Storms can hit suddenly and leave behind a trail of destruction. High winds, heavy rain, hail, and flooding can cause serious damage to homes, vehicles, and entire neighborhoods. As a homeowner, the first question that comes to mind is often: what to do after storm damage?
The truth is, those first few hours and days after a storm are the most important. Acting quickly and making the right decisions can protect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind. This step-by-step recovery guide will walk you through exactly what to do after storm damage, from ensuring safety to filing insurance claims and scheduling professional repairs.
Why Knowing What to Do After Storm Damage Matters
Storms don’t just cause visible destruction like broken roofs or shattered windows; they can also leave behind hidden problems like water infiltration, electrical hazards, and mold growth. If you delay taking action, small issues can turn into expensive repairs. The EPA states that if wet materials are dried within 24–48 hours, in most cases, mold will not grow.
That’s why having a clear plan for what to do after storm damage is critical. By staying calm, following a step-by-step process, and working with trusted professionals, you can reduce losses and recover faster.
Step 1: Ensure Your Safety First
Before anything else, make sure you and your family are safe. After a storm, hazards may still linger, including:
- Downed power lines (stay at least 30 feet away).
- Flooded areas with contaminated water.
- Loose tree branches that may fall.
- Gas leaks from damaged pipelines.
If your home feels unsafe, leave immediately and seek temporary shelter. Always remember: the first part of what to do after storm damage is to prioritize safety above all else.
Step 2: Document the Damage Thoroughly
Once it’s safe to re-enter, grab your phone or camera and document everything. Take clear photos and videos of:
- Roof damage (missing shingles, holes, sagging).
- Broken windows, doors, or siding.
- Flooded rooms or basements.
- Damaged furniture, appliances, and personal belongings.
This documentation will be crucial when filing an insurance claim. A big part of what to do after storm damage is making sure you have detailed proof of losses to speed up the claims process.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Don’t wait too long; notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Explain the situation, provide initial documentation, and ask about next steps.
When you call, make sure to ask:
- What temporary repairs are covered?
- Is emergency housing covered if your home is uninhabitable?
- What receipts should you keep for reimbursement?
This communication helps avoid surprises later and ensures your claim moves forward smoothly. In fact, knowing how to deal with insurance is one of the most important steps in what to do after storm damage.
Step 4: Prevent Further Damage
Insurance policies often require homeowners to take “reasonable steps” to protect their property after a storm. That means covering broken windows with tarps or plywood, shutting off water if pipes are broken, and removing standing water if possible.
For example:
- Place buckets under the roof leaks.
- Use tarps to cover roof holes.
- Remove wet items to prevent mold growth.
Even temporary fixes go a long way. This proactive step is an essential part of what to do after storm damage.
Step 5: Call Professional Restoration Services
Some storm damage is too big to handle alone. That’s where trusted restoration companies like NRG Restoration come in. Professionals can handle:
- Water extraction and drying.
- Roof tarping and structural repairs.
- Mold inspection and remediation.
- Full property restoration after major storms.
Choosing professionals ensures your home is restored safely and quickly. For many families, hiring experts is the smartest move in what to do after storm damage.
Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes After Storm Damage
Knowing what to do after storm damage also means knowing what not to do. Common mistakes include:
- Delaying action – Waiting too long makes damage worse.
- Not documenting everything – Missing evidence can reduce insurance payouts.
- Hiring unlicensed contractors – Always check licenses and reviews before signing contracts.
- Throwing away damaged items too soon – Insurance adjusters may need to see them.
Avoiding these pitfalls will save time, money, and stress.
Step 7: Plan for Long-Term Repairs and Recovery
Storm recovery isn’t always immediate. Some repairs, especially for roofing, structural issues, or flooding, may take weeks. Work with professionals to create a timeline that fits your budget and priorities.
This step is about moving from emergency fixes to permanent solutions. In the bigger picture of what to do after storm damage, planning long-term repairs is what brings your home back to normal.
Extra Tips on What to Do After Storm Damage
- Stay organized: Keep all receipts, contracts, and communication in one folder.
- Check for government aid: FEMA and local programs sometimes offer assistance after major storms.
- Take care of your health: Storms are stressful. Don’t overlook mental and emotional well-being during recovery.
- Upgrade for the future: When making repairs, consider storm-resistant materials to prevent future damage.
These small steps make a big difference in making your recovery process smoother.
Why Professional Help Makes Recovery Easier
While some steps in what to do after storm damage can be DIY, others require licensed experts. Professionals not only fix visible damage but also identify hidden issues, like moisture behind walls or weak roofing structures.
NRG Restoration, for example, provides complete storm damage restoration services with a focus on speed, safety, and customer trust. When storms strike, having the right experts on your side makes all the difference.
Be Ready, Stay Safe, and Recover Faster
Storms are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Knowing what to do after storm damage, from ensuring safety to documenting losses, contacting insurance, and hiring professionals, empowers you to recover faster and smarter.
Remember:
- Safety comes first.
- Documentation protects your claim.
- Professionals like NRG Restoration make recovery smoother and safer.
Storms may leave a mess, but with the right steps, you can protect your home, your family, and your future. If you’ve recently experienced storm damage, don’t wait, reach out to NRG Restoration today and let us guide you through the process of restoring your home with care and expertise.
FAQs
- What to do after storm damage to house?
After storm damage, first ensure safety by checking for hazards like downed wires or gas leaks. Document all visible damage with photos and videos. Contact your insurance company, make temporary repairs to prevent further harm, and call professionals like NRG Restoration to handle complete repairs quickly. - How does insurance work with storm damage?
Insurance typically covers storm damage if it’s included in your policy. You’ll need to file a claim with detailed evidence, photos, receipts, and notes. An adjuster will assess the loss, and then compensation is provided for repairs or replacement. Always confirm coverage details with your provider immediately after damage. - What to say after storm damage?
After storm damage, communicate clearly with your insurance company and restoration professionals. Be specific when describing damages, mention roof leaks, flooding, or broken structures. When talking to neighbors or family, focus on safety first. Use simple, direct language and keep records of all conversations for smooth claims and repairs. - What is best to do after a storm?
The best thing to do after a storm is to stay safe, document damages, and prevent further harm with temporary fixes like tarps or boards. Contact your insurance provider immediately, then call trusted restoration experts like NRG Restoration to handle cleanup, repairs, and long-term recovery quickly and professionally.