threatening storm clouds over farmland

Thunderstorm and tornado resources

Thunderstorms and tornadoes can cause severe damage because of strong winds, heavy rain and flooding. BBB has tips for individuals and businesses, including:

  • Preparing for thunderstorms and tornadoes
  • Dealing with damage
  • Finding a trusted professional

Before a storm or tornado

Emergency preparedness supplies. A large pile of supplies to be used in case of a natural disaster (hurricane, flood, earthquake, etc.) including: flashlight, backpack, batteries, water bottles, first aid kit, lantern, radio, can opener, mask. No people.
General Preparedness Tips

Difference between watch and warning

Prepare for a Tornado

Prepare for a Thunderstorm

What to put in your “Go bag"

A tornado on the ground shortly after destroying a small neighborhood.
Business Preparedness Tips

Prepare your business for a disaster

Creating a disaster plan, ahead of a crisis

Creating an IT business continuity plan 

 

Palm trees in a storm
Consumer Preparedness Tips

How to prepare your home and family for the storm

Sign up for national weather alerts on your phone for U.S. areas

Download weatherCAN app to get weather alerts for locations in Canada

Teaching kids and teens about storms and how to prepare

Insurance

A poster with the inscription Disaster and fallen wooden houses. Urgent evacuation of people. Hurricane. Storm. Fire. Explosion. The flood. Collapse. Threat to people's lives. Emergency housing status
How to buy flood insurance

Floods can cause tremendous damage to your home, car, and other valuable possessions. If you are in flood zone, make sure you protect your family’s financial security by purchasing flood insurance.

Business woman examining insurance policy
BBB Tip: Insurance companies

You will probably consider many types of insurance through your life. These are the things you should keep in mind when buying any kind of insurance.

Insurance or loan real estate, Agent broker and client signing contract agreement
Find an insurance company near you

Find insurance companies near you by using your Better Business Bureau directory. Get BBB ratings and read consumer reviews and complaints by people in your community.

During a storm or tornado

  • When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe shelter (could be a home, office, or a shopping center). If there is no safe shelter quickly available, crouch down and try to have minimal contact with the ground.
  • Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways.
  • When a tornado warning is issued, act quickly! Take shelter immediately in a safe room such as a basement, storm cellar, or an inside room without windows. If you are in a mobile home, seek shelter in the closest sturdy building near you.
rain cloud
Business Resources to Have During a Storm

BBB checklist of what to do during a storm (PDF Download) 

How to keep customers and employees safe during a storm

Torrential Summer Rain Storm Water Overflowing Roof Gutters
At Home Resources for During a Storm

Common tips on staying safe during tornadoes and thunderstorms

How to stay safe during thunder and lightning storms

Prairie Storm Saskatchewan Canada
General Resources for During a Storm

U.S. resources for during a storm 

Canadian resources for during a storm

After a storm or tornado

 
  • Safety first! Check yourself and the people around you for injuries that may require urgent medical attention.
  • Secure the area.  Check for dangers that could pose hazards to you and others such as downed trees and power lines. Check for damage that may need immediate attention such as open water or gas lines. Secure important belongings or equipment that you can get to safely.
  • Assess the damage.  Once temporary repairs are made, take photos of the remaining damage and contact your insurance provider. 
  • Plan for repairs. Don't act in haste! Although you are sure to be eager to get everything back to normal, the aftermath of storms is a prime time for scams and poor business deals. Research contractors and disaster recovery services on BBB.org. Get at least three quotes before signing a contract. 

More step-by-step tips on what to do after a damaging storm or tornado

Hurricane Damaged Homes by Fallen Trees and Power Lines. Insurance Claim Concepts.
Recovery Resources After the Storm

Avoiding Stormchasers

Dealing with Storm Damage

Get A Quote from a BBB Accredited Business

Contractors Near Me

Debris Removal Tips

Tips for mold removal

Avoid buying a flood damaged car

Shattered Glass In Storefront Window
Business Resources After the Storm

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan 

IT Disaster Recovery

Employee Assistance & Support

For Farmers

Damaged and old roofing shingles and gutter system on a house
Consumer Resources After the Storm

FEMA Resources by Location 

Research Charity Assistance

Contact your local Red Cross

Finding your Pet After a Natural Disaster

Prevent fraud and scams after a storm or tornado

Research

View business profiles for unbiased information on a company and their marketplace reputation. 

Hire a trusted profesional

Search BBB.org for trusted contractors,  water damage and restoration experts, and roofers near you. 

Report scams and illegal business practices

Help warn others by reporting scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Price gouging is illegal! Report it and misleading ads to BBB Ad Truth.

Beware

happy couple shaking hands with a contractor is a house under construction

Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major disaster when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen any time, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, up front fees, and fly-by-night businesses.

Home improvement scammers take money, don't complete work
Red donate button on a computer keyboard

After a disaster or very public tragedy, people want to help in any way possible, and that often means contributing to fundraisers to help the survivors and the families of the victims. Sadly, scammers often take advantage of these moments of vulnerability to deceive donors. 

Charitable Giving after a natural disaster or tragedy
storm damage, broken tree branches on a house and roadway

Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver.

BBB Tip: Protect yourself from “storm chasers” after a natural disaster
Do your research

Check business profiles for BBB rating, customer reviews, and customer complaints. Make sure you're dealing with a trustworthy business. 

Find a trusted Charity

BBB Wise Giving Alliance is here to help you make wise giving decisions. Find an Accredited Charity that follows BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. 

Report a scam

Help us investigate and warn others by reporting what you know. Search for local scams happening in your area.

Report bad advertising

If you see price gouging or misleading ads, report it to BBB Ad Truth. Check out BBB Code of Advertising to learn advertising best practices.

File a complaint

Price gouging is illegal during a declared state of emergency. File a complaint if you suspect a business is taking advantage of consumers. 

Contractors near you

Hiring a trustworthy contractor is one of the most important steps in your project. Search this list to find an Accredited general contractor near you.

Homebuilders near you
Building contractors near you
Construction services near you