Kentucky has experienced an alarming surge in tornado activity in recent years. Between 2022 and 2024, the state saw an 84% uptick in tornado occurrences.
In the aftermath of a tornado, communities often face a lengthy uphill battle recovering from the destruction and heartbreaking losses. Additionally, many Kentuckians encounter hurdles when filing insurance claims, such as delays, denials, or coverage disputes, making the path to recovery even more arduous. Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, is here to arm you with essential safety tips and relevant resources to guide you through the steps of what to do after a tornado.
Check for Injuries and Administer First Aid
After the tornado has passed, your first priority is the health and safety of your household. Check for any pain and common injuries such as bruises, cuts, broken bones, and symptoms of shock. If you have a first aid kit on hand, immediately attend to open wounds to reduce the risk of infection. Disinfect bleeding areas with soap, clean water, and antibiotic ointment before covering the wound with a waterproof bandage.
Continue monitoring any injuries and watch for signs of fever, increasing pain, shortness of breath, fast heart rate, confusion, or disorientation. If conditions worsen, do not hesitate to seek medical care.
For people who have suffered more severe injuries and life-threatening conditions, avoid attempting to move them unless they are in immediate danger, such as a live wire nearby. Instead, call 911 and wait for instructions from emergency services. If you are trained, administer first aid to the wounded until emergency responders arrive.
Severe storms frequently damage power lines, causing outages. To stay prepared, always keep your phone fully charged and carry a backup power bank. It’s also helpful to save a list of emergency numbers and local medical hotlines in your phone or wallet at all times.
Inspect Your Home and Property for Tornado Damage
After your family’s safety is accounted for, approach your home with caution and examine the overall property damage. If you see any concerning signs that the structural integrity of your home has been compromised, such as leaning walls or broken supports, call the local authorities for assistance and do not re-enter the premises. Consider requesting an inspection by a professional building inspector or structural engineer before entering your house to safeguard your property and your family.
When it is deemed safe, walk carefully around your premises and look for signs of splinters, cracks, holes, indentations, and leaks in these common areas:
- Roofs
- Shingles
- Siding and gutters
- Windows and doors
- Fences
- Walls
- Outbuildings
- Power lines and gas connections
Before starting repairs, it is crucial to thoroughly document all damage by taking clear, detailed photos and videos of each affected area. Maintain a meticulous log that lists every issue along with corresponding dates, and retain all receipts and invoices for any completed repair work.
As tornadoes can often cause roof breaches and broken windows, keep an eye out for serious water intrusion and flooding. You may want to explore your options for water damage claims.
Using a checklist can help you systematically assess damage and prevent important details from being overlooked. These records will serve as essential supporting evidence when submitting your tornado insurance claim.
Report Tornado Damage to Insurance Providers
Contacting your insurance provider and starting the claims process as soon as possible can help prevent unnecessary delays in receiving the financial assistance you require.
Generally, most insurance policies in Kentucky cover tornado damage as part of your windstorm protection. Standard insurance policies often cover the structure of your home, personal belongings, and additional living expenses. Carefully review all of your insurance policies—including homeowners, renters, auto, and flood insurance—to determine what coverage may apply to tornado-related damage.
Preparing the following essential information can streamline the claims process:
- Insurance policy number
- Photos and videos documenting the damage
- Detailed list and descriptions of losses
- Receipts for any emergency or temporary repairs
If your insurance claim is denied, delayed, or undervalued, Lawrence & Associates can help you fight back. Our experienced tornado damage attorneys can explain your legal options, answer questions about property damage claims, handle communications with the insurance company, and advocate to secure the full compensation your policy provides.
Watch Out for Scams and Fraudulent Contractors
Unfortunately, in the aftermath of natural disasters, fraudulent contractors and scammers may attempt to exploit vulnerable Kentuckians. Be wary of unlicensed contractors, high-pressure sales tactics, and offers of suspiciously quick repairs without any written contracts. Before hiring, do not be afraid to request identification and verify credentials with the Kentucky Department of Insurance.
Begin Clean Up and Debris Removal Safely
As you begin clean up efforts, it is important to take proper safety precautions and follow government guidelines. Wear protective gear such as safety goggles, work gloves, sturdy boots, and face masks to reduce your risk of injury and exposure to toxic debris. Do not attempt to remove large debris, such as fallen trees or collapsed building structures, without the appropriate equipment and assistance.
Adhere to Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, guidelines and sort your disaster-generated waste into the following categories:
- Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants
- Hazardous Waste: Oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies
- Electronics: Televisions, computers, laptops, phones
- Construction and Demolition Debris: Drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, and other structural debris strewn by the tornado
- Large Appliances: Refrigerators, washers and dryers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, dishwashers
During disposal, place all sorted waste by the curbside for collection or transport it to the government-designated debris collection sites, if available. The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, or DEP, strongly encourages residents to recycle vegetative debris and large appliances whenever possible.
If your cleanup involves digging to remove large outdoor debris, Kentucky law mandates that you notify utility operators beforehand to mark any underground utility lines. Be sure to contact Kentucky 811 at least two working days before breaking ground by calling 811 or submitting a request online. This is a free service.
Find Emergency Shelter and Local Disaster Assistance
If your home has been severely damaged or destroyed by a tornado, several local and national resources are available to provide temporary shelter and support. Emergency shelters run by organizations such as the American Red Cross, FEMA, The Salvation Army, and local community centers offer housing solutions and resources for displaced Kentuckians.
Additionally, if your area has been declared a federal disaster zone, you and your family may qualify for additional financial assistance and support through FEMA. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to learn more about the program and check if you are eligible.
U.S. citizens have 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for assistance. However, the deadline may be extended in some cases. If you need help navigating the application process, call the FEMA helpline at 800‑621‑3362 for assistance.
Need Help Filing a Tornado Damage Claim? Our Property Damage Attorneys Are Here For You
Tornado damage can be devastating, but you do not have to face the insurance process alone. Lawrence & Associates is committed to fighting for fair compensation for Ohio and Kentucky residents. Whether your claim has been delayed, denied, or undervalued, our experienced attorneys in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are here to help.
Call 513-951-6723 to reach us in Ohio or 859-251-3045 to reach us in Kentucky for a free, confidential consultation, or fill out our online form to get started. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
