What to Do When You Have Storm Damage: 7 Important Steps

Our step-by-step guide will give you practical tips for what to do when you have storm damage.

Managing the aftereffects of storm damage in your home can be stressful and costly, especially if you don’t have a mitigation plan set in place, or feel confused on how to navigate your insurance claims process. And with so many types of damage that can occur, it can be even more challenging to know which steps to take to minimize lengthy and costly repairs.

It’s a good idea to create a storm plan before any damage actually happens, so you can save time and energy if and when the time does come. There are a few important things to consider when making a plan, and our step-by-step guide has all the information you need to know.

Related: 16 Ways to Update Your Home to Prepare for Extreme Weather

Make a Plan Ahead of Time, If Possible

Before you can make a plan, it’s a smart idea to educate yourself on the most common types of storm damage in your area, as geography plays a role in the type of damage you experience.

For example, Arizona has a high number of homes with Spanish stone tiles, which might not blow off as easily as a standard shingle roof in Georgia. But storm winds (like those from thunderstorms) and hail tend to be the most common type of storm damage, which are typically roof-related. “Hail damage is a bit harder to see from the ground, but if your shingles are beaten up from hail, it can cause leaks, while heavy winds can cause air to get under shingles, causing shingles to be blown off,” says Bryan Brenner, owner of Brenner Restoration, who specializes in storm damage mitigation, remediation, and restoration.

You’ll also want to get to know your insurance policy before you need to use it. Periodically reviewing your insurance policy to confirm if you have proper coverage before you experience storm damage will help alleviate your post-storm expenses. But keep in mind, “your agent may not always be concerned with your coverage but more focused on your rate. For example, your agent may raise your deductible to lower your monthly rate—but these updates may not be in line with your coverage needs and budget,” Brenner says.

Brenner also stresses the importance of having mold coverage, especially because often times, mold may be a disqualifier in your policy. “Flood insurance and mold coverage are the two primary inclusions you want to look for in a policy outside your standard coverage. And always check for any caps in your coverage as well. For example, a lot of mold policies have a $7,500 cap,” he adds.

“Get to know your insurance policy before you need to use it,” Brenner says. “Because once something happens, it’s too late to make changes. You can’t go back and predate any changes either, and any changes you make from that point on are reactionary, and you want to be proactive.”

Related: How to Kill Mold and Mildew (and Prevent It From Coming Back)

Step 1: Take Photos Throughout The Process

Brenner advises homeowners to take photos and videos timestamped as close as possible to the damage occurrence, instead of waiting for a contractor to assess the situation. “This will be super important for your claim,” he says. “Since the aftereffects may not look as bad as the initial event, these tools help capture the size and scope of what’s going on and provide some type of documented record of what’s happening.”

Remember to document your personal belongings and record any missing or damaged items for the policies listed in personal property coverage. Brenner recommends taking photos and videos of the following, if they occur:

• Damaged entryways (windows, doors)
• Roof damage (such as missing shingles)
• Broken appliances (such as the air conditioner)
• Water damage (flooding)
• Excess moisture
• Fire-related damage

Step 2: Assess for Danger from A Safe Place

Scan your home for damage by tracking structural issues, broken electrical lines, slippery floors, broken appliances, or loose parts. Especially if your damage involves water, you’ll want to remove any electronics in that area if it’s safe to do so. But, know, “if there’s standing water and things plugged in that standing water, there is a risk of electrocution—so only if accessible, it’s best to first turn off your breaker in your electrical distribution panel (breaker box),” Brenner says.

For example, Brenner explains how sometimes pecan trees can strike roofs with their limbs, causing structural issues and disrupting the leveling of a home. “So if anything looks out of level, seems to be sagging, or if there’s a structural issue—avoid that area and let a professional look at it first. The last thing you want is to enter an unsafe zone that can be life-threatening,” he says.

Brenner also warns homeowners to stay vigilant of lightning strikes. These can cause power surges, and these power surges can yield sparks and fire. “I have seen numerous houses burnt to the down,” he adds. If your home has become safe or unlivable, it’s best to arrange for an alternative place to stay until your repairs finish.

Step 3: Do What You Can to Mitgiate Further Damage

Also, remember, “Doing what we can is our responsibility as homeowners,” Brenner says. For example, if you happen to be anywhere near a flood zone, “take whatever steps necessary to prevent further damage, especially further degradation of building materials.” he says A few handy steps you can take to make temporary repairs (if it’s safe to do so) may look like:

• Cover any wet areas with plywood, boards, or tarps.
• Remove water-damaged items and utilize any tools or methods that limit the amount of water that enters your home.
• Cover any exposed or open areas that you can.
• Consult with roofers or storm damage restoration experts on additional ideas for proper mitigation methods based on your situation.
• Avoid broken glass.

Related: How to Repair Aluminum Siding in Less Than an Hour

Step 4: Assess If You Need an Insurance Claim, and If So, Call Your Agent

If your storm damage is severe, or looks like it will be costly to fix, you might need to file an insurance claim. Brenner suggests calling your insurance provider’s hotline. (Every insurance carrier has a specific claims hotline number, which is usually in your policy documentation or on the insurance company’s website.)

But how do you know whether you need to start the claims process? “Oftentimes, some types of storm damage don’t require insurance claims—and it may be a smaller and less expensive job to work through with a contractor versus paying a deductible and going through an official claim,” Brenner says. “Some contractors also offer payment plans as well so insurance may not always be the only viable option. Every insurance company has recommended vendors, but you don’t have to stick to those vendors. Sometimes, preferred vendors may work in the favor of the company, not the customer’s best interest.”

Related: How to Repair or Replace a Window or Door Screen

Step 5: Provide Factual Information and Get a Professional Opinion If You Need One

Clear, effective communication during a storm damage claims process will also ensure a smooth restoration process. Brenner explains that sometimes, people can inadvertently say things that put their claim at risk. When speaking to insurance companies, it’s important to only speak to what you know to be factually accurate. Less is more. Never lie to an agent or adjuster, as this is fraud. But if you don’t know, tell them you don’t know. “If there is any hesitation or pause there, I would always call a contractor first to make sure you understand what needs to happen,” Brenner says.

Step 6: Hire the Right Restoration Company

In the case of severe damage, you’ll likely be scrambling to get your home back to a safe, livable state as soon as possible—but it’s important not to make any rushed decisions just to get the job done faster. Brenner strongly suggests researching the company you’re considering before inviting anyone into your home. “Call your local restoration contractor and read reviews. Reviews tell the truth about a company, and with Yelp, Google, and other platforms, there’s no way to remove bad reviews,” he says. “Any removal will only be possible if there is a verifiable error, so reviews tell an accurate story of the company and its staff.”

Related: 3 Types of Contractors, Plus the Right Ones for Your Home Project

Step 7: Remain Calm and Organized in Your Recovery Plan

Know that you may experience emotional stress during the disaster as well as in the weeks or months after the event. It’s critical to reach out to your support system and strategize a safety plan.”[Don’t] let your emotions make your situation worse than it is. Remain calm and take appropriate steps,” Brenner says. “Do your best to manage the situation, create a plan of action, and take the necessary steps.”

• Stay in the know by keeping up with storm updates via radio or TV.
• Keep tools (flashlights, batteries, charged phones) and food items on hand to prep for power outages.
• Stay in touch with neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled, to foster mutual support.
• Avoid hazards like downed power lines.
• Be patient and use any digital, calendar or planning tools to keep your restoration tasks progressing on schedule (as recovery steps may take more time than you had anticipated).

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