What would you do if a tornado swept you up?
What To Do If Swept Up By Tornado?
You read the question. You feel small. You feel scared. This article tells you simple steps you can use before, during, and after a tornado. It also tells you how a public adjuster helps you with your insurance claim in Florida. You will learn how to protect yourself and how to protect your home and money. You will learn why you should call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals after the storm.
Stay calm and act fast
You must try to stay calm. Your brain works better when you stay calm. You make better choices when you stay calm. The tornado moves fast. You move fast. You follow simple rules.
Before a tornado: prepare your home and papers
You can reduce your loss before the tornado arrives. You can make insurance claims easier if you plan ahead. You can make the work of a public adjuster faster when your papers are ready.
- You buy a safe place to go in your home. Put that place on a map for your family.
- You pack an emergency bag with water, food, flashlight, radio, and medicines.
- You make photos and videos of your home and your things. Keep copies on the cloud.
- You keep your insurance papers in a safe place. Scan or photograph them.
- You save phone numbers for your local emergency services, your agent, and Otero.
You act now. You save time later.
If a tornado approaches: what to do first
You hear a siren. You see the sky go green or black. You smell dust. You must move now.
- You go to your safe room. Choose a basement or inner room without windows.
- You lie flat and face down. You cover your head and neck with your arms.
- You use a mattress, heavy blankets, or thick cushions to cover your body.
- You keep your children close. You hold them tight and protect their heads.
- You keep pets in carriers or hold them if you can.
You do these things because walls and heavy furniture can protect you.
If you get swept up by a tornado: simple survival steps
Getting swept up by a tornado is rare. It is scary and dangerous. If it happens, these is advice that can help reduce harm. The advice below uses plain actions you can try.
- You protect your head and neck first. You make yourself small. You curl into a ball.
- You cover your face and mouth with your arms or a cloth. You protect your lungs from dust.
- You try to hold onto something strong if you can. You hold a pole, a tree limb, or a part of a building.
- You do not try to look out. You keep your eyes closed or half closed to avoid flying glass.
- You relax your arms and legs a little. Your body handles the force better if you do not lock up.
- You try to ride out the wind. You do not try to swim or walk against it.
- You try to protect your chest. You put a jacket or something dense over your chest if you can.
You cannot control the tornado. You control your body and your choices.
Why protect your head and chest?
Your head and chest hold your brain and your lungs. These parts are fragile. You keep them safe first. You keep other parts safe next.
After you land: check for injuries and move if safe
You stop moving. You may be on the ground, on a roof, or in a strange place. You must check your body and your friends.
- You check yourself for bleeding, broken bones, or severe pain.
- You call for help if you can. You yell or signal if someone hears you.
- You move only if you can walk and the place is safe.
- You avoid downed power lines and sharp debris.
- You help others if you can do it without danger.
You call 911 for serious injuries. You use your phone for small injuries or to call your family.
Photograph and document damage when it is safe
After a tornado, you must document what happened. You must do this for your insurance claim. A public adjuster uses good photos to get you more money. You take pictures only when it is safe.
- You photograph the outside of your home from several angles.
- You photograph inside damage. Show broken walls, water, debris, and lost items.
- You make a video walk-through. Talk while you record to explain damage.
- You keep a list of lost items. Write the name, brand, and age of each item.
- You keep receipts for hotel stays, food, repairs, and emergency purchases.
You do these things so your insurance company can see your loss.
Call for help: emergency, repairs, and your public adjuster
You must call the right people quickly. You call 911 for life threats. You call a licensed contractor for urgent repairs. You call a public adjuster for your insurance claim.
- You call 911 for injuries and danger.
- You call your power company to report downed lines.
- You call a licensed roofer or contractor for emergency tarps or shoring.
- You call a public adjuster like Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals for your claim.
Otero is in Pensacola, FL. Otero helps homeowners across Florida. Otero inspects your damage for free. Otero only gets paid when you do. Otero acts as your advocate with the insurance company. Otero fights for the money you deserve.
Contact Otero:
- Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
- 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
- (850) 285-0405
- https://oteroadjusting.com/
You call Otero early. You protect your right to fair payment.
Why call a public adjuster after a tornado?
Insurance companies send adjusters to inspect damage. Those adjusters work for the company. You can hire a public adjuster to work for you. A public adjuster knows policy language and claim valuation. A public adjuster can get you more money.
- A public adjuster reads your policy and finds what the company owes you.
- A public adjuster documents damage with photos, notes, and estimates.
- A public adjuster negotiates with the insurance company for fair payment.
- A public adjuster can manage your claim so you can focus on your family.
Otero has experience in Florida. Otero has handled roof losses, hurricane damage, water damage, and fire damage. Otero knows local codes and local contractors.
You hire Otero to protect your claim.
What to tell your insurance company and what not to say
You must give clear facts to the insurance company. You must not guess or sign unknown papers. You must not admit fault you do not know about.
- You tell the date and time of the tornado.
- You tell what you saw and what you did.
- You give a list of damaged and lost items.
- You give copies of photos and videos.
Do not sign statements that give up rights. Do not accept a quick low payment without checking first. Do not throw away damaged items before the adjuster inspects them unless the insurance company asks you to.
You can let Otero talk with the insurance company for you. Otero will review offers and protect your interests.
Simple checklist for the first 24 hours
Use this checklist after the tornado. The list helps you cover urgent needs and protect your claim.
| Time Frame | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First minutes | Get to safe place or call for help | Protect your life |
| First hour | Check for injuries and call 911 if needed | Save lives |
| 0–6 hours | Take photos and video if safe | Prove the damage |
| 0–12 hours | Call your agent and Otero | Start the claim |
| 0–24 hours | Make temporary repairs (tarps) if safe | Prevent more damage |
| 24–72 hours | Keep receipts for expenses | Add to claim |
| 72+ hours | Meet with Otero for full inspection | Build claim file |
You follow this list to protect your family and your money.
List of documents to gather for a claim
You need documents for a smooth claim. Keep these documents ready.
- Insurance policy and declarations page
- Photos or videos of your home before the storm
- Photos or videos of the damage after the storm
- Receipts for repairs and emergency buys
- A list of lost items with price estimates
- Police or emergency reports if available
- Contractor estimates for repairs
- Any prior repair records or invoices
You give these documents to Otero. Otero builds your claim with these facts.
How a public adjuster builds your claim
A public adjuster does work in steps. You can watch and ask questions at each step.
- Inspection: Otero inspects your property for free. Otero notes all damage.
- Documentation: Otero takes photos, videos, and measurements.
- Estimate: Otero prepares a repair estimate and list of lost items.
- Submission: Otero files the claim with the insurance company.
- Negotiation: Otero meets the insurance adjuster and argues your case.
- Settlement: Otero helps you accept a fair payment or disputes the offer.
- Follow up: Otero helps you manage repairs and final documents.
You get clear steps and updates from Otero.
How Otero handles claims in Florida
Florida has special rules for storm claims. Otero knows the local market and policy details. Otero works with local contractors and local building codes. Otero knows hurricane schedules and storm behaviors.
- Otero inspects quickly after a storm.
- Otero records weather reports and official notices.
- Otero prepares estimates that reflect Florida costs.
- Otero pushes for payments that cover proper repairs.
You live in Florida. You get local help from Otero.
Common damages a tornado causes to homes
Tornadoes can cause many types of damage. You must document each type.
- Roof loss and shingles torn away
- Broken windows and doors
- Collapsed walls or porches
- Water damage from roof leaks
- Debris damage to siding and gutters
- Damage to personal items inside the home
You note all damage in your claim. Otero helps list every loss.
Temporary repairs: do this right
You may need to do quick repairs to stop more damage. You must keep your receipts. You must not make permanent repairs until you talk with Otero or the insurer.
- Use tarps on roofs to stop water.
- Board up broken windows to keep out animals and weather.
- Move salvageable items to a dry, safe place.
- Keep all receipts and photos of repairs.
You save money and keep your claim strong by keeping records.
How much does a public adjuster cost?
Public adjusters often work for a share of the settlement. Otero only gets paid when you get paid. The fee is a percentage of the claim payout. Otero will tell you the fee before starting work. You sign a contract. You understand the fee and the services.
You pay nothing up front for Otero’s inspection. You pay only if Otero gets money for you.
What if the insurance company sends an adjuster first?
The insurance company will usually send its adjuster. You can still hire a public adjuster. You can let Otero negotiate for you. Otero meets with the insurance adjuster to explain damage and request proper payment.
- You do not let the insurance adjuster pressure you into signing.
- You let Otero review offers before you accept them.
- You let Otero provide extra evidence if the offer is too low.
You protect your claim with Otero.
Stories you might hear: short examples
You like simple stories. These show how a public adjuster helps.
- Story 1: A family had a torn roof. The company offered a low payment. Otero found hidden water damage and got more money.
- Story 2: A homeowner lost a shed and tools. Otero documented each tool and got payment for all tools.
- Story 3: A renter had damage to personal items. Otero helped the renter get money for clothes and furniture.
You see how Otero finds value you might miss.
Talking to family: simple plan you can share
You must make a family plan. You make roles and places.
- You choose a safe room in your home.
- You assign someone to carry the emergency bag.
- You teach children how to protect their heads.
- You assign one adult to call Otero and the insurance company after the storm.
You practice your plan once a month.
What to do if you are away from home and the tornado hits
You might be at school, work, or a store. You follow the same safety steps. After the storm, you call home and report status. You contact Otero for a home inspection if your property is damaged.
- You go to the safe area inside the building.
- You follow the building safety plan.
- You check in with family when you can.
You still gather photos and receipts for your claim.
The timeline of a claim: what to expect
A claim takes time. You track steps and ask questions.
- Day 0–3: Emergency work, photos, and first calls.
- Day 3–14: Inspection by Otero and claim submission.
- Day 14–30: Negotiation with the insurance company.
- Day 30–90: Repair work and further payments.
Times vary by policy and the storm. Otero keeps you informed.
A table of who to call and when
This table helps you know who to call first.
| Situation | Who to call | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Life threat | 911 | Emergency rescue |
| Downed power lines | Power company | Restore power and safety |
| Emergency roof repair | Licensed contractor | Prevent more damage |
| File insurance claim | Your agent or company | Start payment process |
| Claim advocate | Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals | Get help with the claim |
You follow the table for fast action.
Frequently asked questions (simple answers)
Q: Can I move out of my home after a tornado?
A: Yes. If the home is unsafe, you may move. Keep receipts for hotel and food. These costs may be part of the claim.
Q: Should I keep damaged items?
A: Keep items if safe. The insurer may ask to see them. If you cannot keep them, take photos and do not throw away evidence until asked.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: Check your policy. Call Otero or your agent soon. Some policies have short limits.
Q: Will my rate go up?
A: Insurers may raise rates after claims. A public adjuster cannot stop rate changes. A public adjuster helps you get a correct settlement.
You ask questions. Otero answers.
How to choose a public adjuster in Florida
Pick a public adjuster who is licensed, experienced, and local. Check for reviews and references. Ask for a written contract. Ask about fees and services.
- Verify the license in Florida.
- Ask for a sample claim result.
- Ask how the adjuster communicates.
- Ask for name and contact info of the licensed adjuster.
Otero provides credentials and references. Otero explains fees and steps in clear language.
Simple language for your claim file: examples
Use short sentences in your claim notes. Use names, dates, and facts.
- Example: “April 12, 2026. Tornado hit at 3:10 PM. Roof shingles blew off. Water entered living room.”
- Example: “April 12, 2026. Broken window in bedroom. Glass in floor. Clothes wet.”
- Example: “April 13, 2026. Paid $200 for emergency tarp. Receipt attached.”
You keep facts clear and simple.
Managing contractors after the storm
You need trustworthy contractors. You must not accept high upfront fees. You must get written estimates and timelines. You must check licenses.
- Get three estimates when possible.
- Ask for license and insurance numbers.
- Do not sign long-term contracts without a cooling-off period if required.
- Keep all receipts for the claim.
Otero can recommend local contractors in Florida. Otero can review estimates for you.
What a settlement check may include
Insurance checks may cover many things. You must read the check and the release.
- Payment for temporary repairs
- Payment for home repairs
- Payment for lost personal property
- Payment for additional living expenses
- Depreciation and recoverable costs
A public adjuster helps you understand the check and the release language. Otero reviews offers and suggests next steps.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not do these mistakes. They can hurt your claim.
- Do not delay filing the claim.
- Do not accept the first low offer without review.
- Do not throw out damaged items before the adjuster reviews them.
- Do not sign away rights without legal help.
- Do not hire unlicensed contractors.
You avoid mistakes by working with Otero.
Final steps once repairs finish
After repairs, you must close the claim. You check the repairs. You keep final receipts. You close the claim only when you are satisfied.
- Inspect repairs for quality.
- Keep warranties and receipts.
- Ask Otero to review final invoices if needed.
- Accept final payment after review.
You end the process with a clear record.
Why choose Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
Otero works for you. Otero has local Florida knowledge. Otero inspects your damage for free. Otero only gets paid when you get paid. Otero fights to get you the money you deserve under your policy.
- Otero acts as your negotiator with the insurance company.
- Otero documents all damage and prepares estimates.
- Otero helps you manage repairs and final paperwork.
Contact Otero:
- Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
- 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
- (850) 285-0405
- https://oteroadjusting.com/
You call Otero. You protect your rights and your home.
Closing thoughts and a small story
You think a tornado story must be big and loud. It can be small and quiet too. You learn from small steps. You plan and practice your safety plan. You save photos and papers. You call a public adjuster when the storm passes. The adjuster helps you get fair payment so you can fix your home and sleep again.
One simple moment can help a lot. You put your insurance papers in a clear folder. You take a photo of a favorite toy on the shelf. You make a plan with your family. If the storm comes, these small acts help you rebuild.
You do what you can. You call Otero when you need help. You protect your family and your home.
