What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Home: A 5-Step Guide to Recovery

If a storm damages your home, the immediate priority is ensuring safety, documenting the damage for your homeowners insurance claim, and preventing further loss. Acting swiftly and methodically can significantly streamline the recovery process and help you secure fair compensation. This guide outlines the five critical steps to take in the aftermath of a storm.

Why is safety the first and most critical step after a storm?

Before assessing property damage, your absolute priority is the safety of yourself and your household. The aftermath of a storm presents numerous hazards. Always assume that downed power lines are energized and extremely dangerous; stay far away from them and report their location to authorities immediately. Be alert for other dangers like broken glass, exposed nails, structural instability, and gas leaks. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve and evacuate the area. Standing water can conceal hazards and may be electrically charged if in contact with downed wires. Only re-enter your home once you are certain it is structurally safe to do so.

How should you properly document storm damage for an insurance claim?

Once it is safe, thoroughly document all damage before making any permanent repairs. This evidence is crucial for your insurance claim. Use a camera or smartphone to take extensive photos and videos of both the interior and exterior of your home. Capture specific issues such as:

• Roof damage: Missing shingles, lifted roofing, dents in gutters, and any signs of leaks.
• Siding and windows: Damaged or missing siding, broken windows, and destroyed doors.
• Water intrusion: Basement flooding, moisture damage, and any signs of mold.
• Interior damage: Damaged appliances from power surges or water, and harm to personal belongings.

Do not discard destroyed items until after the insurance adjuster has assessed them, as they are part of your claim. Create a detailed list of damaged or lost personal property to support your personal property coverage.

When and how should you contact your insurance company?

Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible after securing safety and documenting the damage. When you call, be prepared to provide your policy number and a summary of the situation. You will need to submit the photos and documentation you collected. Based on our experience assessment, insurers will then typically dispatch an insurance adjuster to inspect the property and determine the extent of the damage covered under your policy. It is essential to understand what your specific policy covers; for instance, most standard policies do not cover flood damage, which requires a separate flood insurance policy.

What immediate actions can prevent further damage to your home?

After documenting the damage, take reasonable steps to prevent additional loss. This is known as mitigation and is often a requirement in insurance policies. Actions can include:

• Covering broken windows with plywood or boarding up openings.
• Placing a tarpaulin (tarp) over a damaged roof to prevent water entry.
• Removing water-logged carpeting or furniture to inhibit mold growth.

Keep receipts for any materials purchased for these temporary repairs, as these costs may be reimbursable under your policy. For major repairs, your insurance company can often recommend reputable local contractors.

How can staying organized streamline the insurance claims process?

Meticulous record-keeping is vital for a smooth claims process. Maintain a dedicated file with all storm-related information, including:

• Photos and videos of all damage.
• A detailed inventory of damaged personal property.
• All receipts for temporary repairs, materials, and additional living expenses if you are displaced.
• Copies of all correspondence with your insurance company.

Homeowners insurance typically covers weather-related damage from wind, hail, and snow, as well as non-weather events like theft. However, understanding your policy's exclusions is critical. If you live in a high-risk area, discuss adding specific endorsements for storm or flood damage with your agent.

To ensure a successful recovery after storm damage: prioritize personal safety above all else, document all damage thoroughly with photographs before cleaning up, contact your insurance provider immediately to start the claims process, take preventive measures to stop further damage from occurring, and keep meticulous records of all expenses and communications. Following these steps can help you navigate a difficult situation effectively.