A line of thunderstorms swept across central Oklahoma on the evening of February 26, 2023, causing widespread tornado damage. While the storm itself spanned hundreds of miles, several cities were directly impacted by storm damage, including Norman, Tuttle, Shawnee, and parts of Oklahoma City.
Wind gusts topped 80 to 100 mph and doppler radar indicated debris was thrown as high as 7,000 feet in the air. Seven tornadoes have been confirmed and damage was reported to homes, businesses, schools, and power lines across the area. Overall, the National Weather Service received 117 reports of damaging winds and 15 reports of large hail.
After storm damage reports started coming in, we reached out to past customers to offer assistance. Our entire team mobile and began completing emergency roof repairs and tarping for homeowners in Norman.
Tornadoes are one of the most destructive natural disasters that can occur. If your home suffered tornado damage after the 2/27 storm, knowing what steps to take can help start the recovery and repair process. Read on to get six tips from our local experts, or call 405-895-9972 for same-day emergency repairs.
Safety First When Dealing With Tornado Damage
The first and most important step is to ensure your safety and the safety of your family. If any electrical or gas lines have been damaged, turn off the power and gas to your home. It’s also important to stay away from any downed power lines and to avoid walking through standing water as it may be charged with electricity. If you are unsure about the safety of your home, wait for emergency responders to arrive before entering.
Document Any Tornado Damage
Take photos or videos of the damage to your home and property as soon as possible. This documentation will be useful when you file an insurance claim and can also help you to remember what needs to be repaired or replaced. Keep in mind that you should not begin any repairs until you have contacted your insurance company and they have sent an adjuster to assess the damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report tornado damage and begin the insurance claim process. Be sure to provide your insurance company with a detailed description of the damage, including any personal property that was damaged. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and provide you with an estimate of the cost of repairs.
Make Emergency Repairs
If your home has sustained structural damage, it may be necessary to secure your property to prevent further damage or theft. Cover any openings in your roof or walls with tarps or boards to keep out the elements and protect your belongings. If you have broken windows, cover them with plastic or plywood to prevent rain from entering your home. Triple Diamond Construction can assist with emergency tarping and home repairs. Call 405-895-9972 to schedule a same-day appointment.
Begin The Cleanup Process
Once you have documented the damage and contacted your insurance company, you can begin the cleanup process. Remove any debris from your property, including fallen trees and branches. If there is standing water in your home, use a pump or wet/dry vacuum to remove it. It’s important to dry out your home as quickly as possible to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Pro tip: if you have not yet filed a claim or have photos/video of the damage to your home, don’t clean anything up! Proper documentation is critical for fair payment on your claim. Our experts can provide a photo-documented damage report for free. Schedule online or call 405-895–9972 to learn more.
Hire A Licensed, Local Contractor
If your home requires extensive repairs, it’s important to hire a reputable contractor to handle the work. Look for a general contractor who has experience with tornado damage and who is licensed and insured. It’s also not uncommon for contractors to come in from other states after widespread weather events. Know how to spot roofing and home repair scams and check license status online through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.
Key Takeaways When Dealing With Tornado Damage
Dealing with tornado damage to your home can be a difficult and overwhelming experience.
However, by ensuring your safety, documenting the damage, contacting your insurance company, securing your property, beginning the cleanup process, and hiring a reputable contractor, you can start the process of repairing and rebuilding your home.
Have questions or need more information? Our experts are here to help. Contact our team by calling 405-895-9972 or learn more about our roofing services in Moore, Yukon, Lawton, Norman, and Edmond.
