What to do after a tornado in Little Rock

Hayley Evans
Apr 2
3 min read

After a tornado or severe storm, the immediate focus should always be safety. Once conditions are stable, homeowners in Little Rock can begin assessing damage and taking steps to protect their property.

Downed power line leans on a pole at an intersection with stop sign. Fallen branches scattered, house and trees in the background.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Storm

Check for structural damage, downed power lines, or hazards before re-entering your home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises avoiding damaged buildings until they have been inspected for safety.

The American Red Cross has the following checklist for checking your home for structural damage:

Check the outside of your home before you enter.
Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, missing support beams or other damage. Damage on the outside can indicate a serious problem inside. Ask a building inspector or contractor to check the structure before you enter.
If the door is jammed, don’t force it open – it may be providing support to the rest of your home. Find another way to get inside.
Sniff for gas. If you detect natural or propane gas, or hear a hissing noise, leave the property immediately and get far away from it. Call the fire department after you reach safety.
If you have a propane tank system, turn off all valves and contact a propane supplier to check the system out before you use it again.
Beware of animals, such as rodents, snakes, spiders and insects, that may have entered your home. As you inspect your home, tap loudly and often on the floor with a stick to give notice that you are there.
Damaged objects, such as furniture or stairs, may be unstable. Be very cautious when moving near them. Avoid holding, pushing or leaning against damaged building parts.
Is your ceiling sagging? That means it got wet – which makes it heavy and dangerous. It will have to be replaced, so you can try to knock it down. Be careful: wear eye protection and a hard hat, use a long stick, and stand away from the damaged area. Poke holes in the ceiling starting from the outside of the bulge to let any water drain out slowly. Striking the center of the damaged area may cause the whole ceiling to collapse.
Is the floor sagging? It could collapse under your weight, so don’t walk there! Small sections that are sagging can be bridged by thick plywood panels or thick, strong boards that extend at least 8–12 inches on each side of the sagging area.
If the weather is dry, open windows and doors to ventilate and/or dry your home.
If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame, including candles, to inspect for damage or serve as alternate lighting.
Make temporary repairs such as covering holes, bracing walls, and removing debris. Save all receipts.
Take photographs of the damage. You may need these to substantiate insurance claims later.

Documenting Damage for Insurance

Take clear photos of any visible damage, including roofing, siding, and interior areas affected by water. Documentation is essential for filing insurance claims.