What Is the First Thing to Do After a Tornado?
Last updated October 31, 2026
The short answer
Check for Injuries First
Your safety comes before anything else. Look around you for anyone who is bleeding, unconscious, or struggling to breathe. If you find an injury, call 911 right away and do not move a person with a possible spine or neck injury unless they are in immediate danger.
If you feel unwell, dizzy, or short of breath, see a doctor as soon as you can. Tornadoes can toss debris that causes hidden injuries. Take a few slow breaths and scan your own body for cuts or bruises before you start inspecting your home.
Shut off Gas and Water
A tornado can snap gas lines or crack water pipes without you noticing. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, turn off the gas at the main valve and leave the house. Do not flip any light switches or use appliances until a professional confirms it is safe.
For water, locate your main shutoff valve, usually near the street or where the pipe enters the basement. If you live in Columbus, keep that valve location written down so you can find it quickly after a storm. Turning off the water limits flooding inside your walls and floors.
- Smell for gas and listen for hissing
- Find the main gas valve and turn it off if needed
- Locate your water shutoff valve before a storm hits
- Avoid touching any wet electrical panels
- Use a flashlight, not candles, to inspect dark rooms
Watch for Power Lines
Downed power lines are a hidden killer after a tornado. Assume every wire on the ground is live. Stay at least 30 feet away and call the electric company to report the hazard. Do not walk through puddles or wet grass near a fallen line.
If your power is out, turn off the main breaker to prevent surges when electricity returns. Keep your refrigerator closed to preserve food, and use battery-powered lights instead of open flames. Never touch a power line with any object, even if it looks dead.
Document Damage for Insurance
Once you are safe, take photos of every damaged area, including broken windows, torn roofing, and wet spots on ceilings or walls. Write down the date and time of the tornado. This record helps you when you talk to your insurance company about your claim.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see what types of storm and water damage are included. Do not throw away damaged items until you have photographed them, and keep receipts for any supplies you buy for temporary repairs.
Start Emergency Water Removal
If rain entered through a broken roof or window, water can soak into drywall, flooring, and insulation within hours. Act quickly to remove standing water with a wet vacuum or mop. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes to your home's structure.
Local water damage pros can handle large extraction jobs and structural drying after a storm. They use pumps and dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of walls and floors. For a first step, you can mop up small puddles, but leave deep or widespread flooding to the pros.
- Mop up small puddles right away
- Move furniture and rugs to a dry area
- Open windows to air out damp rooms
- Run fans to help surfaces dry faster
- Call the pros for large puddles or soaked walls
Water damage does not wait
Call (614) 412-4391 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (614) 412-4391Frequently asked questions
How long can water sit before it causes mold?
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet surfaces like drywall or carpet. The key is to dry things out quickly. If you cannot remove water within a day, call a mold professional or water damage pro to assess the situation.
Should I turn off my electricity after a tornado?
Yes, if you suspect water has reached your outlets, breaker panel, or appliances. Turn off the main breaker from a dry location, or have an electrician do it. Do not stand in water while touching any electrical switch or cord.
Can I repair a broken window myself?
You can board up a broken window with plywood as a temporary fix to keep rain and debris out. Use screws, not nails, to secure the board. For permanent glass replacement, hire a professional glazier or window installer to do the job safely.