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What Should I Do Right After a Storm Damages My Home?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Ensure Personal Safety First

Your immediate priority is the safety of your household. Stay away from any standing water that could be electrically charged from downed power lines. Do not enter areas with visible structural damage like sagging ceilings or cracked walls. If you smell gas or suspect a major hazard, evacuate and contact the appropriate utility company from a safe distance.

Check on family members and pets, accounting for everyone. Keep a battery-powered radio or use your phone to monitor for any emergency alerts or further weather warnings. If the damage is severe, you may need to find temporary shelter. Only re-enter your home when authorities confirm it is structurally sound.

Document the Damage Thoroughly

Before cleaning up anything, take comprehensive photos and videos of all storm damage. Capture wide shots of each room and close-ups of specific issues like broken windows, soaked carpets, or damaged siding. This visual evidence is crucial for your insurance claim and helps restoration pros understand the full scope of work needed.

Write down a detailed list of damaged items as you walk through your home. Note the make, model, and approximate age of large appliances or electronics. Keep all receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary living expenses, as your insurer may require them. This organized documentation makes the claims process smoother.

Mitigate Further Damage Safely

If it is safe to do so, take steps to prevent additional water intrusion or damage. This might involve placing a waterproof tarp over a damaged roof section or boarding up broken windows and doors. Move undamaged furniture and belongings to a dry area, and pull up soaked rugs to hang and dry if possible.

Be cautious. Do not attempt risky repairs on a steep roof or near damaged electrical systems. Your goal is simple, temporary protection, not a permanent fix. For major issues like a compromised roof or foundation, it is best to wait for a professional assessment to avoid personal injury.

  • Cover broken windows with plywood or heavy plastic.
  • Use a tarp to cover holes in the roof.
  • Place buckets under active leaks to protect floors.
  • Remove standing water with a wet-dry vacuum if power is safe.
  • Open windows for ventilation if weather permits.
  • Shut off the main water valve if pipes are damaged.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the damage as soon as possible. They will explain how to start a claim. Be ready to provide your policy number and the preliminary documentation you collected. Ask about your coverage for temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Follow their instructions carefully, but remember you have the right to choose your own restoration provider. Keep a detailed log of all conversations with your insurance adjuster, including dates, names, and what was discussed. This helps prevent miscommunication later.

Begin the Cleanup and Restoration Process

After documenting everything and contacting insurance, you can start removing debris and wet items. Wear protective gear like gloves, boots, and an N95 mask. Discard unsalvageable, porous materials like soaked cardboard and insulation that can harbor mold quickly. The local climate, including temperature and humidity, can affect how long drying takes.

For significant water damage, local water damage pros use industrial equipment for drying. They perform moisture mapping to find hidden dampness and structural drying to protect your home's framework. Do not attempt to dry extensive flooding with household fans alone, as this often leads to hidden mold growth and worse problems.

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Frequently asked questions

What if I see mold after the storm?

If you see or smell mold, limit exposure. Do not disturb it, as spores can spread. Mold indicates persistent moisture, so a professional mold assessment is needed to identify the source and extent. A qualified mold professional can provide a remediation plan.

How do I know if my water damage is severe?

Signs of severe damage include buckling floors, sagging ceilings, water stains on walls, or a persistent musty smell. If water has been standing for over 48 hours or has affected structural materials, it requires professional water damage inspection and drying to prevent major issues.

Who removes large storm debris from my property?

Homeowners are often responsible for clearing debris from their property. You can dispose of smaller items, but for large, hazardous debris like fallen trees or tangled fencing, a specialized debris removal service is the safest option to handle the job properly.

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