Tornado Response and Recovery Resources

Gathered below are resources from UT Extension Specialists and other organizations across the state and country to assist individuals, families, and producers who have been impacted by a tornado event. Reach out to your County Extension Office for assistance.

Assistance Options

Types of Assistance Available for Survivors of Storms and Tornadoes (farmer and non-farmer)

USDA Disaster Assistance Recovery Tool

Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs that might be right for you by completing five simple steps.

USDA Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance

View a resource that provides overview of available disaster assistance programs and eligibility requirements.

Reporting Loss

RMA Loss Adjustment Standards Handbooks (LASH) – Crop Loss Adjustment Standards

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) Loss Adjustment Standards Handbooks (LASH) identify loss adjustment standards and requirements for determining production or revenue and adjusting crop insurance claims in a uniform and timely manner. This resource includes several handbooks for different kinds of “commodities” outlining procedures for inspecting damaged crops, calculating losses, and determining indemnities in accordance with the crop insurance policy.

Dealing with Damage—Safe Cleanup

Dealing with Damaged Agriculture Buildings

This resource covers safe inspection and clean-up of various agriculture buildings/structures.

Avoid Injury During Tornado Cleanup

This video resource covers safety precautions for cleanup following a tornado.

Managing Storm-Damaged Trees

This resource offers guidance on measures to manage storm-damaged trees and minimize risk to people and personal property – also addresses common questions posed by property owners following storm damage.

Safety Guidelines After a Tornado

Safety Procedures After a Tornado

Using Portable Generators Safely

Inspecting Buildings from Hidden Wind Damage

Forests and Timber

The following resources are primarily for forest landowners

Forest Tax Webinar Series 5 (of 5): Coping With Losses from Nature and Chance

This webinar offers guidance for forest landowners on managing tax implications for timber losses due to unforeseen events, such as weather disasters, timber theft, and trespassing. It covers topics like casualty and non-casualty loss deductions, trespassing implications, and best practices for handling these losses tax-efficiently.

Utilization of Storm-Damaged Timber

This guide provides information on how to manage and utilize timber damaged by storms. It covers the economic value of salvaging timber, how to assess damage, and advice for working with professionals to harvest and sell storm-damaged timber efficiently.

Community Support

These resources are related to community support and resiliency and may help agents and other personnel in community-engaged recovery events

Helping Communities and Families Recovery After a Disaster

Teachers’ Guide for Helping Students After a Disaster

Leadership in Disasters and Lessons Learned

Managing a Workplace After a Disaster

Resources for Parents/Guardians

The following resources are for parents/guardians in caring for children following a tornado or other similar disasters. These resources may also be used by other persons who work with children.

Parenting Guidelines for Helping Children in a Tornado

Tips for Parents on Media Coverage After a Tornado

After the Tornado: Helping Young Children Heal

Helping Children During and After a Disaster

Parent Tips for Helping Pre-School Aged Children After a Disaster

Parent Tips for Helping School Aged Children After a Disaster

Children Storybook Trinka and Sam The Rainy Windy Day