ask for references and proof of license. You should ask the adjuster how they charge. You should read and sign any contract carefully.
You should expect the adjuster to inspect your home. You should expect them to take photos and write a detailed report. You should expect them to talk with your insurance company. You should ask questions and get clear answers.
You should cooperate with the adjuster. You should provide all documents and keys as needed. You should stay in touch and respond to requests quickly.
What to expect during the claim process
You should expect an initial inspection. You should expect an itemized estimate. You should expect offers from the insurer. You should expect negotiations.
You should stay patient. You should stay organized. You should let your public adjuster do the talking if you prefer. You should sign any agreement only after you understand it.
Money and repairs
You should get multiple repair estimates for large jobs. You should not accept the first low offer without review. You should check contractor licenses and reviews.
You should keep receipts and contracts for all repairs. You should ask for a scope of work in writing. You should keep photos of the work before, during, and after the repair.
You should warn contractors about quick offers that ask for full payment up front. You should only pay a fair deposit and sign a contract. You should use a licensed local contractor for big repairs.
Common mistakes to avoid
You should avoid the following mistakes after a tornado:
- Do not throw away damaged items before you document them.
- Do not accept the first low settlement without proof.
- Do not sign away rights to additional claims without advice.
- Do not hire an unlicensed contractor for major repairs.
- Do not ignore small damage that can cause bigger problems later.
You should call Otero for advice if you feel unsure. Otero can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
Special tips for Florida homeowners
You should know your Florida policy limits and wind coverage rules. You should check for windstorm deductibles. You should know if you need a separate wind policy.
You should keep records of roof maintenance and improvements. You should store receipts for upgrades like new shingles or hurricane straps. You should show these documents to your adjuster to help your claim.
You should know local codes. You should ask contractors to follow local building rules. You should keep permits and final inspection paperwork.
Emotional support and community help
You should expect stress after a tornado. You should talk to family and friends. You should let children ask questions and express feelings. You should explain events in simple words.
You should seek help from local community groups and shelters. You should ask your public adjuster for local resources. You should use community services for cleanup and support.
Real-life checklist you can print
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get to safe room immediately on warning |
| 2 | Call 911 for life threats |
| 3 | Take photos and videos of damage after the storm |
| 4 | Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage |
| 5 | Keep all receipts and invoices |
| 6 | Contact your insurance company |
| 7 | Contact Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals for free inspection |
| 8 | Let Otero negotiate with your insurer for fair compensation |
| 9 | Get contractor estimates and start repairs |
| 10 | Keep all paperwork until the claim is closed |
You should print this list and keep it near your emergency kit.
Questions you can ask Otero
You should ask clear questions when you contact Otero. You should ask:
- Will you inspect my property for free?
- How do you charge for your services?
- What documents do you need from me?
- How long will the claim process take?
- Can you handle disputes with the insurer?
You should write these questions down before you call.
Final thoughts
You should prepare before a storm. You should practice your plan with family. You should gather your emergency kit and important papers. You should act fast when a warning comes.
You should protect your body and your home first. You should document all damage next. You should contact your insurer and then call a public adjuster. You should let Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals help you if you live in Florida.
You should remember that Otero offers a free initial inspection and works for you to get fair compensation. You should call Otero at (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/. You should visit 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526 if you need to meet them.
You should stay safe and keep a simple plan. You should help others and keep your records. You should let the professionals help you rebuild after the storm.
