When a big storm rolls through, the aftermath can feel overwhelming—especially if water is getting in or shingles are in your yard. You don’t need a whole plan right away. You just need to know what to do first.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the first 30 minutes after storm damage hits your home.

1. Check for Immediate Danger

Start with safety. If you hear running water, see sagging ceilings, smell gas, or spot electrical issues (like flickering lights or sparks), get everyone out of the house and call emergency services.

Don’t climb on the roof or start clearing branches in the dark. It’s not worth getting hurt.

2. Stop the Bleeding (If You Can)

If it’s safe to do so, try to stop more damage from happening. That might mean:

• Placing buckets under leaks
• Shutting off the main water valve if there’s a burst pipe
• Tossing a tarp over a broken window
• Moving furniture or rugs out of a wet area

These small steps can save you thousands later—and your insurance company will appreciate it, too.

3. Take Photos of Everything

Before you clean up, take pictures of the damage. Wide shots, close-ups, water on the floor, hail in the yard—document anything that looks off.

These photos can make a huge difference when it’s time to file a claim or prove that damage wasn’t pre-existing.

4. Call a Local Contractor (That’s Us)

You don’t need bids right now—you need help assessing the damage. Call a contractor who works with insurance claims and understands the process. We’ll inspect the damage, help you decide if a claim is necessary, and secure the property if needed.

Need us at 3AM? We answer the phone. And if we can’t fix it right away, we’ll help you stop things from getting worse until we can.

5. Call Your Insurance (But Let Us Help)

Yes, you’ll need to notify your insurance company. But when possible, it’s better to let your contractor look at the damage first. Why?

Because we’ll spot what adjusters sometimes miss—especially when it comes to roofing, siding, or interior issues that take time to show up.

We also meet with adjusters directly, speak their language, and make sure nothing gets left off the claim.

6. Don’t Sign Anything Yet

High-pressure contractors and out-of-town storm chasers love to show up after a disaster. They’ll promise quick repairs or offer to “waive your deductible”—which is a red flag.

Take a breath. Talk to someone local and reputable. Make decisions after you’ve had time to think clearly.

When the Storm Hits, You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

Disasters don’t give you warning—but we can. We’ll help you secure your home, understand your options, and work through the next steps without the guesswork.

Got storm damage? Call us day or night. We’re here to help.