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Stay safe during a tornado.

We're here to help protect you before, during and after a natural disaster.

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Mobile response sites for Hurricane & Typhoon Sinlaku

Current locations

  • Torpedoes & Tomahawks (T&T)
    BLDG 75 Chapel Rd., Apra Harbor, Naval Base Guam
    Hours: April 28 to May 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ChST Daily

Can't get to us?

You can file and manage claims online or using the USAA Mobile App. Or you can speak with one of our representatives at 800-531-USAA (8722).

What you can do at a mobile response site

We want to be there for our members when they need it most. At a mobile response site, you can:

  • Charge devices and access Wi-Fi. Power up and get connected at our internet cafe.
  • File and manage claims. We’ll have adjusters on site who can help you.
  • Review your coverage. Our representatives can service your existing policies or establish new ones.

How to prepare for a natural disaster

We've put together a natural disaster action plan with tips to help you stay safe.

  • Create an evacuation plan.
  • Grab your emergency kit.
  • Gather important documents.
  • Photograph your property.
Check out action plan

Understand tornado alerts

Make sure you’re familiar with the different types of tornado alerts and their meanings.

To stay updated, keep your mobile device charged and sign up for emergency alerts.

Tornado watch

Be prepared. Tornadoes are possible in your area. Review your emergency plans and check your supplies. Stay alert and be ready to act quickly if needed.

Tornado warning

Take action. A tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. Head to a safe room or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows and protect yourself from flying debris.

Tornado emergency

Seek shelter immediately. This is the highest alert level. A violent tornado has touched down. Find the safest place you can and alert friends and family in the area. Don’t try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Shelter in place and stay tuned to local updates.

Tornado safety tips

Help keep you and your family safe during a tornado with .

Safety tips during a tornado

  • Check our guide on how to protect your roof from wind and hail.
  • Create a survival kit for emergencies.
  • Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
  • If trapped by debris, be loud. Try banging on a pipe or making noise instead of shouting. 
  • If you need to evacuate, locate a shelter.
  • If you’re on an upper floor of an apartment or tall office building, move to the first floor and shelter in an interior hallway.
  • In a shopping mall, seek an interior bathroom or storage room.

Indoor safety

  • Head to a basement, storm cellar or safe room. Don't forget your pets.
  • If you can't get to a basement, find a small, interior room without windows, like a closet or bathroom.
  • Cover your head with your arms. If you have time, use a mattress for extra protection.
  • If you live in a mobile home, head to a prearranged shelter.

Outdoor safety

  • Don't try to outrun a tornado in your car. Stay buckled, and avoid going under overpasses or bridges.
  • If you're caught outside or must abandon your car, seek shelter in a ditch or low-lying area.
  • If there's a safe building nearby, get inside right away.
  • Protect yourself with a blanket or coat. Cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid dust.
  • Watch out for flying debris, which can be deadly.

How to stay safe after a tornado

After a tornado, extra precautions can help keep you and your family safe. Follow updates from authorities and local news, and use these tips:

  • Enter your home cautiously, and keep children and pets away until it’s safe. 
  • Be aware of fallen power lines, broken gas lines and dangerous materials. Report them immediately to a power company. 
  • Don't touch electrical equipment if it's wet or you're standing in water. When it's safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock. 

For more help, check out these .

Safety tips

  • Communicate with family and friends via text or social media, because phone lines may be busy.
  • Be aware of sagging floors and ceilings. They’re probably wet and may be heavy and dangerous.
  • Protect yourself from harmful bacteria, airborne inhalation hazards and electrical hazards.
  • Wear appropriate safety gear such as rubber boots, a respirator, rubber gloves, goggles and head cover.
  • Protect yourself from infectious diseases by using insect repellent.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use generators, stoves and grills outside, away from windows and doors.
  • Use antibiotic ointment for abrasions or cuts and cover them up as best you can to avoid infections.

What to do after a tornado

Know your rights and protect finances.

Your policy will cover the reasonable costs of repairs after a covered loss whether you work with a USAA-preferred contractor or not.

If you want to use your own, ask friends and family for recommendations and read reviews. And make sure you read and understand any documents before signing.

Inspect property and assess damage.

If you find damage, take photos and file a claim. Check for water leaks, especially in ceilings. Save receipts for temporary repairs and avoid permanent repairs until your claims adjuster checks the damage.

Check out more .

Property inspection tips

You may need to take action right away to avoid further damage to your property. Only do what you can do safety on your own. Consider hiring professionals for anything else.

  • Protect your property from further damage by covering roof openings, broken windows or doors with tarps or plywood and save receipts for what you spend. You can submit your receipts to possibly get reimbursed as part of your insurance claim.
  • If you have standing water in your basement and can pump the water out yourself, make sure you do it gradually to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out too quickly, pressure from the wet soil outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
  • Damaged sewage systems are health hazards. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible.
  • It's important to dry out your home, including furniture and drywall, as soon as possible to avoid mold. Mold cleanup can be difficult and dangerous. Even though your flood policy may not cover the cost, consider hiring an experienced professional certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
  • After wind and rain, your roof might be damaged and leaking. Insurance doesn't typically cover the cost of an independent inspection, but it may still be worth hiring a licensed contractor to inspect your roof right away.
  • If you don't have flood insurance, you may qualify for disaster assistance through FEMA. They may be able to provide disaster assistance for things like medical and dental expenses, child care, essential household items, moving and storage and some clean-up items.

File claims for vehicle damage.

If there’s damage, take photos before removing debris or making temporary repairs. For auto glass damage, file an auto glass claim. For other damage, file an auto claim. Save receipts for temporary repairs to get reimbursed.

Manage post-tornado stress.

Recovering from a tornado can be extremely stressful. These tips can help you and your loved ones know what to look for emotionally after a disaster. Taking things one step at a time can make the process feel more manageable.

How to file a natural disaster claim

Try to report your claim as soon as possible. This helps you secure a contractor early, avoiding long wait times to hear from them.

Steps to complete How to file a natural disaster claim

  1. Report your claim

    Tell us what happened. Get started on usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App.

  2. Get more details

    We’ll review what happened and check what your policy covers. You can also add more details in My Claims Center.

  3. Evaluate the claim

    We’ll go over the details and figure out what to pay based on your coverage and deductible.

  4. Settle the claim

    If covered, we’ll make a payment to you or a third party.

Ready to report your claim?

Report a claim

Check claim status

Related footnotes:

  1. Safety guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive, but are provided for your consideration. Please use your own judgment to determine what safety features/procedures should be used in each unique situation.

  2. Property and casualty insurance underwritten by United Services Automobile Association (USAA), USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, USAA Falcon Property & Casualty Insurance Company, and NOBLR Reciprocal Exchange, based in San Antonio, Texas; USAA EU DAC (Europe), and USAA S.A. UK Branch (pending cancellation to align with the pending branch authorization application) and is available only to persons eligible for property and casualty group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

    Coverages subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

    Learn about USAA's use of Artificial Intelligence.

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