Tornados are scary and powerful events. Knowing what to do after this can seem daunting but keep this list in mind. While some only may touch down briefly and cause little to no damage, others can rip through neighborhoods and bounce through towns, leaving a wake of destroyed property behind them.

When a tornado does touch down in your area, it can cause a lot of damage very quickly. After an event like this its recommended to:

• Stay informed on updates and warnings by tuning into the local news or NOAA Weather Radio. Sometimes multiple rounds of storms occur within a short period, producing more tornados or severe weather.
• Contact your loved ones to let them know you are okay and spread the word. Using text messages or even social media outlets are sometimes considered additional reliable forms of communication as a phone call ca be disrupted due to storm impacts.
• Assess property damage after the threat has ended. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, as well as sturdy shoes when you are walking around since debris could be anywhere. If you see downed power lines or broken gas lines, stay far away and contact authorities. Stay away from damaged structures.
• Help your neighbors where you can. But don't put yourself in a precarious or dangerous position. Provide first aid to victims until emergency response teams come if you are trained.
• Watch out for insurance scammers if your property has sustained damage. You should connect with your agent and let them help you file a claim. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) notes: government disaster agencies never ask for financial information by call or text, and FEMA or the Small Business Association will never have a fee in order to get disaster assistance. If someone calls claiming to be from your insurance company, hang up and verify by calling your company directly through the number on your account statement.

When a devastating storm hits, you may feel overwhelmed with the recovery process. One of the first things you will want to do is connect with your insurance agent to start the claims process. Here are some first steps to take to help you prepare:

• Make repairs to stop further damage or loss. Also, keep the receipts for any temporary repairs made for potential reimbursement.
• If you are staying off-property, keep your receipts for potential reimbursement and make sure your agent knows where to contact you.
• Make a detailed list of what was destroyed and lost. Do not throw out damaged property until your insurance adjuster has met with you.
• Don't get rushed into signing on repair teams. Look into all contractors and make sure they are reputable and have experience in repair work.
• Consult your insurance adjuster before agreeing to any prices, payment terms or contracts.