Hattiesburg knows tornado devastation firsthand. On February 10, 2013, an EF-4 tornado with 170+ mph winds carved through the University of Southern Mississippi campus and surrounding neighborhoods, destroying over 600 homes and causing more than $100 million in damage. If tornado damage strikes your Hattiesburg home, here's what to do.
Step 1: Ensure Everyone Is Safe
Your family's safety comes first. Account for all household members. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not re-enter a structurally damaged building. Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks (smell for rotten eggs), and unstable structures.
Step 2: Document Everything Before Cleanup
Before touching anything, photograph and video record all damage — inside and out. Document the roof, walls, windows, flooring, personal belongings, and vehicles. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim and will be the difference between a smooth payout and a dispute.
Step 3: Call for Professional Restoration Help
Call RapidShield at (601) 673-2237. We'll connect you immediately with a vetted, licensed restoration professional in Hattiesburg who can tarp your roof, secure your property, begin water extraction, and start the restoration process.
In Mississippi's 70%+ humidity, any rain entering through a tornado-damaged roof will lead to mold growth within 24 hours. Emergency tarping is not optional — it's the single most important step after ensuring safety.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
File your claim as soon as possible. Tornado damage is covered by standard homeowner's insurance policies (wind/hail coverage). However, flood damage from tornado-related rainfall may require separate flood insurance. The restoration company we connect you with will work directly with your adjuster.
Why Hattiesburg Is Tornado-Prone
- •Hattiesburg sits in the Pine Belt tornado corridor — one of Mississippi's most active
- •The 2013 EF-4 tornado destroyed 600+ homes with 170+ mph winds
- •Tornado season runs February through May, with secondary risk in November
- •The city is also vulnerable to hurricane-spawned tornadoes during Gulf storm season
- •Mississippi ranks 5th nationally in tornado frequency per square mile
Don't Wait — Call RapidShield Now
If you're dealing with tornado or storm damage in Hattiesburg right now, call (601) 673-2237. We'll connect you with a certified restoration professional who can secure and restore your home. Our service is free to homeowners.