We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Better Business Bureau®
Resources for Businesses
Better Business Bureau
          BBB of Central Ohio
          threatening storm clouds over farmland

          Thunderstorm and tornado resources

          Thunderstorms and tornadoes can cause severe damage because of strong winds, heavy rain and flooding. BBB has tips for individuals and businesses, including:

          • Preparing for thunderstorms and tornadoes
          • Dealing with damage
          • Finding a trusted professional

          Before a storm or tornado

          Emergency preparedness supplies. A large pile of supplies to be used in case of a natural disaster (hurricane, flood, earthquake, etc.) including: flashlight, backpack, batteries, water bottles, first aid kit, lantern, radio, can opener, mask. No people.
          General Preparedness Tips

          Difference between watch and warning

          Prepare for a Tornado

          Prepare for a Thunderstorm

          What to put in your “Go bag"

          A tornado on the ground shortly after destroying a small neighborhood.
          Business Preparedness Tips

          Prepare your business for a disaster

          Creating a disaster plan, ahead of a crisis

          Creating an IT business continuity plan 

           

          Palm trees in a storm
          Consumer Preparedness Tips

          How to prepare your home and family for the storm

          Sign up for national weather alerts on your phone for U.S. areas

          Download weatherCAN app to get weather alerts for locations in Canada

          Teaching kids and teens about storms and how to prepare

          Insurance

          A poster with the inscription Disaster and fallen wooden houses. Urgent evacuation of people. Hurricane. Storm. Fire. Explosion. The flood. Collapse. Threat to people's lives. Emergency housing status
          How to buy flood insurance

          Floods can cause tremendous damage to your home, car, and other valuable possessions. If you are in flood zone, make sure you protect your family’s financial security by purchasing flood insurance.

          Business woman examining insurance policy
          BBB Tip: Insurance companies

          You will probably consider many types of insurance through your life. These are the things you should keep in mind when buying any kind of insurance.

          Insurance or loan real estate, Agent broker and client signing contract agreement
          Find an insurance company near you

          Find insurance companies near you by using your Better Business Bureau directory. Get BBB ratings and read consumer reviews and complaints by people in your community.

          During a storm or tornado

          • When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe shelter (could be a home, office, or a shopping center). If there is no safe shelter quickly available, crouch down and try to have minimal contact with the ground.
          • Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways.
          • When a tornado warning is issued, act quickly! Take shelter immediately in a safe room such as a basement, storm cellar, or an inside room without windows. If you are in a mobile home, seek shelter in the closest sturdy building near you.
          rain cloud
          Business Resources to Have During a Storm

          BBB checklist of what to do during a storm (PDF Download) 

          How to keep customers and employees safe during a storm

          Torrential Summer Rain Storm Water Overflowing Roof Gutters
          At Home Resources for During a Storm

          Common tips on staying safe during tornadoes and thunderstorms

          How to stay safe during thunder and lightning storms

          Prairie Storm Saskatchewan Canada
          General Resources for During a Storm

          U.S. resources for during a storm 

          Canadian resources for during a storm

          After a storm or tornado

           
          • Safety first! Check yourself and the people around you for injuries that may require urgent medical attention.
          • Secure the area.  Check for dangers that could pose hazards to you and others such as downed trees and power lines. Check for damage that may need immediate attention such as open water or gas lines. Secure important belongings or equipment that you can get to safely.
          • Assess the damage.  Once temporary repairs are made, take photos of the remaining damage and contact your insurance provider. 
          • Plan for repairs. Don't act in haste! Although you are sure to be eager to get everything back to normal, the aftermath of storms is a prime time for scams and poor business deals. Research contractors and disaster recovery services on BBB.org. Get at least three quotes before signing a contract. 

          More step-by-step tips on what to do after a damaging storm or tornado

          Hurricane Damaged Homes by Fallen Trees and Power Lines. Insurance Claim Concepts.
          Recovery Resources After the Storm

          Avoiding Stormchasers

          Dealing with Storm Damage

          Get A Quote from a BBB Accredited Business

          Contractors Near Me

          Debris Removal Tips

          Tips for mold removal

          Avoid buying a flood damaged car

          Shattered Glass In Storefront Window
          Business Resources After the Storm

          SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan 

          IT Disaster Recovery

          Employee Assistance & Support

          For Farmers

          Damaged and old roofing shingles and gutter system on a house
          Consumer Resources After the Storm

          FEMA Resources by Location 

          Research Charity Assistance

          Contact your local Red Cross

          Finding your Pet After a Natural Disaster

          Prevent fraud and scams after a storm or tornado

          Research

          View business profiles for unbiased information on a company and their marketplace reputation. 

          Hire a trusted profesional

          Search BBB.org for trusted contractors,  water damage and restoration experts, and roofers near you. 

          Report scams and illegal business practices

          Help warn others by reporting scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Price gouging is illegal! Report it and misleading ads to BBB Ad Truth.

          Beware

          happy couple shaking hands with a contractor is a house under construction

          Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major disaster when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen any time, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, up front fees, and fly-by-night businesses.

          Home improvement scammers take money, don't complete work
          Red donate button on a computer keyboard

          After a disaster or very public tragedy, people want to help in any way possible, and that often means contributing to fundraisers to help the survivors and the families of the victims. Sadly, scammers often take advantage of these moments of vulnerability to deceive donors. 

          Charitable Giving after a natural disaster or tragedy
          storm damage, broken tree branches on a house and roadway

          Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver.

          BBB Tip: Protect yourself from “storm chasers” after a natural disaster
          Do your research

          Check business profiles for BBB rating, customer reviews, and customer complaints. Make sure you're dealing with a trustworthy business. 

          Find a trusted Charity

          BBB Wise Giving Alliance is here to help you make wise giving decisions. Find an Accredited Charity that follows BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. 

          Report a scam

          Help us investigate and warn others by reporting what you know. Search for local scams happening in your area.

          Report bad advertising

          If you see price gouging or misleading ads, report it to BBB Ad Truth. Check out BBB Code of Advertising to learn advertising best practices.

          File a complaint

          Price gouging is illegal during a declared state of emergency. File a complaint if you suspect a business is taking advantage of consumers. 

          Contractors near you

          Hiring a trustworthy contractor is one of the most important steps in your project. Search this list to find an Accredited general contractor near you.

          Homebuilders near you
          Building contractors near you
          Construction services near you