Tornadoes strike hard and fast, wreaking havoc—toppling roofs, smashing walls, and uprooting trees—often leaving homes and businesses severely damaged or even unlivable.
The powerful storms that ravaged northern Illinois this March are a sobering reminder of nature’s impact, with multiple tornadoes leaving communities struggling to recover.
ServiceMaster by Zaba has helped countless Chicago families deal with disaster damage and restore their homes and businesses.
We’ve created this guide to help you through those critical first steps after a storm hits.
Tornadoes in Chicago: What You Should Know
Chicago isn’t Tornado Alley, but don’t let that fool you—tornadoes still strike here.
The March 2025 storms brought fierce winds and damage across the city and suburbs, with cleanup efforts still underway.
History backs this up too—remember the 1967 Oak Lawn or the 1990 Plainfield tornadoes?
Even last July, 27 tornadoes hit in a single day, a record-breaker.
Illinois ranks high for tornadoes per square mile, and while spring is the peak season, March 2025 proved they can strike anytime.
Chicagoans face some unique hurdles after a tornado.
Older brick homes and flat roofs common in the city are more prone to sustaining significant damage, and urban debris—like glass and metal—creates extra hazards.
Flooding from busted pipes or storm runoff adds another layer of danger, especially in low-lying areas.
What to Do During a Tornado
When a tornado warning blares, act fast:
- Get to safety: Head to a basement, storm shelter, or a small interior room on the lowest floor—no windows, no outside walls.
- Protect yourself: Cover your head with your arms, duck under sturdy furniture, or grab a blanket for extra shielding.
- If you’re outside: Don’t try to outrun it in a car. Find a sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch, steering clear of trees or flying debris.
- Stay informed: Keep a weather radio or phone alerts on for updates from the National Weather Service Chicago.
Safety Precautions Before the Cleanup
Ensure your safety before diving into the cleanup process.
- Keep tabs on the weather: Check NWS Chicago or local news for any lingering storm risks.
- Watch for danger zones: Steer clear of downed power lines, gas leaks, or wobbly structures—Chicago’s older buildings can hide serious risks.
- Wait for the green light: Don’t step into damaged buildings until emergency responders or a structural expert says it’s okay.
- Report hazards: Spot downed trees, power lines, or blocked streets? Call Chicago 311 to get them handled fast.
- Check important resources: Check FEMA, OSHA, CDC, or Red Cross for expert tips on how to stay safe during the cleanup.
- Gear up: Slip on gloves, sturdy boots, a mask, and a hard hat to protect against sharp debris and dust.
6 Steps to Recover After a Tornado
Here’s how to tackle the cleanup and get your place back to normal:
1. Assess and Document the Damage
Carefully inspect your property for visible damage. Outside, look for missing shingles, cracked siding, broken windows, fallen trees, and downed utility lines.
Inside, check for water stains, cracks in walls or ceilings, damaged floors, plumbing leaks, and exposed electrical wires.
Take photos or videos of everything you find for your insurance claim.
2. Contact Insurance and Professional Restoration Services
Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can to start your claim—make sure you know what’s covered and what paperwork they’ll need from you.
It’s also a good idea to bring in licensed pros like our team here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba to help with the heavy lifting.
We can clear debris, dry out water damage, secure your home with tarps or boards, and work directly with your insurance to help move the process along.
3. Remove Debris and Secure the Property
If you’re planning to handle some of the cleanup yourself, keep safety in mind—but whenever possible, it’s best to leave this part to us.
Start clearing big debris—branches, broken glass, and anything hazardous. Sort out chemicals or sharp stuff separately and follow Chicago’s disposal rules.
Tarp over holes in the roof or walls to keep rain out and shore up shaky spots.
4. Address Water Damage and Prevent Mold
Get standing water out fast with a pump or wet/dry vac, then dry everything—walls, floors, hidden corners—with fans and dehumidifiers.
Keep an eye out for any signs of mold.
If you spot it—or even think it might be starting—call in professionals to safely remove anything that’s been damaged.
5. Salvage and Clean Personal Belongings
Sort through your belongings—furniture, clothes, keepsakes—and decide what’s worth saving.
Clean and sanitize what you can, but toss anything that’s too damaged or unsafe, like flood-soaked food. Your health comes first.
We tackle this step as part of our content cleaning and restoration process.
6. Rebuild and Restore Your Property
Once the cleanup is complete, it’s time to start rebuilding.
For major repairs like roofing, windows, walls, flooring, electrical wiring, and plumbing, always hire licensed, reputable professionals to ensure quality workmanship and safety.
Our experienced team specializes in restoring both residential and commercial properties, helping you return your home or business to its pre-loss condition as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Engage Your Community for Support
You don’t have to navigate recovery alone—Chicagoans are known for coming together when it matters most.
Tapping into local resources and leaning on your community can make a huge difference during cleanup and recovery efforts.
Here are ways to get support:
- Team up with neighbors or local groups for cleanup help. Organizing small groups can make debris removal, yard cleanup, and basic repairs faster and safer.
- Call Chicago 311 to request city services like tree removal, street cleaning, or debris pickup. The city can often assist with large-scale cleanup efforts in your neighborhood.
- Reach out to local nonprofits, churches, and community centers for support. Organizations like the American Red Cross of Illinois and the Salvation Army Chicago can provide essential supplies, food, water, or even shelter if you’re displaced.
- Post on Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, or neighborhood forums to share updates, ask for help, or offer assistance.
Know When to Call the Professionals
Some restoration jobs are simply too large, dangerous, or complex to handle on your own.
When your safety or property is at risk, it’s time to call in the experts.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba is here to help with professional storm damage cleanup, restoration, and repairs.
Reach out to our team if you’re facing situations like:
- Structural Damage or Collapse Risk
If your home or building’s structure is unstable, the walls are cracked, or there’s any risk of collapse, leave it to trained professionals to assess and secure the property safely.
- Severe or Hidden Water Damage
Flooding that’s seeped into walls, under floors, or behind cabinets can cause long-term problems. Our team uses specialized equipment to detect and remove hidden moisture, preventing further damage and mold growth.
- Mold Growth or Suspicion of Mold
If you spot mold—or even suspect it might be growing—don’t take chances with your health. We provide certified mold remediation services to eliminate mold and prevent it from returning.
- Electrical, HVAC, or Plumbing System Damage
Damaged utilities are serious hazards. If your electrical wiring, heating and cooling system, or plumbing is compromised, our team can coordinate licensed professionals to handle repairs safely.
- Large-Scale Debris Removal
When debris, fallen trees, or hazardous materials pile up beyond what you can safely handle, ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba has the resources, equipment, and manpower to clean it up efficiently.
Your Trusted Partner in Recovery
Tornadoes can turn your world upside down in an instant, leaving behind overwhelming damage and uncertainty.
But with a clear plan, support, and the right team by your side, recovery is possible.
When the damage is too much to handle alone, ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba is here to help.
Our Chicago-based team has the experience, equipment, and compassion to guide you through the restoration process—making your home or business safe, clean, and livable again.
Our teams stay on the job 24/7, ready to respond to your emergency in Chicago and the suburbs: (773) 647-1985
FAQs
How can I prepare for a tornado?
Keep an eye on NWS Chicago alerts, stock an emergency kit (water, food, first aid, weather radio), and pick a safe spot in your home—basement or interior room, no windows.
How long does it typically take to clean up after a tornado?
It depends on the damage—could be days for small fixes, weeks for bigger ones. Full rebuilds might stretch longer.
How much does a tornado damage cleanup cost?
Restoration costs can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs may be manageable, while major damage can be a significant investment.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba provides a detailed estimate and works directly with your insurance company to help navigate the claims process—so you know what to expect every step of the way.
