What Are 5 Survival Tips For Tornadoes?

Do you know what to do if a tornado comes near your home?

What Are 5 Survival Tips For Tornadoes?

You will learn five clear tips that help you stay safe. You will also learn how to protect your home and your claim after the storm. You will read simple steps. You will find practical advice for Florida homes. You will get help contact information for Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals.

Why these tips matter

A tornado can move fast and destroy things. You need a plan. You need supplies. You need a safe place. You need to report damage to your insurer. You need help that knows insurance claims. You should know how a public adjuster can help. You should get help after the storm.

Tip 1: Make a simple emergency plan and pack a kit

You should make a plan before a storm. You should put the plan in writing. You should tell your family the plan. You should practice the plan like a game. You should pick one safe room in your house.

You should pack an emergency kit. You should store the kit in the safe room or close by. You should keep the kit ready all year. You should check the kit twice a year.

What to put in your tornado kit

You should include items that help you survive and communicate. You should not forget small items that matter.

Item	Why you need it
Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)	You need water to drink
Non-perishable food (3 days)	You need food that does not spoil
Battery-powered radio	You need weather alerts if power fails
Extra batteries	You need power for devices
Flashlight	You need light if power fails
First aid kit	You need to treat small injuries
Whistle	You need to signal for help
Sturdy shoes	You need protection for your feet after the storm
Copies of important papers	You need IDs, insurance info, and home inventory
Phone charger and power bank	You need to charge your phone
Local map	You need directions if GPS fails
Cash	You need cash if ATMs are down
Blankets	You need warmth if you lose power
Small tools (wrench, pliers)	You need tools to shut off utilities
Child comfort items	You need items to calm children

You should keep the kit in a waterproof container. You should label the container clearly. You should teach children where the kit is.

Tip 2: Know where to take shelter in your house

You should pick a safe room before the storm day. You should choose an interior room on the lowest floor. You should pick a room without windows. You should pick a basement if you have one. You should pick a small closet or bathroom if you do not have a basement.

You should move all family members and pets into the safe room when a warning sounds. You should bring your emergency kit into the room. You should put helmets or thick cushions over your head. You should get under a sturdy table if possible.

How to set up your safe room

You should place mattresses or thick cushions in the safe room. You should keep the emergency kit in the room. You should place helmets for everyone in the room. You should keep shoes in the room. You should place a list of emergency phone numbers under the kit lid.

You should practice moving to the room quickly. You should time how long it takes your family to reach the room. You should improve your plan if the time is slow. You should practice this twice a year.

Tip 3: Protect windows and large doors

You should know that flying glass hurts people and breaks homes. You should reduce glass risk if you can. You should close shutters or cover windows with boards when local officials advise it. You should store plywood and bolts for quick use.

You should not try to go outside to cover windows during the storm. You should cover windows before the storm arrives. You should keep vehicles in a garage or away from trees if possible.

Simple window protection steps

You should store plywood sheets that fit each window. You should label each sheet with the room name. You should keep a drill and bolts near the plywood. You should keep a tape measure near the plywood. You should plan a quick window cover routine with family members.

You should avoid using only tape on windows. Tape will not stop flying glass. You should rely on solid coverings.

Tip 4: Stay informed with more than one warning source

You should get weather alerts in several ways. You should sign up for local alert systems. You should use a battery radio during the storm. You should use a smartphone app with push alerts. You should watch local TV or listen to the radio before the storm.

You should test your alert systems monthly. You should teach children to listen to alerts. You should make a plan for power loss during alerts.

How to set alert sources

You should set your phone to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts. You should download a reliable weather app. You should buy a NOAA weather radio and check its batteries. You should follow local sheriff and emergency pages on social media. You should know the difference between a watch and a warning.

Term	Meaning
Watch	A tornado may form. You should stay ready.
Warning	A tornado has been spotted or detected. You should take shelter now.

You should act fast when you hear a warning.

Tip 5: After the tornado — safety, documentation, and making a claim

You should stay in your safe place until officials say it is safe. You should watch for fallen power lines and broken gas lines. You should not touch downed power lines. You should not use matches or lighters if you smell gas. You should leave the building if you smell gas and call emergency services.

You should check family members for injuries. You should give first aid to small cuts. You should call 911 for serious injuries. You should keep pets safe.

You should document damage with photos and videos as soon as it is safe. You should not throw away damaged items until an adjuster reviews them, unless local health rules require disposal. You should save receipts for repair-related purchases. You should list damaged items in simple words.

You should call your insurance company quickly. You should call a public adjuster to help you with your claim. You should consider Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals for this help.

Why call a public adjuster

You should know that an insurance company has its own adjuster. You should know that a public adjuster works for you. You should know that a public adjuster documents damage and negotiates with the insurance company. You should know that a public adjuster can find items and losses you might miss. You should know that a public adjuster can often increase your settlement.

You should call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals in Pensacola, FL. You should use their free initial inspection. You should call them if you live anywhere in Florida. You should remember that Otero only gets paid when you get paid.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals serves homeowners across Florida. Otero’s team of public adjusters helps you recover from hurricane, storm, water, mold, and fire damage. Otero inspects your property at no cost to you.

Contact Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals:

• Address: 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
• Phone: (850) 285-0405
• Website: https://oteroadjusting.com/

You should call Otero if your home suffers tornado damage. You should let Otero document the damage. You should let Otero speak to the insurance company for you.

How to document damage step by step

You should work in a safe way. You should photograph all damage from many angles. You should take close-up and wide shots. You should include date and time stamps if your camera can do that. You should write short notes about each photo.

You should make a written inventory of damaged items. You should list each item and the room location. You should list purchase dates if you know them. You should include receipts if you have them. You should keep all receipts for repairs and hotel stays.

You should keep all communication with your insurer. You should save emails and letters. You should record phone calls when allowed by law and when you tell the other person. You should give copies of your notes to your public adjuster.

Sample damage inventory table

Item	Room	Description	Estimated age	Receipt?
Couch	Living room	Frame broken, cushions wet	4 years	No
Roof shingles	Roof	Missing and torn	10 years	No
TV	Living room	Screen cracked	2 years	Yes
Refrigerator	Kitchen	Dent, not cooling	6 years	Yes

You should update this table as you find more damage.

How a public adjuster helps you with a tornado claim

You should hire a public adjuster to represent you. You should have the adjuster inspect your home. You should let the adjuster prepare a detailed estimate. You should let the adjuster negotiate with the insurance company. You should let the adjuster handle the paperwork.

You should expect the public adjuster to know Florida property rules. You should expect them to know local repair costs. You should expect them to find hidden damage like water under floors or insulation damage.

You should choose a public adjuster with good reviews. You should check references and license status. You should ask the adjuster how they charge. You should ask if they give a free inspection. You should pick a firm that only gets paid when you get paid.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals offers a free inspection. Otero only gets paid when you receive your settlement. Otero has experience with hurricane and storm claims. Otero helps Florida homeowners from Pensacola and beyond.

Common mistakes to avoid after a tornado

You should not sign any full settlement release before you read it. You should not agree to fix work before the insurer approves payment. You should not throw away damaged items until you document them, unless health rules demand it. You should not wait too long to report the damage. You should not hire a contractor who asks for all money up front.

You should avoid storm-chaser contractors that knock on doors. You should avoid contractors without a local address or license. You should ask for written estimates and proof of insurance from the contractor. You should check their work history.

You should contact a public adjuster early. You should let the adjuster guide you on repairs. You should let the adjuster help you get proper payment.

Practical safety rules during a tornado warning

You should stay calm and move fast. You should go to your safe room immediately. You should take your emergency kit. You should stay away from windows. You should protect your head and neck. You should keep listening to your battery radio.

If you are outside and cannot reach a building, you should go to a low area and lie flat. You should cover your head with your arms. You should avoid cars and overpasses. You should not hide under an overpass.

If you are in a car, you should drive to the nearest sturdy shelter if you can do so safely. You should not stay in the car if the tornado is close. You should leave the car and find a low spot away from trees and power lines if no shelter exists.

Roof, attic, and basement tips for tornado safety

You should strengthen your roof connections where you can. You should use hurricane straps if you live in tornado-prone areas. You should keep attic vents closed during high wind events.

You should store heavy items on low shelves in the basement. You should keep a storm-safe area in your basement if you have one. You should place child items and pet food in the basement kit.

You should inspect your roof after heavy storms. You should check for missing shingles and holes. You should document damage with photos. You should call Otero if you see roof damage.

How to work with contractors after a tornado

You should get three written estimates for major repairs. You should compare the scope of work and prices. You should ask for references. You should check the contractor’s license and insurance. You should not sign a long contract without review.

You should ask the contractor for a payment schedule. You should avoid full payment up front. You should ask for lien waivers after each payment.

You should provide the contractor with approval letters from your insurance if possible. You should let your public adjuster review the contractor estimate. You should let Otero coordinate with contractors when needed.

Insurance claim timeline after tornado damage

You should file a claim quickly. You should expect an adjuster visit within days, depending on storm volume. You should supply documentation and receipts. You should receive initial payment or denial within weeks to months, depending on the claim size and backlog.

You should hire a public adjuster early to speed the process. You should let the adjuster follow up with the insurer. You should keep records of all meetings and calls.

Step	What you do	Typical time
File claim	Call or submit online	Within 1-3 days
Insurer inspection	Insurer or their adjuster visits	1-30 days
Public adjuster inspection	Public adjuster inspects	1-14 days after contact
Estimate and negotiation	Adjusters exchange estimates	1-60 days
Settlement	Insurer pays agreed amount	Weeks to months

You should note that times vary after major storms.

How to prepare your children for tornado safety

You should speak to children in simple words. You should explain what a tornado is using pictures or a toy. You should show them the safe room. You should make the safe room a calm place, not a scary place.

You should practice tornado drills like a game. You should make a song or rhyme to remind them to “get low, cover head.” You should assign small tasks to each child, like grabbing the kit or a stuffed animal.

You should keep their comfort item in the kit. You should pack snacks and coloring books. You should stay calm during drills. You should praise children when they do the drill correctly.

Special tips for Florida homeowners

You should know that Florida gets strong storms and tornadoes during hurricane season. You should inspect your roof and gutters before storm season. You should secure outdoor furniture and playsets. You should trim weak tree branches near your home.

You should make an evacuation plan for hurricanes that can produce tornadoes. You should know local shelter locations and routes. You should keep a car emergency kit in your vehicle with extra water and blankets.

You should keep your homeowner policy active. You should know your policy limits and deductibles. You should contact a public adjuster if you are unsure about your coverage. You should call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals for a free inspection after storm damage in Florida.

How to check your insurance coverage for tornado damage

You should read your homeowner policy. You should find the section on wind and hail. You should look for deductible amounts. You should check for coverage limits on personal property and structural damage. You should look for additional living expense coverage if you must live elsewhere.

You should call your insurance agent with questions. You should ask if your policy covers roof replacement after a tornado. You should ask if you have a separate windstorm deductible. You should ask about flood coverage, which is different and usually separate.

You should hire a public adjuster if the claim seems large or complex. You should let Otero explain how your policy applies to your loss.

Questions to ask a public adjuster

You should ask if the adjuster is licensed in Florida. You should ask how long the adjuster has worked on storm claims. You should ask for references. You should ask how they charge. You should ask if they offer a free inspection.

You should ask the adjuster about their experience with tornado damage. You should ask how they document hidden damage. You should ask how they handle disputes with the insurance company. You should ask how they will keep you updated.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals offers a free inspection. Otero works for you, and Otero only gets paid when you receive your settlement. You should call (850) 285-0405 to set up a free inspection.

A simple checklist you can print and use

You should keep this checklist near your kit or on your fridge. You should review it before storm season.

Task	Done
Make family emergency plan	[ ]
Pick and set up safe room	[ ]
Pack emergency kit	[ ]
Practice tornado drills	[ ]
Secure outdoor items	[ ]
Store plywood and tools for windows	[ ]
Sign up for local alerts	[ ]
Check homeowner policy coverage	[ ]
Prepare home inventory	[ ]
Save Otero contact info	[ ]

You should mark each item as you finish it.

What to do with pets during a tornado

You should include pets in your plan. You should include pet food and water in the kit. You should include a leash and carrier. You should keep medical records for pets if possible.

You should bring pets into the safe room with you. You should keep pets close and calm with familiar toys. You should not leave pets outside during a storm.

Signs of hidden damage to look for after the storm

You should look for water stains on ceilings and walls. You should look for sagging roofs or floors. You should check for damp insulation in attics. You should test doors and windows to see if they close properly. You should listen for strange sounds from your heating and cooling system.

You should call Otero if you suspect hidden damage. You should ask for a full inspection. You should let the adjuster document these issues.

How to handle temporary repairs

You should make temporary repairs to prevent more damage. You should cover holes in the roof with tarps. You should board broken windows. You should remove water-damaged items from floors.

You should keep all receipts for tarp, plywood, and other materials. You should photograph temporary repairs. You should let your public adjuster include these costs in the claim.

You should not let temporary repairs become final repairs. You should get quotes for full repairs and let the adjuster review them.

Sample conversation with your insurer

You should call your insurance company to report a claim. You should say your name and policy number. You should describe the damage briefly. You should ask what the next steps are. You should ask for the claim number and the name of the adjuster.

You should tell them you will document damage and hire a public adjuster if needed. You should ask about the timeline for inspection. You should ask if they will pay for temporary repairs.

You should follow up with a written summary of the call and email it to the insurer. You should keep copies.

Final thoughts and recommendation

You should make a plan and prepare before a tornado. You should practice your plan with your family. You should protect windows and choose a safe room. You should stay informed and carry a kit. You should document all damage after the storm. You should call a public adjuster if you have a big claim.

You should consider Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals for help with your tornado damage claim. You should call Otero at (850) 285-0405. You should visit https://oteroadjusting.com/ for more information. You should remember that Otero offers a free inspection and only gets paid when you get paid.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals is based in Pensacola, FL. Otero serves homeowners across Florida. Otero helps you get the compensation you deserve after tornado and storm damage.

If you live in Florida and face tornado damage, you should not try to handle complex insurance issues alone. You should call a public adjuster to protect your rights. You should call Otero for a free, no-obligation inspection. You should let experienced adjusters handle the claim while you focus on your family and your safe recovery.

If you follow these five tips, you should feel more prepared and more confident. You should take small steps now to reduce big losses later. You should protect your home, protect your family, and protect your claim.