Tornado & Storm Damage FAQ — Greenwood, AR & Sebastian County

We respond within 60 minutes to any tornado or severe storm emergency anywhere in Sebastian County — including Greenwood, Fort Smith, Barling, Lavaca, Hackett, Mansfield, and surrounding communities. Our emergency line is answered by a real person 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Yes — standard homeowner's insurance policies in Arkansas cover tornado damage as part of the windstorm peril. This includes roof damage, structural damage, and personal property damage caused by a tornado. Contact your insurance company promptly after the event. We can help you understand your coverage and document all damage for your claim.

Most Arkansas homeowner policies require you to file a claim "promptly" after a loss — typically within 1 year, though some policies have shorter deadlines. We strongly recommend notifying your insurance company within 24-48 hours of the tornado. Waiting too long can complicate your claim.

Yes — and you should. A reputable contractor will review the adjuster's estimate to ensure it covers all necessary repairs. We offer free estimate reviews and can help you file supplemental claims for any items the adjuster missed. We work with your insurance company, not against them.

Yes. In Arkansas, you have the legal right to choose your own licensed contractor for insurance-covered repairs. Your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific contractor or their preferred vendor list. You are entitled to choose the contractor you trust.

Emergency tarping is the installation of heavy-duty tarps over tornado-damaged roof sections to prevent rain water from entering your home. It is critical because water intrusion after a tornado can cause significant secondary damage — mold growth, structural deterioration, and damage to interior finishes and personal belongings. Most insurance policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and emergency tarping fulfills this obligation.

Timeline varies by damage severity. Emergency stabilization (tarping, board-up) is completed within hours of our arrival. Insurance claim processing typically takes 2-4 weeks from the date of the adjuster inspection. Actual restoration work ranges from a few days for minor roof and siding repairs to several months for major structural reconstruction. We provide a detailed timeline estimate after our initial assessment.

ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays for the depreciated value of damaged property — what the damaged item was worth at the time of loss, accounting for age and wear. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays the full cost to repair or replace damaged property with new materials of like kind and quality. Most homeowner policies offer RCV coverage — check your policy declarations page. We help you understand and maximize both payment components.

Yes — you should be present for the adjuster inspection, and we strongly recommend having your contractor present as well. We attend adjuster inspections for all our clients to ensure all damage is properly identified and documented. Adjusters are thorough, but an experienced restoration contractor will often identify damage that adjusters miss.

We serve all of Sebastian County, including Greenwood, Fort Smith, Barling, Lavaca, Hackett, Mansfield, and all surrounding communities in Western Arkansas. If you're unsure whether we serve your area, call us — we'll let you know immediately.

Yes. Sebastian County Tornado Cleanup is fully licensed and insured in Arkansas. We carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage on all jobs. We are happy to provide proof of insurance and licensing upon request before any work begins.

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation tornado damage assessments and estimates for all Greenwood and Sebastian County homeowners. Call 479-341-1564 or use our online contact form to schedule your free estimate.