What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Home
By HeartLand Exteriors · Updated
A checklist for the first hours and days after hail, wind or water damage: staying safe, preventing more damage, documenting it and getting repairs.
Stay safe first
Stay off a damaged roof, keep clear of downed power lines, and turn off electricity to any area with standing water if it is safe to reach the panel.
Prevent further damage
Cover openings and active leaks with tarps or plastic, move belongings away from water, and start drying wet areas quickly to limit mold. Keep receipts for emergency supplies — many policies reimburse reasonable steps to prevent more damage.
Document everything
Before cleanup, photograph and video the damage inside and out.
- Roof, gutters, siding, windows and screens
- Ceiling stains and water inside the home
- Hail size if you can measure it, and the date and time of the storm
Call your insurer and a local contractor
Report the damage to your insurance company and have a licensed local contractor inspect the property. For water or fire damage, fast professional drying and cleanup can prevent much larger repairs later.
This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your own policy and talk to your insurer about your situation.