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What Should I Check First After a Tornado Passes?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First

Before you inspect anything, make sure you and your family are safe. Stay away from downed power lines, and do not touch anything that looks like it might be live. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the area and call your gas utility from a safe distance. Do not use matches or lighters until you are sure there is no leak.

Check for obvious structural damage, like sagging ceilings or leaning walls. If the building looks unstable, do not go inside. Wait for a building inspector or emergency services to give the all clear. Keep children and pets away from debris and sharp objects. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves if you must walk through the area.

Check for Water Damage

Water damage often hides after a tornado. Look for wet spots on ceilings, walls, and floors. Tornadoes can tear off roofing, break windows, and knock over gutters, letting rain pour into your home. Also check for burst pipes from flying debris or pressure changes. Pay special attention to areas near exterior walls and windows.

Walk through every room with a flashlight, including the attic and crawl spaces if you can reach them safely. Feel walls and floors for dampness, and look for peeling paint or warped wood. If you find any water, note where it is and how much. This information helps the pros know where to focus their work. Take photos as you go.

Shut off Utilities

If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas at the main valve only if you can do so safely. Do not turn it back on yourself; wait for the utility company. For water, shut off the main water valve to stop any leaks from broken pipes. If you live in Oakland, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can find it quickly.

Turn off electricity at the breaker panel if there is standing water or you see sparks. Do not step in water to reach the panel. If you cannot reach it safely, call an electrician. These small steps can prevent bigger problems while you wait for help. Label the shutoff valves clearly so anyone in your home can find them.

Document Everything

Take photos and videos of all damage, including water stains, soaked carpets, and broken windows. Write down the date and time you noticed the water. This record helps your insurance company understand what happened. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Be thorough, because you may need this evidence later.

Keep receipts for any supplies you buy, like tarps or buckets, because they might be part of your claim. Do not throw away damaged items until you have documented them. The pros can help you sort through what can be saved and what needs to go. List every damaged item with its approximate value.

Call the Pros

Once you have checked for safety and documented the damage, contact local water damage pros. They have the tools to dry out your home and prevent mold growth. Ask them to inspect the water damage, especially in hidden areas like behind walls or under floors. They can also check for moisture in places you cannot see.

Water damage can worsen quickly, so act fast. The pros can remove soaked flooring, dry out drywall, and clean up floodwater. They will also check for mold, which can start growing within a day or two. Waiting too long can lead to more extensive repairs and higher costs. Ask about the drying process and what to expect.

  • Check for gas leaks and downed power lines first
  • Look for water stains on ceilings and walls
  • Feel floors and carpets for dampness
  • Inspect the attic and crawl spaces with a flashlight
  • Shut off water and gas if it is safe to do so
  • Document all damage with photos and notes

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Frequently asked questions

How soon should I call a water damage professional?

Call as soon as you have checked for safety and documented the damage. Water damage worsens quickly, and mold can start growing within a day or two. Acting quickly helps limit the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs.

Can I clean up the water myself?

Small spills you can handle, but after a tornado, water may be contaminated or hidden behind walls. The pros have equipment to dry and sanitize properly. If the water came from rain or flooding, it may contain debris or bacteria, so professional help is safer.

What should I do with soaked furniture and carpets?

Do not throw anything away until you have documented it with photos. Move lightweight items to a dry area if you can do so safely. The pros can assess whether carpets and furniture can be dried or need replacing. They will handle removal if needed.

Call Now (510) 318-3798