If you are currently impacted by a natural disaster, visit USAA’s natural disaster center for up-to-date information. You can view resources deployed to your area or report a claim.
Some things are uniquely American, including the large number of tornadoes that touch down here every year. Whether you live in a high-risk area or not, prepare a game plan in case a tornado touches down near you or your home.
- Prepare
- Stay safe
- Recover
Prepare for the storm.
Have an evacuation plan.
Your number one priority during a tornado or any natural disaster is to keep your family and yourself safe. If you’re ordered to evacuate, do so. Having a mapped out and practiced evacuation plan can make it easier for you to leave your home safely and quickly.
Research shows that people who don’t evacuate may lack transportation, may not have a plan for their pets or may be reluctant due to potential costs of food or lodging. Knowing your plan and resources that you may have available can make your evacuation plan more effective.
Learn more about creating a plan with USAA’s evacuation guide.
Prepare an emergency kit.
Having a disaster plan includes having supplies to build an emergency kit in case you have to evacuate. Include a first-aid kit, a radio with extra batteries, one gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable food and a manual can opener, medicines, smartphone chargers including one for your car, and food and supplies for your pets. Aim for your supplies to last at least two to three days. Put important financial, medical and legal documents in a safe place.
Have a communication plan.
Prepare a call tree with neighbors, friends and family members. Share your plans, where you plan to go and when you’ll check in. If you aren’t able to find lodging, locate an open shelterOpens in New Window. See note 1
Stay informed before and during the storm.
Sign up and listen to emergency alerts Opens in New Window. See note 1 NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions. Stay aware of the latest news and updates from your local media and fire department. Check the batteries in your weather radio. It's your best chance to stay safe since there's little warning of approaching storms. Understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warningOpens in New Window: See note 1
- Tornado watch: Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.
- Tornado warning: Seek safe shelter immediately. A tornado has been sighted or indicated by the National Weather Service Doppler radar or a reliable report.
Prepare your home.
Do a home inventory.
Take stock of your belongings before the storm. It can be as easy as taking photos or a video of your possessions with your smartphone.
Build a safe place.
If you live in a tornado-prone area, consider having a safe room or storm shelter professionally built. More information and tips can be found on tornado-strong.orgOpens in New Window. See note 1
Strengthen your home.
You can now construct a home to withstand many tornadoes. More information is available from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home SafetyOpens in New Window. See note 1
Check your insurance coverage.
Contact your insurance carrier now to make sure that your policy has the right coverage and benefits needed to help rebuild your home if disaster strikes.
Stay safe during the storm.
If you've been ordered to evacuate, do so. Contact emergency organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army or Federal Emergency Management Agency for shelter informationOpens in New Window. See note 1
If you have animals, research local facilities that provide temporary shelter or find hotels that allow for pets. If you're anticipating or currently being evacuated and need a safe place to stay, USAA members can book discounted evacuation housing through our USAA Perks® program.
Know what to do inside.
Go to a basement, storm cellar or safe roomOpens in New Window. See note 1 Remember your pets if time allows. Try to get to a small, interior room without windows, such as a closet or bathroom, on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Put as many walls between you and the outdoors as possible.
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter, and protect yourself from flying debris.
Know what to do outside.
Most importantly, always seek immediate shelter during a tornado warning.
Don't try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. If you're confined to a car, keep your seatbelt on and don't get under an overpass or bridge. You're safer in a ditch or low-lying area.
If there's a safe building nearby, get inside immediately.
Protect your body by covering it with something like a blanket or coat. Cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
Should you become trapped by debris, be loud. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle or air horn instead of shouting.
Be aware of fallen power lines, broken gas lines and dangerous materials. Report them immediately to a power company.
Mobile phones and weather apps also play an increasing role in helping people before and after a tornado. Having a spare battery or alternate power source will help keep you connected after a disaster.
Recover from the storm.
Take steps to protect your personal safety.
Listen to authorities and local news for updates to find out when it's safe to return home and if water is safe to drink.
Returning to your neighborhood.
Be aware of fallen power lines, broken gas lines and dangerous materials. Report them immediately to a power company. Avoid standing water, as it can be deeper than you think and can carry contaminants and dangerous debris.
Entering your home.
Use caution when entering your home and avoid bringing your children and pets until you're able to inspect your property. Be aware of sagging floors and ceilings. They could be wet or structurally damaged and unsafe to bear weight.
Don't touch electrical equipment if it's wet or if you're standing in water. If it's safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Use environmental precautions.
Protect yourself from harmful bacteria, airborne inhalation hazards and electrical hazards. Wear proper protective clothingOpens in New Window. See note 1 Consider rubber boots, respiratory protection, rubber gloves, goggles and head coverings.
Protect yourself from infectious diseases by using insect repellent. Use antibiotic ointment for abrasions or cuts and cover them up as best you can to avoid infections.
Inspect your property and assess the damage.
Property damage isn’t always immediately evident. If property damage is found, file a claim. Take photos of any damage before you remove debris or make temporary repairs. Be sure to check for any signs of water leaks, especially in the ceilings.
You may need to take action right away to avoid further damage to you property. Only do what you can do safely on your own. Protect your property from further damage by covering roof openings, broken windows or doors with tarps or plywood, and save receipts for what you spend for reimbursement consideration.
Avoid making permanent repairs until your claims adjuster has assessed damage. Although not typically covered by insurance, consider hiring a licensed contractor to inspect your roof for damage. Hire professionals for anything else.
Roof or window damage
Protect your property from further damage by covering roof openings, broken windows, or doors with tarps or plywood, and save receipts for what you spend.
After wind and rain, your roof might be damaged and leaking. Insurance doesn't typically cover the cost of an independent inspection, but it may still be worth hiring a licensed contractor to inspect your roof right away.
Water damage
If you have standing water in your basement and can pump the water out yourself, make sure you do it gradually to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out too quickly, pressure from the wet soil outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
Damaged sewage systems are health hazards. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible.
Dry out your home, including furniture and drywall, as soon as possible to avoid mold. Mold cleanup can be difficult and dangerous. Even though your flood policy may not cover the cost, consider hiring an experienced professional certified by the National Environmental Health Association.
If you don't have flood insurance, you may qualify for disaster assistance through FEMAOpens in New Window. See note 1 They may be able to provide disaster assistance for things like medical and dental expenses, childcare, essential household items, moving and storage, and some clean-up items.
Getting back on your feet following a storm can be stressful. Read more helpful tips to financially recover from the storm.
Know your rights and protect your finances.
Contact your insurance company before signing an Assignment of Benefits with a third party. This includes auto windshield repair shops, water extraction or mitigation companies, and other contractors. Signing over your insurance benefits to a contractor or other vendor may seem convenient at the moment, but you may lose your rights under the policy to that third party and lose control of your claim.
Inspect your vehicles for damage.
Take photos of any damage before you remove debris or make temporary repairs. If you need to make temporary repairs to make it safe to drive, save the receipts for reimbursement consideration. If there's only damage to your auto glass, file an auto glass claim. If there's damage to more than just your auto glass, file an auto claim.
Know how to report a claim.
USAA members can use the USAA Mobile App or usaa.com to report a claim. Or call 800-531-USAA (8722).
Be prepared and stay safe during natural disasters.
Our Natural Disaster Center offers tips on how to prepare, stay safe and recover from natural disasters.