Tornadoes can cause major devastation and disruption. Recovery requires careful planning, effective communication and strategic action. This guide offers essential information and tips to help your organization navigate recovery.

Immediate response and safety measures

• Prioritize safety: Account for all staff, volunteers and anyone on your premises. Conduct a headcount and check for missing persons.

• Evacuate, if necessary: If the building is unsafe, evacuate immediately, following local emergency services' instructions. Ensure everyone knows evacuation routes and meeting points. Do not re-enter the building until a professional inspector gives approval to do so.

• Provide first aid and call for help: Administer first aid to injured persons and call emergency services, if necessary. Keep a first aid kit readily available and ensure staff are trained in basic first aid.

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, masks and sturdy footwear when assessing damage to protect against hazards.

• Implement your emergency response plan: Follow your pre-established emergency response plan, including designated meeting points and emergency contact lists. Conduct regular drills to familiarize everyone with your organization’s procedures.

Assessing damage

• Ensure structural soundness: Verify the structural integrity of your facility before re-entering. Look for damage to the roof, walls and foundation, and inspect for hazards like downed power lines and gas leaks. Document all damage with photos and videos for insurance purposes.

• Engage professional inspectors: Hire professionals to conduct a thorough assessment and help identify hidden damages, such as compromised electrical systems or weakened structures.

Communication strategies

• Use multiple communication channels: Keep everyone informed using phone trees, emails and mass notification systems for internal communications. Inform vendors, partners and your community about the situation and potential delays.

• Develop a comprehensive communication plan: Create templates for different types of messages and designate a communication team to disseminate information and address inquiries. Consistent and transparent communication helps maintain trust and reduce uncertainty.

Working with insurance providers

• Report damage and start the claims process: Contact your insurance provider promptly to report damage and provide necessary documentation, including photos and inventory lists.

• Understand your insurance policy: Know your coverage limits, exclusions and the claims process. Keep a detailed inventory of all assets, including purchase dates and values, to help expedite the claims process.

Developing a recovery plan

• Create a comprehensive recovery plan: Prioritize tasks based on urgency and resources. Include finding a temporary workspace, replacing or repairing damaged equipment and working with licensed contractors for repairs.

• Include a detailed timeline: Develop a timeline with specific milestones and deadlines. Assign responsibilities and establish a chain of command to streamline decision-making. Regularly review and update the plan as needed.

Getting back to “normal”

• Gradually restore operations: Focus on gradually restoring operations, keeping staff and volunteers informed about recovery progress and timelines. Communicate with vendors, partners and your community at large to manage operational disruptions.

• Implement a phased approach: Start with functions essential for operational continuity and gradually reintroduce other, less critical functions as resources allow.

Financial management

• Understand your financial situation: Assess your organization’s financial situation, use emergency funds if available, explore disaster recovery loans and grants, and keep detailed records of recovery-related expenses.

• Develop a financial recovery plan: Create a plan that includes cash flow projections, expense tracking and funding strategies. Identify potential sources of financial assistance and maintain open communication with creditors.

Mitigating future risks

• Enhance preparedness and update plans: Update your operational continuity plan to include tornado response steps. Prepare emergency kits with essentials and consider retrofitting your facility with storm-resistant features.

• Invest in risk assessments and mitigation measures: Install surge protectors and sensor technology, secure heavy equipment and create backup systems for critical data. Conduct regular training and drills to ensure organizational preparedness.

Volunteer management

• Establish a volunteer coordination team: Manage recruitment, training and deployment of volunteers who are assisting in your organization’s recovery. Create clear guidelines for volunteer activities and recognize their contributions.

• Ensure volunteer safety and efficiency: Provide safety training and PPE to volunteers. Have them sign release forms and keep well-stocked first aid kits on hand.

Long-term recovery

• Monitor progress and adjust plans as necessary: Regularly monitor recovery progress and adjust plans as needed. Hold meetings to update stakeholders and learn from the recovery process.

• Develop a long-term recovery strategy: Focus on rebuilding, strengthening infrastructure and enhancing organizational resilience. Engage with community resources and networks to share knowledge and support.

Recovering after a tornado is no small feat, but with careful planning and strategic action, organizations can overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger. By prioritizing safety, maintaining clear communication and implementing a comprehensive recovery plan, your organization can navigate the aftermath and build future resilience.

What is your organization doing to prepare for severe weather?

Be prepared and protect your organization from nature’s destructive forces by viewing our 10 Essentials of Severe Weather Preparedness. Then take action and step up your severe weather and natural disaster preparedness efforts by completing our Severe Weather Preparedness Assessment to see what your organization has covered - and discover areas that may need attention.

IMPORTANT: Keeping your organization’s contact information up to date with your insurance provider helps them to serve you better, especially if they attempt to contact you before, during or after a weather event.

For additional severe weather information, guides and more, visit our Severe Weather Preparedness resources.