Oklahoma sits squarely in Tornado Alley, averaging 56 tornadoes per year. When a tornado strikes your home or business, the aftermath can feel overwhelming, but acting quickly and methodically makes all the difference in your recovery. Here's what you need to know.
Immediately After the Tornado: Safety First
Before you assess damage, prioritize safety. Watch for downed power lines, broken gas lines (smell for rotten eggs), and structural instability. Do not enter a building that appears structurally compromised. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your utility provider from a safe distance.
Document Damage Before Touching Anything
Once it's safe, document every bit of damage with photos and video, roof, walls, windows, belongings, landscaping, vehicles. Walk around the entire exterior. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim and FEMA applications if a federal disaster is declared.
Emergency Tarping & Board-Up
A compromised roof or broken windows leave your home exposed to Oklahoma's unpredictable weather. Emergency tarping prevents secondary water damage that can triple your repair costs. ASAP Pro's storm damage response team provides 24/7 emergency tarping and board-up services across the entire OKC metro, including Edmond, Moore, Norman, Yukon, and Midwest City.
The Hidden Threat: Water Damage After a Tornado
Tornadoes in Oklahoma are almost always accompanied by heavy rain. Even if your roof looks intact, wind-driven rain can penetrate compromised seals, attic vents, and flashing. This hidden moisture leads to rapid mold growth within 24–48 hours. Professional moisture mapping with thermal imaging is the only way to detect saturation behind walls and under flooring.
Working with Insurance After a Tornado
Oklahoma tornado damage claims can be complex, especially when wind and water damage overlap. Here's how to protect yourself:
- File your claim immediately, don't wait for the adjuster backlog to clear.
- Get an independent damage assessment, a restoration company like ASAP Pro can document damage the adjuster might miss.
- Keep receipts for everything, temporary housing, meals, emergency repairs are often reimbursable.
- Don't accept the first offer, supplements for hidden damage are common and expected in tornado claims.
ASAP Pro coordinates directly with all major Oklahoma insurance carriers, State Farm, Farmers, Allstate, USAA, and more. We handle documentation, supplements, and communication so you can focus on your family.
What Professional Tornado Cleanup Includes
- Emergency board-up, tarping, and property securing within hours
- Debris removal and site clearing
- Water extraction and structural drying for rain-related damage
- Mold prevention treatment with EPA-registered antimicrobials
- Structural assessment and reconstruction planning
- Content pack-out, cleaning, and storage for salvageable belongings
- Full rebuild services, from framing to final paint
Areas We Serve After Severe Storms
ASAP Pro Services provides tornado and storm damage restoration across all of Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Yukon, Mustang, Piedmont, Tuttle, Choctaw, Newcastle, Blanchard, Shawnee, and Stillwater. Our 47-minute average response time means we're among the first on the scene.
Ready Before the Next Storm
Save our number now: (405) 992-4111. When severe weather strikes Oklahoma, ASAP Pro is on standby 24/7/365 with IICRC-certified crews and commercial-grade equipment. Don't wait for the damage to get worse.