Storms can really throw you for a loop. It’s tough to know what to do first when your house takes a hit, but those first steps matter a lot more than most people realize.
Acting fast is crucial—think safety first, grab your phone for photos, and try to stop further damage while you sort out insurance and repairs. Trust us, waiting too long or skipping documentation can cost you big time.
Let’s break down what to do if your house gets battered by a storm. We’re talking immediate safety checks, basic damage control, and how to keep your insurance claim on track—because getting back to normal shouldn’t be harder than it has to be.
Key Takeaways
- Take photos right away and make sure everyone’s safe before anything else
- Do quick, temporary repairs to stop things from getting worse while you wait on pros or insurance
- Stick with licensed contractors and actually read your insurance policy before you need it
Immediate Actions After Storm Damage
The hours right after a storm are stressful, but they’re also when you can do the most to protect your property. Quick action—especially with hazards and documentation—makes all the difference for your family and your claim.
Ensure Safety and Address Hazards
Your safety comes first, always. If you spot a sagging roof, cracked walls, or the house just looks off-balance, don’t go inside.
Electrical issues are a big deal. If power lines are down, stay far away—30 feet at least—and call the utility company. Seriously, don’t touch anything near those lines.
If you see water near outlets, smell something burning, or notice a damaged panel, flip the main breaker off. Don’t risk it.
- Water near electrical outlets or appliances
- Sparking or burning smells
- Damaged electrical panels
If you catch a whiff of gas, get out and call the gas company from somewhere safe. No lights, no matches—don’t even touch your phone until you’re outside.
Broken glass is everywhere after a storm. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves, and clear a safe path before moving around.
Initial Property Assessment
Once you’re sure it’s safe, start your inspection outside. Look up—missing shingles, holes, anything weird on the roof?
- Roof and gutters for missing materials or dents
- Windows and doors for cracks or frame damage
- Exterior walls for holes or structural issues
- Foundation for new cracks or shifting
Inside, watch for water damage. Ceilings sagging or stained? Walls feel damp? Floors warped or paint bubbling?
If you spot major cracks, leaning walls, or the floor feels like a trampoline, stay out of those areas. Mark them off and play it safe.
Jot down what you find—it’ll make things easier when you talk to insurance or contractors.
Documenting Storm Damage
Before you touch anything, take photos and videos. Get shots of every damaged spot—wide angles, close-ups, the works.
What to document:
- Big-picture shots of each room or area
- Close-ups of specific damage
- Serial numbers on appliances (if you can find them)
- “Before” photos, if you’ve got them
Don’t toss damaged stuff until your adjuster sees it—even if it’s a soggy mess. If you have to move it, snap some photos first.
Make a list of ruined items—what they are, how old, and what they’re worth. Receipts help, but don’t stress if you can’t find them all.
Hang onto receipts for emergency stuff—tarps, plywood, even hotel stays. Insurance usually covers these quick fixes.
If things get worse, take new photos every couple of days. Weather can make damage spread, and you’ll want proof if that happens.
Preventing Further Damage and Making Temporary Repairs
After a storm, you’ve got to act quick to stop things from getting worse. That means patching holes, covering leaks, and drying things out before mold or rot sets in.
Securing Openings and Broken Windows
Busted windows are an open invitation for rain, wind, and even looters. Board them up with plywood or at least heavy plastic right away.
Small cracks? Tape them in an “X” to keep glass from shattering more. For bigger holes, cut plywood to fit and screw it in place, making sure it covers the edges by a couple inches.
If you’re short on plywood, staple plastic sheeting over the gap and seal it with duct tape. It’s not pretty, but it works in a pinch.
Doors that won’t close? Nail plywood over the whole doorway from the inside until you can get a real fix.
Tarping Roofs and Covering Leaks
Roof leaks are urgent—water gets in fast and does real damage. Grab a heavy-duty tarp and cover the spot, stretching it at least four feet past the damage and, if you can, over the roof peak.
Only get on the roof if it’s totally safe—wet or damaged roofs are no joke. If you can’t do it safely, wait for a pro.
For small leaks, roofing cement or plastic sheeting under the shingles can help. Smear cement around holes and cracks to buy some time.
Inside, move your stuff away from leaks and cover what you can with plastic. Buckets under drips are your friend.
Big holes might need plywood backing under the tarp—secure it with screws first, then cover up.
Managing Water Intrusion and Flooding
Water spreads fast and leads to mold if you don’t get it out within a day or two. Sump pumps are a lifesaver for basements—if yours is dead, rent one.
Always cut power to flooded areas before stepping in. Water and electricity don’t mix, ever.
Rip out wet carpets and padding ASAP. They rarely dry right and mold loves them.
Dehumidifiers and fans can help dry things out—run them nonstop if you can.
Take photos of all water damage before you start cleaning up. You’ll need them for insurance.
Dealing With Power Loss and Clogged Gutters
No power means more than just no lights—it can mess with your fridge, sump pump, and even your pipes. Have a backup plan.
If you’ve got a generator, run it outside—never in the house, garage, or near windows. Carbon monoxide is deadly.
Gutters clogged with leaves and branches? Clear them out as soon as it’s safe. Overflowing water can wreck your foundation.
In winter, keep water trickling from taps and open cabinet doors to avoid frozen pipes.
Food goes bad fast without power. Use coolers and ice for meds and anything you really need to keep cold.
Check your sump pump—battery backups or generator power can keep it running if the grid’s down.
Navigating the Insurance Claims Process
Dealing with insurance after a storm is a headache, but it’s gotta be done. The right paperwork and some persistence go a long way.
Steps for Filing an Insurance Claim
Call your insurance company as soon as everyone’s safe. Most have 24-hour hotlines for this kind of thing.
Don’t clean up before you document everything. Photos, videos, and detailed lists of damaged stuff are your best friends here.
Dig out your policy and actually read it—know your limits, deductibles, and if you’ve got coverage for living somewhere else while repairs happen.
Only do temporary repairs to stop further damage—think tarps, boarding up, or pumping water. Save every receipt.
Don’t forget to photograph:
- Walls, roof, and foundation damage
- Flooding and water issues
- Ruined personal stuff
- Anything that’s a safety risk
Get your claim in with all your documentation as soon as you can. Insurance companies want quick notice of losses.
Working With Adjusters
Your insurer will send an adjuster to check things out. Try to schedule this fast so you’re not waiting around forever.
Be there for the inspection. Walk with them—point out everything, even the stuff that seems small.
Hand the adjuster:
- Your damage inventory
- All your photos and videos
- Receipts for anything you’ve had to fix quickly
- Any contractor estimates you’ve gotten
Don’t be shy—ask questions about their notes and how long things will take. If you’re confused, ask for clarification.
If you think their estimate is off, you can ask for another look or hire a public adjuster to back you up.
Tracking Expenses and Keeping Records
Set up a folder—physical or digital—for all your storm-related paperwork. Keep it organized by date so you’re not scrambling later.
Stuff to save:
- Original damage photos and videos
- All contractor quotes and invoices
- Receipts for hotels or temporary housing
- Notes from calls with insurance
- Receipts for quick repairs
Write down every call with your insurance—date, time, who you talked to, and what they said. It helps if things get complicated.
Back up digital copies in the cloud and email yourself important photos, just in case.
Keep track of what you pay out of pocket versus what’s covered. That includes your deductible and any repairs insurance won’t pick up.
Stay on top of your claim and follow up if things drag out. Most states have rules about how fast insurance has to respond, so don’t let them stall you.
Professional Repairs and Recovery After Storms
Choosing who fixes your home after a storm? That’s a big decision. There are plenty of storm chasers looking to make a quick buck, but you want someone legit who’ll do it right.
Choosing Qualified Repair Contractors
Do your homework before letting anyone start repairs. Google and Yelp reviews tell you a lot about how a contractor really works.
Check for these:
- Local business license
- Proof of insurance
- Good BBB rating
- References from recent jobs
Get estimates from at least three contractors. The good ones will break down costs for materials and labor in writing.
Licensed pros know the local codes and can handle permits. They also know how to work with insurance adjusters, which helps a ton.
Walk away if you see:
- Folks knocking on your door right after the storm
- Demands for full payment up front
- Bids that are way lower than the rest
- No real address or phone number
Storm Chasers: Identifying and Avoiding Scams
Storm chasers are folks who literally follow severe weather to track down damaged properties. These companies tend to swoop in fast, using high-pressure tactics—and honestly, they rarely finish the job right.
You might see them offering to pay your insurance deductible or promising to “take care of all the paperwork.” Sounds tempting, but these moves can actually break insurance rules and even local laws.
Warning signs of storm chasers:
- They’re knocking on your door just hours after a storm rolls through.
- Pushing you to sign a contract on the spot? Major red flag.
- Claiming they can guarantee your insurance will approve everything—nobody can really promise that.
- Check those license plates or phone numbers. If they’re out-of-state, be extra cautious.
Real contractors? They don’t need to chase storms. Their reputation grows from solid work and being part of the local community.
If someone shows up at your door, don’t sign anything right away. Do your own research, check credentials and reviews, and reach out to contractors yourself. Trust us, it’s worth the extra time.
Types of Professional Restoration Services
Storm damage isn’t one-size-fits-all, so you’ll need different pros depending on what happened. Hail usually messes up roofs and siding, while flooding is a whole different beast—think water damage specialists.
Roofing contractors are the ones to call for missing shingles, busted gutters, or roof repairs. They know their way around all sorts of roofing materials and how to install them right.
Water damage restoration experts? They’re the people with the big machines—extracting water, drying things out, and stopping mold before it starts.
General contractors come in handy when repairs get complicated. They juggle permits, inspections, and all the moving parts, making sure everything stays on track.
Mold remediation specialists deal with the aftermath of water damage. They’ll test for mold and safely get rid of anything that’s been contaminated.
Every one of these jobs needs special tools and know-how. Don’t expect a single contractor to magically fix everything after a storm—find the right person for each task. If you’re unsure, Dynamic Home Buyers is always here to point you in the right direction or help you sell your home fast, no matter the condition.
Preparing Your Home for Future Storms
Storms aren’t going anywhere, so it makes sense to get ahead of the game. Strengthening your home now can save you a ton of headaches down the road.
Roof improvements:
- Install impact-resistant shingles.
- Secure loose or aging materials.
- Clean gutters and downspouts regularly.
- Trim tree branches near the roof.
Don’t forget about the windows. Storm shutters or impact-resistant glass can be a lifesaver when debris starts flying around.
These upgrades also help keep water out and your stuff safe.
Think about structural reinforcements too—hurricane straps, reinforced garage doors, that sort of thing.
Local codes might already have some rules about this, so it’s worth checking what’s required in your area.
Every family should have an emergency plan. Seriously, know your evacuation routes and how you’ll stay in touch if things get wild.
Keep important documents somewhere waterproof, or just scan and store them online if you’re techy.
Regular maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it keeps little issues from turning into disasters.
We always recommend a seasonal home inspection, especially before storm season kicks up.