What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Storm Damage to Your Property

Step 1: Confirm Everyone Is Safe

Do not assess damage until you know everyone is okay. Storms create hazards that are not always visible, including downed power lines, gas leaks, structural instability, and electrified standing water.

If you smell gas or see downed lines near your property, leave immediately and call emergency services.

Step 2: Document Before You Touch Anything

Walk through your property with your phone and record everything — video and photos — before moving or cleaning a single thing. Capture:

• Roof and exterior damage
• Water entry points
• Damaged belongings
• Flooded areas
• Any structural concerns

The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your insurance claim.

Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company

Report the damage as soon as possible. Most policies have reporting timeframes, and delays can complicate your claim. Have your policy number ready and describe the damage in general terms. An adjuster will follow up and your photos and videos will carry the claim in the meantime.

Step 4: Prevent More Damage Where You Safely Can

Insurance policies typically require you to take reasonable steps to stop further damage. If it is safe:

• Cover broken windows with plastic sheeting or boards
• Place tarps over damaged roof sections
• Remove standing water with a wet/dry vacuum
• Move valuables away from wet areas

Skip anything that requires climbing on a damaged roof or entering an unstable space. That is a job for professionals.

Step 5: Do Not Throw Anything Away Yet

Keep damaged items until your adjuster has seen them. If you must discard something for safety reasons, photograph it thoroughly first. Tossing storm-damaged belongings too soon can hurt your claim.

Step 6: Act Fast on Mold

Step 7: Call a Storm Damage Restoration Professional

Do not wait on this one. A certified restoration company can assess hidden damage, extract water, dry structural materials, and prevent long-term problems. The sooner professionals are on-site, the more of your property can be saved and the lower your costs are likely to be.

Why Property Owners Choose 911 Restoration for Storm Damage Repair

911 Restoration responds 24/7 with a 45-minute response time goal. IICRC-certified technicians handle everything from water extraction to full reconstruction and work directly with your insurance provider to simplify the claims process.

The goal is always the same: a genuine Fresh Start, not just a surface fix.

Get Storm Damage Help from 911 Restoration Today

The first 24 hours matter most.