When my son, now 19 and an Eagle Scout, was in his early days of Scouting, we learned how to make fires in multiple ways.  One thing we would collect for campouts was the lint from our dryer lint screen.  That was when I learned that dryer lint is a highly combustible material.  In fact, it is a key ingredient in home-made fire starters.  

This knowledge took me back to when I was a younger adult.  My mother used to get after me for not cleaning out the lint screen at home when I would do laundry.  She would scold and shout that I was going to start a house fire.  How could lint start a fire???  She never really explained.  Her words went in one ear and out the other as most parental reprimand does.  It was just like her tirade about turning off the lights because we don’t support the electric company!  You’ve all heard this one right?

Anyhow, I’ve smartened up in my more mature adult days.  I clean my lint screen faithfully each day I do laundry.   The Mount Everest of laundry in my house never ends so we get a ton of lint!  

• Check for injured or trapped persons. Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. If you have evacuated, wait until authorities tell you it's safe before returning home.

• Be alert for other tornadoes and severe weather.

• Stay away from standing water.

• Sniff for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, if possible, and evacuate. If you have any concerns, notify a professional.

• Do not touch downed power lines or wires.

• Be careful moving through any wreckage. Watch for nails, exposed metal, loose boards, etc. that could cause injury. Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date and, if not, seek immediate medical assistance for any injuries.

• If you can, videotape or photograph the damage.

• Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster, and do not sign agreements with contractors or anyone else until you have a chance to meet with your insurance adjuster.

• Keep a written record of everyone you talk to about your insurance claim, including the date of the conversation and a summary of what was said.

• Keep all receipts including documents that reflect costs for temporary housing, clothing, food and other living expenses. Since tornado claims are frequently total losses, you may receive payment for some of these costs  immediately.

• Your pre-disaster home inventory will be of great assistance to you at this point. After you've examined everything and determined the extent of damage, call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible to file an insurance claim.