The Complete Joplin, MO Tornado & Storm Recovery Guide

Schedule a professional roof inspection every February/March — before peak storm season

Replace any missing, cracked, or curling shingles immediately — they become entry points for water

Check and re-seal all roof penetrations — vents, skylights, chimneys, satellite dish mounts

Ensure your garage door is wind-rated — garage doors are the #1 structural failure point in high winds

Trim trees within 15 feet of your roofline — branches become projectiles in tornado-strength winds

Secure or store loose outdoor items — furniture, trampolines, grills become deadly debris

Know where your gas shutoff valve is and how to turn it off — critical after structural damage

Verify your safe room or basement shelter is clear and accessible

Review your homeowner's insurance policy annually — confirm wind and tornado coverage

Photograph every room, exterior wall, and roof — create a timestamped pre-storm baseline

Create a home inventory with photos and estimated replacement values — store copies off-site

Check whether you have flood insurance — Turkey Creek and Shoal Creek flooding requires NFIP coverage

Verify your sewage backup endorsement — critical for flash flood sewer overflow events

Store policy numbers, agent contact info, and claim phone numbers in your phone and a waterproof bag

Do NOT re-enter a tornado-damaged structure until structural integrity is confirmed

Check for gas leaks (smell), downed power lines, and compromised walls or foundations

Walk the perimeter from a safe distance — look for structural shifting, debris penetration, roof loss

Check for water intrusion through damaged roof or walls — this starts the mold clock

Account for all family members and contact emergency services for any injuries

Photograph EVERYTHING before touching or moving anything — every room, every wall, every item

Record video with narration walking through all damaged areas

Photograph the roof from ladder level if safe — or hire a professional for aerial documentation

Note hail size observed — pea, quarter, golf ball, baseball — and photograph any hailstones

Check weather records at weather.gov to document the official storm date, time, and wind speeds

Create a written inventory of all damaged personal property with estimated replacement values

Call your insurance company to open a claim — do this BEFORE any repairs begin

Request an adjuster appointment — note the claim number and adjuster's name

Apply emergency tarps to all roof breaches — keep receipts for insurance reimbursement

Begin water extraction and dehumidification if rain has entered — mold starts in 24 hours

Board up broken windows to secure against weather and unauthorized entry

Register with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov if a federal disaster has been declared for Jasper County

Permanent local presence in Joplin or the Four State area — physical address, local phone number

Active Missouri contractor license — verifiable through the state

General liability insurance and workers compensation — will provide certificates on request

IICRC certification for water, fire, and mold restoration

Verifiable Joplin-area references and previous tornado restoration projects

Provides a detailed written estimate before any work begins

Willing to work directly with your insurance adjuster

Does NOT require you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB)

Does NOT demand full payment before work is completed

Knocks on your door unsolicited immediately after a storm — especially with out-of-state plates

No permanent Joplin address — working out of a truck or hotel

Offers to "work with your deductible" or waive it — this is insurance fraud in Missouri

Pressures you to sign on the spot with time-limited offers

Asks for large cash deposits or full payment before work begins

Cannot provide local Four State area references or a verifiable Missouri license number